木造

The term refers specifically to the structural framework of a building or a large-scale construction. It describes the method of construction where wood is the primary load-bearing material.

It is crucial to distinguish "木造" (mokuzō) from "木製" (mokusei). While both translate to "wooden" in English, they are used in entirely different contexts. "木造" is used for structures and architecture (e.g., houses, temples, bridges), whereas "木製" is used for manufactured objects and furniture (e.g., tables, chairs, boxes).

Using "木製" for a house or "木造" for a pencil would sound unnatural to a native speaker. In modern Japanese real estate and architecture, "木造" is often contrasted with "鉄筋コンクリート造" (reinforced concrete construction) or "鉄骨造" (steel frame construction).