x×y

Xây is a Vietnamese verb meaning to build or construct. It is used for both physical construction, such as buildings and infrastructure, and for more abstract processes of development or creation. The word appears in many common phrases and forms part of longer compounds.

The most frequent compound is xây dựng, which can mean to construct, to develop, or to build in a broad sense. Examples include xây nhà (to build a house), xây cầu (to build a bridge), and xây dựng nền móng (to lay the foundation). Metaphorical uses are common as well, such as xây dựng sự nghiệp (to build one’s career) or xây dựng lòng tin (to build trust).

Grammatical notes: Xây is a transitive verb and typically takes a direct object. It can form passive or peri-technical constructions in formal writing, and it occurs across registers from everyday speech to official documents. As a standalone verb, it often appears in imperative or infinitive contexts within larger expressions.

Etymology and related terms: Xây is a core Vietnamese verb and widely used in modern language. In architectural and related vocabulary, Vietnamese also employs Sino-Vietnamese terms such as kiến (as in kiến trúc, architecture), which derives from the Chinese character 建 (jiàn). These terms intersect conceptually with xây, though they form separate lexical items with distinct usages.

See also: xây dựng, kiến trúc, kiến nghị.