diff --git a/gen/typinf.cpp b/gen/typinf.cpp
index 853093c9..344c44a7 100644
--- a/gen/typinf.cpp
+++ b/gen/typinf.cpp
@@ -257,7 +257,9 @@ int TypeBasic::builtinTypeInfo()
 int TypeDArray::builtinTypeInfo()
 {
 #if DMDV2
-    return !mod && next->isTypeBasic() != NULL && !next->mod;
+    return !mod && (next->isTypeBasic() != NULL && !next->mod ||
+        // strings are so common, make them builtin
+        next->ty == Tchar && next->mod == MODimmutable);
 #else
     return next->isTypeBasic() != NULL;
 #endif