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Word 4129 of 4449

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構える

かまえる

to set up (a house, shop, etc.); to hold at the ready; to take a stance; to put on an attitude

By Nihongo PathUpdated

Examples

  1. 彼は駅前に店を構えた。

    かれはえきまえにみせをかまえた。

    He set up a shop in front of the station.

  2. 彼はジャマイカに住居を構えた。

    かれはジャマイカにじゅうきょをかまえた。

    He took up residence in Jamaica.

  3. 打者はバットを構えて球を待った。

    だしゃはバットをかまえてたまをまった。

    The batter held his bat ready and waited for the pitch.

  4. そう構えずに、気楽に話しましょう。

    そうかまえずに、きらくにはなしましょう。

    Don't be so on your guard — let's just chat.

Common patterns

店を構える
to set up shop
一家を構える
to set up a household of one's own
身構える
to brace oneself; to take a defensive stance

Memory tip

One core idea: putting something into a fixed, ready position. That covers a shop or household you establish, a bat or camera you hold ready, and the mental guard of 身構える — 構えずに means "relax, drop the guard".

Kanji in this word

Quick check

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What does 構える mean?