Translation and Meaning of: 状 - jyou

The Japanese word 状[じょう] is a versatile term frequently used in the language, carrying meanings that range from "form" to "document." If you're studying Japanese or simply curious about this expression, understanding its correct usage can enrich your vocabulary. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and contexts in which 状[じょう] appears, along with tips for memorizing it effectively.

状 [じょう] is a kanji that appears in various compound words, many of which are essential for daily life in Japan. Whether in formal or informal situations, understanding its uses can prevent confusion and facilitate communication. Here at Suki Nihongo, we aim to provide clear and precise explanations for those who wish to learn Japanese practically.

Meaning and Uses of 状 [じょう]

The kanji 状 can be translated as "form," "state," or "document," depending on the context. In words like 状況[じょうきょう] (situation) or 形状[けいじょう] (physical form), it carries the idea of condition or appearance. In terms like 証明書[しょうめいしょ] (certificate), it takes on a more bureaucratic meaning.

An interesting aspect is that 状[じょう] rarely appears alone in modern Japanese. It almost always forms part of compound words, which reinforces the importance of learning it together with other kanjis. For example, 現状[げんじょう] means "current situation," while 症状[しょうじょう] refers to "symptoms" in a medical context.

Origin and writing of the kanji 状

The kanji 状 is composed of the radical 犬[いぬ] (dog) and the component 丬, which historically represents a simplified form of "hand." Originally, in ancient China, this character was associated with "to describe" or "to represent," later evolving into its current meanings. This connection with the idea of "description" helps to understand why it appears in terms related to documents.

In writing, it's important to pay attention to the stroke order to avoid confusing 状 with similar kanjis, such as 壮 [そう] (robust) or 将 [しょう] (general). A useful tip is to remember that the radical 犬 appears on the right side of the character, while the left component has a distinctive curved stroke.

Tips for memorizing and using 状[じょう]

An effective strategy to fixate on 状[じょう] is to associate it with common words used in daily life. For example, 案内状[あんないじょう] (invitation) or 感謝状[かんしゃじょう] (thank you letter) are terms that many students come across in real materials. Creating flashcards with practical examples can speed up the learning process.

Another method is to observe how 状 appears in formal contexts, such as official documents or professional emails. In Japan, this kanji is often used in written communications, making its mastery particularly useful for those planning to work or study in the country. Practicing with authentic texts, such as newspapers or forms, helps internalize its correct usages.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 状態 (jōtai) - State, condition
• 状況 (jōkyō) - Situation, circumstance
• 状様 (jōyō) - Shape, appearance of a state
• 状元 (jōgen) - Best student, first place in an exam
• 状貌 (jōbō) - External condition, physical appearance
• 状縁 (jōen) - Condition or circumstance that leads to an event
• 状熟 (jōjuku) - State of maturity or understanding
• 状芸 (jōgei) - Arts in a certain state or condition
• 状病 (jōbyō) - Disease in a certain state
• 状習 (jōshū) - Costume or practice in a certain state
• 状練 (jōren) - Practice or training in a specific condition
• 状職 (jōshoku) - State or condition of work/profession
• 状論 (jōron) - Speech or theory about a state
• 状輪 (jōrin) - Circle or cycle of states
• 状酔 (jōsui) - State of intoxication
• 状銘 (jōmei) - Registration or mark in a state
• 状障 (jōshō) - Obstacle or restrictive condition
• 状露 (jōro) - Exposition or revelation of a state
• 状顔 (jōkao) - Facial expression that reflects a state
• 状館 (jōkan) - Building or structure in a certain state
• 状騒 (jōsō) - Noisy behavior in a state
• 状鶴 (jōtsuru) - Stork in a specific condition, symbolizing a suitable state
• 状麗 (jōrei) - Beauty or elegance in a state

状

Romaji: jyou
Kana: じょう
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: Form

Meaning in English: shape

Definition: Something happened. Moreover, something is in a certain state.

