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:

状況はどうですか？

Joukyou wa dou desu ka?

How is the situation?

How is the situation?

• 状況 (joukyou) - It means "situation" or "condition"
• は (wa) - grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• どう (dou) - It means "how" or "in what way"
• です (desu) - Verb "to be" in polite form
• か (ka) - "particle indicating a question"
• ？(ponto de interrogação) - graphic symbol indicating a question

滅茶苦茶な状況になった。

Metcha kucha na jōkyō ni natta

The situation became completely chaotic.

It was a mess.

• 滅茶苦茶 - Idiomatic expression meaning "chaotic", "messy", "confused".
• な - The term "negativa" means negative form of the adjective.
• 状況 - noun that means "situation", "circumstance"
• に - Particle that indicates the relationship of place or time
• なった - past form of the verb "なる" which means "to become", "to get"

滑稽な状況になった。

Kokki na jōkyō ni natta

The situation has become comical.

It was a humorous situation.

• 滑稽 (kokkei) - Engraçado, cômico
• な (na) - Particle indicating adjective
• 状況 (joukyou) - Situation, circumstance
• に (ni) - particle indicating action or state
• なった (natta) - past tense of the verb "naru", which means "to become"

深刻な状況です。

Shinkoku na jōkyō desu

The situation is serious.

It's a serious situation.

• 深刻な - It means "serious" or "severe".
• 状況 - It means "situation" or "circumstance".
• です - it is a particle that indicates the polite way of affirming something.

彼女の健康状態は衰える一方だ。

Kanojo no kenkō jōtai wa otoroeru ippō da

Your health condition is worsening.

Your health is about to decline.

• 彼女の - "her" - "from her/hers"
• 健康状態は - "kenkou joutai wa" - health condition is "health condition is"
• 衰える - "oshieru" - to teach declining
• 一方だ - "ippou da" - Only in Japanese more and more

危うい状況に陥った。

Abunai jōkyō ni ochiitta

I landed in a dangerous situation.

I was in a dangerous situation.

• 危うい - Adjective that means "dangerous," "risky," "critical"
• 状況 - noun that means "situation", "circumstance"
• に - particle that indicates an action or state in which something happens
• 陥った - verb that means "fall into", "fall into a situation", "get stuck in"

この液体は飽和状態です。

Kono ekitai wa hōwa jōtai desu

This liquid is in a state of saturation.

This liquid is saturated.

• この - indicates that what follows refers to something close to the speaker, in this case, "this"
• 液体 - Noun meaning "liquid"
• は - particle that indicates the theme of the sentence, in this case, "the liquid"
• 飽和状態 - compound noun meaning "state of saturation"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

真空は空気のない状態を指します。

Shinkuu wa kuuki no nai joutai wo shimeshimasu

Vacuum refers to a state without air.

• Input - - - Please provide data entry into the system.
• 真空 - - - Japanese word that means "vacuum".
• は - - - Japanese particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 空気 - - - Japanese word that means "air".
• の - - - Japanese particle indicating possession or relationship.
• ない - - - Japanese adjective that means "nonexistent".
• 状態 - - - Japanese word that means "state" or "condition".
• を - - - Japanese particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
• 指します - - - Japanese verb that means "indicate" or "point".

この水の状態は良好です。

Kono mizu no jōtai wa ryōkō desu

The condition of this water is good.

• この - demonstrative pronoun "this"
• 水 - Noun "water"
• の - possessive particle "of"
• 状態 - noun "state"
• は - topic particle "は"
• 良好 - Good
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

この病気の症状は何ですか？

Kono byouki no shoujou wa nan desu ka?

What are the symptoms of this disease?

• この - demonstrative pronoun meaning "this" or "this one"
• 病気 - noun meaning "disease"
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 症状 - noun meaning "symptom"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 何 - interrogative pronoun that means "what"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form
• か - Particle that indicates a question