地位を築く
establish position
Littéralement: To build (like a castle) a position/status
Use this to describe someone who has earned a solid, respected reputation through long-term effort.
En 15 secondes
- Building a respected career or social status over time.
- Uses construction imagery to imply strength and permanence.
- Best for professional contexts, biographies, and high-level praise.
Signification
It means working hard over a long period to earn a respected, stable place or high status in your career or society.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Discussing a famous CEO
彼は一代で、IT業界における不動の地位を築いた。
In a single generation, he built an immovable position in the IT industry.
Complimenting a senior colleague
佐藤さんはこの会社で、なくてはならない地位を築かれましたね。
Mr. Sato, you have built an indispensable position in this company.
Talking about a pet (humorous)
うちの猫は、家の中で一番偉い地位を築いている。
My cat has established the highest status in our house.
Contexte culturel
The verb 'kizuku' is traditionally used for large-scale construction like castle walls, reflecting the Japanese emphasis on long-term stability and structural integrity. In a culture that historically valued lifetime employment, 'building a position' was seen as the ultimate life goal for a professional.
The 'Castle' Connection
Remember that 'kizuku' is for big things. If you use it, you're telling the other person that you think their achievement is as solid as a fortress!
Don't be too humble
While you can use this for others, saying 'I built a great position' about yourself can sound a bit arrogant in Japanese. Better to let others say it about you!
En 15 secondes
- Building a respected career or social status over time.
- Uses construction imagery to imply strength and permanence.
- Best for professional contexts, biographies, and high-level praise.
What It Means
Imagine you are building a massive stone wall or a castle. You don't just throw it together in an afternoon. You place each stone carefully until it is unshakable. That is exactly what 地位を築く (chii o kizuku) feels like. It is not about a sudden stroke of luck. It is about the slow, steady climb to the top of your field. When you use this phrase, you are talking about someone who has earned their spot through sweat, time, and talent. It implies that their position is now solid and hard to take away.
How To Use It
You use the particle を (o) between the noun 地位 (status/position) and the verb 築く (to build/construct). The verb 築く is much more heavy-duty than the simple 作る (to make). It is the same word used for building dams or fortifications. Because of this, the phrase sounds quite impressive. You will often see it paired with words like 確固たる (kakko-taru), which means 'firm' or 'unshakable.' If you want to say someone built a 'unique' position, you can say 独自の地位を築く (dokuji no chii o kizuku).
When To Use It
This is your go-to phrase for success stories. Use it in a business meeting when discussing a competitor's market share. Use it when writing a professional bio or a LinkedIn profile. It is also perfect for talking about legends in sports, music, or art. If your friend finally becomes the 'go-to' expert at their office after five years of grinding, this is the perfect compliment. It shows you recognize their long-term effort, not just their current title.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for small, temporary things. If you were the 'leader' of a group project for one week, you didn't 'build a status.' That would sound way too dramatic! Also, avoid using it for purely social situations where no effort was involved. For example, being the 'tallest person in the room' isn't a status you 'build.' It is also a bit too formal for very casual settings. If you use it while grabbing fast food with friends, they might think you're being sarcastic or acting like a CEO.
Cultural Background
In Japan, the concept of 'place' or ibasho is incredibly important. Historically, Japanese society was built on clear hierarchies. Building a stable position meant security for your family and respect from your community. The use of the word 築く (kizuku) likely stems from the era of warring states when building a strong castle was the only way to ensure your status survived. Today, it reflects the Japanese value of keizoku (continuation) and the idea that true success comes from long-term dedication rather than overnight fame.
Common Variations
You will frequently hear 不動の地位を築く (fudou no chii o kizuku), which means building a 'motionless' or 'permanent' status. Another common one is 社会的な地位を築く (shakaiteki na chii o kizuku), which focuses on your standing in society at large. If someone is a pioneer, people might say they 先駆者としての地位を築いた (built a status as a pioneer). All of these variations emphasize that the person is now a 'big deal' in their specific world.
Notes d'usage
This is a formal collocation. While it can be used in casual speech for emphasis or humor, it primarily belongs in professional, journalistic, or respectful contexts.
The 'Castle' Connection
Remember that 'kizuku' is for big things. If you use it, you're telling the other person that you think their achievement is as solid as a fortress!
Don't be too humble
While you can use this for others, saying 'I built a great position' about yourself can sound a bit arrogant in Japanese. Better to let others say it about you!
The Power of 'Fudou'
If you want to sound like a native pro, add '不動の' (fudou no) before '地位'. It literally means 'unmoving' and is the ultimate praise for a career.
Exemples
6彼は一代で、IT業界における不動の地位を築いた。
In a single generation, he built an immovable position in the IT industry.
Uses 'fudou' (immovable) to show how strong the status is.
佐藤さんはこの会社で、なくてはならない地位を築かれましたね。
Mr. Sato, you have built an indispensable position in this company.
Uses the passive/honorific form 'kizukaremashita' for politeness.
うちの猫は、家の中で一番偉い地位を築いている。
My cat has established the highest status in our house.
Applying a serious phrase to a pet creates a funny contrast.
ついにマネージャーとしての地位を築いたね！おめでとう！
You've finally established your position as a manager! Congrats!
Warm and encouraging for a friend's milestone.
ゼロからスタートして、ようやく自分の地位を築くことができた。
Starting from zero, I was finally able to build my own position.
Emphasizes the struggle and the eventual success.
彼女はテニス界で確固たる地位を築いている。
She has established a firm position in the tennis world.
Common way to describe sports icons.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct verb to complete the phrase about building a career.
長年の努力で、彼は業界での___を築いた。
'Chii' (status/position) is the standard noun used with 'kizuku' to mean establishing oneself.
Which verb best conveys 'building' a solid foundation or status?
独自のスタイルで、彼女はアーティストとしての地位を___。
'Kizuku' implies building something substantial and lasting, whereas 'tsukuru' is too generic.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality and Scale of 'Chii o Kizuku'
Used jokingly about small things (like house hierarchy).
The dog built a status.
Talking about friends' career milestones.
You built a good position.
Business bios, news articles, and speeches.
He established a firm position in history.
Where to use '地位を築く'
Corporate World
Promotions and leadership
Sports/Art
Becoming a legend
Academic
Becoming a top researcher
Society
Gaining public respect
Questions fréquentes
10 questions'Tsukuru' is generic 'making.' 'Kizuku' implies building something strong from the ground up with effort, like 城を築く (building a castle).
Yes! If you've been a top-ranked player for a long time, you can say you've 地位を築いた in that game's community.
Absolutely. You can say you want to 地位を築く within the company, showing you have long-term ambitions.
No, it refers to your general standing or reputation. You can have a high 地位 in a family or a hobby group without a formal title.
Usually, no. It's almost always positive. You wouldn't say someone 'built a status' as a criminal; you'd use different words for that.
Very common. It’s a standard way for journalists to describe the success of politicians, CEOs, or celebrities.
Using the wrong particle. Always use を (o) because you are actively building the position.
You would use 地位を失う (chii o ushinau) or 地位から退く (chii kara shirizoku) to mean stepping down.
Yes, a company can 市場での地位を築く (establish a position in the market).
It's a bit heavy, but if you're talking seriously about someone's life or career, it's perfectly fine.
Expressions liées
名を成す (na o nasu) - To make a name for oneself
頭角を現す (toukaku o arawasu) - To stand out from the crowd
一旗揚げる (ichihata ageru) - To set out to achieve success
出世する (shusse suru) - To get promoted / succeed in life
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