Example Sentences - (状) jyou

See below some example sentences:

この状態は改善する必要があります。

Kono jōtai wa kaizen suru hitsuyō ga arimasu

This situation needs to be improved.

This condition must be improved.

• この状態 - "kono joutai" - this situation
• は - wa- Topic particle
• 改善 - "kaizen" - improvement, enhancement
• する - "suru" - to do, to accomplish
• 必要 - "hitsuyou" - necessary
• が - ga - subject particle
• あります - "arimasu" - there is, there is

年賀状を書くのが楽しみです。

Nengajou wo kaku no ga tanoshimi desu

I am excited to write New Year's cards.

I am excited to write a New Year's card.

• 年賀状 - New Year's card
• を - object particle
• 書く - write
• のが - nominal particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 楽しみ - Prazer, diversão
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

拘束された状況から逃れたい。

Kousoku sareta joukyou kara nogaretai

I want to escape the situation where I am restricted.

I want to escape the restricted situation.

• 拘束された - means "to be arrested" or "to be detained".
• 状況 - It means "situation" or "circumstance".
• から - is a particle that indicates "of" or "from".
• 逃れたい - means "wanting to escape" or "wanting to run away".

止むを得ない状況に陥った。

Tomu wo enai jōkyō ni ochiitta

I was in a situation where I couldn't help it.

I was in an unavoidable situation.

• 止むを得ない - means "inevitable" or "having no choice".
• 状況 - It means "situation" or "circumstance".
• に - it is a particle that indicates the relationship between the situation and the verb that follows it.
• 陥った - is the verb "陥る" in the past, which means "to fall into," "to be caught in," or "to be trapped in."

現在の状況を把握する必要があります。

Genzai no jōkyō o haaku suru hitsuyō ga arimasu

You need to understand the current situation.

• 現在の状況 - indicates the current situation
• を - Particle that indicates the object of the action
• 把握する - verb that means "to understand" or "to comprehend"
• 必要があります - expression that indicates the need for something

異常な状況に遭遇した。

Ijou na joukyou ni souguu shita

I encountered an abnormal situation.

I encountered an unusual situation.

• 異常な - adjective that means "abnormal"
• 状況 - noun that means "situation"
• に - particle that indicates an action or state in which something happens
• 遭遇した - verb that means "to meet with" or "to encounter" in the past

症状が出たらすぐに医者に相談しましょう。

Shoujou ga detara sugu ni isha ni soudan shimashou

If you have symptoms

Talk to your doctor as soon as you have symptoms.

• 症状 (shoujou) - symptoms
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 出たら (detara) - if they appear
• すぐに (sugu ni) - immediately
• 医者 (isha) - doctor
• に (ni) - target particle
• 相談 (soudan) - Query
• しましょう (shimashou) - let's do it

私は困難な状況に耐えることができます。

Watashi wa konnan na joukyou ni taeru koto ga dekimasu

I can withstand difficult situations.

• 私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 困難な (konnan na) - Japanese adjective meaning "difficult"
• 状況 (joukyou) - Japanese noun that means "situation"
• に (ni) - Japanese particle that indicates the grammatical function of "place" or "time."
• 耐える (taeru) - Japanese verb that means "to endure" or "to hold on."
• ことができます (koto ga dekimasu) - Japanese expression meaning "to be able to"

私は辛い状況に堪えることができます。

Watashi wa tsurai jōkyō ni koraeru koto ga dekimasu

I can withstand difficult situations.

I can bear the painful situation.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "I"
• 辛い (karai) - Adjective that means "spicy" or "hot"
• 状況 (joukyou) - noun meaning "situation" or "circumstance"
• に (ni) - particle indicating the grammatical function of "joukyou", in this case "in"
• 堪える (koraeru) - verb that means "to endure" or "to tolerate"
• こと (koto) - noun that indicates an action or abstract event, in this case "to endure"
• が (ga) - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case "I"
• できます (dekimasu) - verb that means "to be able to" or "to be able to do"