形
[ka̠ta̠]
In Japanese, 'shapes' can be translated as 形.
The external form or outline of an object.
Which one should you use?
While 形 is the standard noun for the physical shape or outline of a concrete object, the word 形態 is used when referring to the 'shapes' or 'forms' that abstract concepts, such as friendship or social structures, take.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word 形 (katachi) is the standard noun for a physical shape.
Did you know?
- The standalone noun 形 was originally a shortened version of 女形 (onnagata), referring to the specific 'female form' played by male actors in Kabuki theater.
Examples in context
- 一体、友情といふものは、それ自身甚だ曖昧なもので、同性間の友情でさへ、様々な動機によつて、様々な形態を取るものである。Friendship in itself is something very vague and even in cases of same-sex friendships, it takes many shapes and is brought on by many different motives.This sentence shows how the word 形 can be used when discussing the various shapes or forms that a concept like friendship can take.Tatoeba #1244377 by Scott, translation #1248694 by Scott
- 私の腕時計は円形です。My wristwatch is circular.
- この雲の形は面白いですね。Kono kumo no katachi wa omoshiroi desu ne.The shape of this cloud is interesting, isn't it?
Example conversation
Kenta and Yui are looking at a piece of modern art in a gallery.
- 健太 Kentaこの彫刻の形はどう思う？Kono choukoku no katachi wa dou omou?What do you think of the shape of this sculpture?
- 結衣 Yuiとても不思議な形をしているね。Totemo fushigi na katachi o shite iru ne.It has a very mysterious shape.
- 健太 Kenta結衣は、もっと単純な方が好き？Yui wa, motto tanjun na hou ga suki?Yui, do you prefer something simpler?
- 結衣 Yuiううん、このままの方が素敵だよ。Uun, kono mama no hou ga suteki da yo.No, it's lovely just the way it is.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 形, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 形, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
