Construir vs. edificar
While both construir and edificar can be translated as "to build" or "to construct", they are not perfect synonyms. Construir is a general, all-purpose term, whereas edificar is more formal and has a more specific range of uses, both literally and figuratively.
Construir
A2Construir is the most common and versatile verb for building. It refers to the general act of putting parts together to create a whole. This can apply to a vast range of things, from large buildings and small objects to abstract concepts like relationships, arguments, or a future.
La empresa va a construir un nuevo centro comercial.
(The company is going to build a new shopping mall.)
Mi sobrino construyó un robot con sus bloques de juguete.
(My nephew built a robot with his toy blocks.)
Se necesita tiempo para construir una amistad verdadera.
(It takes time to build a true friendship.)
El abogado construyó un argumento sólido para defender a su cliente.
(The lawyer constructed a solid argument to defend his client.)
Juntos, podemos construir un futuro más próspero.
(Together, we can build a more prosperous future.)
El pájaro construyó su nido en la rama más alta del árbol.
(The bird built its nest on the highest branch of the tree.)
Edificar
B2Edificar is a more formal and elevated term. In its literal sense, it is almost exclusively used for constructing large, important, or architecturally significant buildings (edifices), such as cathedrals, monuments, or palaces. It carries a sense of permanence and grandeur. Crucially, edificar also has a distinct figurative meaning: to enlighten, instruct, or morally uplift someone.
Los antiguos egipcios edificaron las pirámides con gran precisión.
(The ancient Egyptians built the pyramids with great precision.)
El ayuntamiento decidió edificar una nueva biblioteca pública.
(The city council decided to build a new public library.)
Tardaron décadas en edificar la majestuosa catedral gótica.
(It took decades to build the majestic gothic cathedral.)
El sermón del sacerdote edificó a toda la congregación.
(The priest's sermon was edifying for the entire congregation (it morally uplifted them).)
Leer a los filósofos clásicos es una experiencia que edifica el espíritu.
(Reading the classic philosophers is an experience that edifies the spirit.)
Su ejemplo de generosidad nos edificó a todos.
(His example of generosity was edifying for all of us.)
Summary
In essence, use construir as your default, everyday word for building anything, whether it's a house, a model airplane, or a relationship. Use edificar when you are referring to the construction of large, impressive buildings (edifices) in a more formal context, or when you mean to enlighten or morally uplift someone. You can often replace edificar with construir for physical structures, but the reverse is not true, especially for small items or abstract concepts like friendships.