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How to say 'Shape' in Japanese | 形

Wondering how to say 'Shape' in Japanese? You're in the right place!

The Japanese word for Shape is 'Katachi', written as 形 in Japanese.'Shape' in hiragana is かたち.

    word

    Meaning

    Shape

    Reading

    かたち

    katachi

    Kanji

    Shape

    Explanation

    The Japanese noun '形 (かたち)' primarily means 'shape'. It refers to the physical form or outline of an object. This word is often used to describe the appearance or structure of something, whether it's a tangible object or an abstract concept. For example: The shape of the mountain is beautiful「山の形が美しい」(やまのかたちがうつくしい). I want to preserve the shape of this tradition「この伝統の形を守りたい」(このでんとうのかたちをまもりたい). Additionally, '形' can sometimes imply the 'form' or 'state' of something, such as in the phrase '形になる' (かたちになる), which means 'to take shape' or 'to materialize'.

    Part Of Speech

    noun

    Kanji JLPT

    N3

    Kanji Grade

    2

    Frequency

    233

    Composition

    kanji

    Handwriting

Kanji in the Word

This word contains 1 kanji character:

  • kanji

    Meaning

    Shape

Words Related to Through the Kanji

These 11 Words contain the Kanji 形 as well.

  • word

    形式

    Meaning

    Form, Format

  • word

    形態

    Meaning

    Form

  • word

    人形

    Meaning

    Doll

  • word

    三角形

    Meaning

    Triangle

  • word

    形式的

    Meaning

    Formal

  • word

    形成

    Meaning

    Formation

  • word

    正方形

    Meaning

    Square

  • word

    手形

    Meaning

    Promissory note

  • word

    形容詞

    Meaning

    Adjective

  • word

    長方形

    Meaning

    Rectangle

  • word

    地形

    Meaning

    Terrain

Learn the Word

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What does 'Katachi' (形) mean?

'Katachi' means 'Shape' .

To help you master this word, here's an interactive lesson where you'll practice its readings and meanings.