Translation and Meaning of: 形 - katachi

The Japanese word 形[かたち] is a fascinating term that carries deep meanings in the language and culture of Japan. If you are looking to understand its meaning, translation, or how it is used in everyday life, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will explore everything from its origin to practical uses of this word, including tips for memorization and curiosities based on reliable sources. Here at Suki Nihongo, our goal is to provide the best content for those who wish to learn Japanese in a clear and accurate way.

Meaning and translation of 形[かたち]

形[かたち] is a word that can be translated as "shape" or "figure." It describes the physical appearance of something, whether an object, a person, or even an abstract concept. For example, when we talk about the shape of a sculpture or the outline of a mountain, 形 is the right word to use.

In addition to its literal meaning, 形 can also represent the "essence" or "structure" of something. In Japanese philosophy, it is often associated with the idea that the outer form reflects the inner. This duality of meaning makes the word versatile and present in various contexts, from everyday conversations to artistic expressions.

Origin and writing of the kanji 形

The kanji 形 is composed of two radicals: 开 (which represents "to open") and 彡 (which symbolizes "pattern" or "lines"). This combination suggests the idea of something that manifests visually, like a drawing or outline. The origin of the character dates back to ancient China, where it was used to describe the appearance of objects and people.

It is worth noting that 形 is not an extremely complex kanji, but its pronunciation can vary depending on the context. While かたち is the most common reading, in compounds like 形式 [けいしき] (format) or 形容 [けいよう] (description), it takes on the on'yomi reading. This flexibility is one of the reasons why the term is so frequent in the Japanese language.

How to memorize and use 形 in daily life

A practical tip for memorizing 形 is to associate it with concrete objects around you. Notice the shapes of the clouds, the form of your phone, or the outline of a building. By making this visual connection, you strengthen the link between the word and its meaning, making it easier to absorb the vocabulary.

In everyday life, 形 appears in expressions such as 形になる (to take shape) or 形を変える (to change shape). These phrases are useful for describing transformations, whether in personal projects or work situations. The more you practice with real examples, the more natural the use of this word will be in your Japanese.

Curiosities about 形 in Japanese culture

In traditional art, such as ikebana (flower arrangement) or the tea ceremony, the notion of 形 is essential. Each movement and arrangement follows aesthetic patterns that value the harmony of forms. This care reflects the importance that Japanese culture places on the balance between functionality and beauty.

Another interesting aspect is the use of 形 in proper names and brands. Companies and products often incorporate this kanji to convey the idea of solidity or design. If you pay attention, you will find 形 in logos, packaging, and even in titles of artistic works, showing its relevance beyond basic vocabulary.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

かたち (katachi) - Form
フォルム (forumu) - Form, structure (generally referring to appearance or design)
シェイプ (sheipu) - Shape, outline (often applied in technical or artistic contexts)

Related words

人形

ningyou

doll; puppet; figure

長方形

chouhoukei

rectangle; oblong

正方形

seihoukei

square

図形

zukei

figure

地形

jigyou

ground; geographical characteristics; topography

原形

genkei

Original form; base

形容詞

keiyoushi

true adjective

形容動詞

keiyoudoushi

adjective noun; almost adjective

形式

keishiki

form; formality; Format; mathematical expression

形成

keisei

Training

形

Romaji: katachi
Kana: かたち
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n4, jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: form; Format; figure; type

Meaning in English: form;shape;figure;type

Definition: It refers to the appearance, shape or condition of things or beings.

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How to Write in Japanese - (形) katachi

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (形) katachi:

Example Sentences - (形) katachi

See below some example sentences:

この部屋のテーブルは長方形の形をしています。

Kono heya no teburu wa chouhoukei no katachi o shite imasu

The table in this room is in the shape of a rectangle.

The table in this room has a rectangular shape.

この部屋の - indicates that the sentence refers to something inside this quarto
テーブル - table
は - partícula that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, the table
長方形 - Rectangle
の - partícula that indicates possession, in this case, the shape of the table
形 - Form
を - particle indicating the direct object of the sentence, in this case, the shape of the table
しています - verb that indicates that the table has the shape of a rectangle

風土は文化を形成する重要な要素です。

Fūdo wa bunka o keisei suru jūyōna yōso desu

Conxon is an important factor in the formation of a culture.

風土 - Means "climate and soil" in Japanese, referring to the geographic characteristics of a region.
文化 - refers to the beliefs, values, customs and traditions of a group of people.
形成する - means "to form" or "mold" in Japanese, indicating that culture is influenced by the environment.
重要な - means "important" in Japanese, highlighting the relevance of the role of climate and soil in shaping culture.
要素 - means "element" in Japanese, referring to the components that make up something.

版画は美しい芸術形式です。

Hanga wa utsukushii geijutsu keishiki desu

Engraving is a beautiful art form.

Printing is a beautiful art form.

版画 - engraving
は - Topic particle
美しい - Beautiful, lovely
芸術 - art
形式 - shape, format
です - Is (verb to be in the present tense)

正方形は四辺が等しい四角形です。

Seikaku wa shihen ga hitoshii shikakkei desu

A square is a quadrilateral with four equal sides.

The square is a square with four equal sides.

正方形 - It means "square" in Japanese.
は - topic particle in Japanese.
四辺 - It means "four sides" in Japanese.
が - subject particle in Japanese.
等しい - It means "equal" in Japanese.
四角形 - means "quadrilateral" in Japanese.
です - The verb "to be" in Japanese in the polite form.

形勢が逆転した。

Keisei ga gyakuten shita

The situation has completely changed.

The situation reversed.

形勢 - It means "situation" or "condition".
が - Grammatical particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
逆転 - It means "inversion" or "turnaround".
した - past form of the verb "suru" which means "to do".

対辺は三角形の辺の一つです。

Taiben wa sankakkei no hen no hitotsu desu

The hypotenuse is one side of the triangle.

The opposite is one of the triangles.

対辺 - means "opposite side" in Japanese, referring to the opposite side of an angle in a triangle.
三角形 - Means "triangle" in Japanese.
辺 - means "side" in Japanese, referring to one side of a triangle.
一つ - means "one" in Japanese, indicating that the side mentioned is one of the sides of the triangle.
です - is a Japanese particle that indicates a statement or statement.

地形が険しい山道を登るのは大変だ。

Chikei ga kewashii yamamichi wo noboru no wa taihen da

Climbing a mountain trail with rugged terrain is difficult.

It is difficult to climb a steep mountain path.