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What is the Kanji for 'Shape'? | 形

If you are wondering what is the Japanese Kanji for 'Shape', you've come to the right place!

The Japanese Kanji for 'Shape' is 形.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Shape

    Reading

    kunyomiかた

    kata

    かたち

    katachi

    onyomiけい

    kei

    ぎょう

    gyou

    Parts

    Fur Open

    Example Word

    三角形: triangle. The Japanese noun '三角形 (さんかくけい)' means 'triangle'. It refers to a three-sided polygon in geometry. This word is commonly used in mathematical contexts or when describing shapes. For example: draw a triangle「三角形を描いてください」(さんかくけいをえがいてください). The roof has a triangular shape「屋根は三角形の形をしています」(やねはさんかくけいのかたちをしています). The word is a combination of '三 (さん)' meaning 'three', '角 (かく)' meaning 'angle', and '形 (けい)' meaning 'shape'.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    7

    JLPT

    N3

    Grade

    2

    Frequency

    201

    Handwriting

Parts of the Kanji

If you visually break down this kanji, you can see it is made up of 2 parts:

    radical

    Meaning

    Fur

    radical

    Meaning

    Open

Words Using

This kanji is used in 12 words:

    word

    Meaning

    Shape

    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

Kanji Related to Through the Part

These 9 kanji contain the part 彡 as well.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Face

    kanji

    Meaning

    Participate

    kanji

    Meaning

    Shadow

    kanji

    Meaning

    Carve

    kanji

    Meaning

    Cedar, Cryptomeria

    kanji

    Meaning

    Patent, Proclaim merits

    kanji

    Meaning

    Coloring, Beautiful coloring

    kanji

    Meaning

    Gloom

    kanji

    Meaning

    Necessary

Kanji Related to Through the Part

These 4 kanji contain the part 开 as well.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Open

    kanji

    Meaning

    Sharpen

    kanji

    Meaning

    Departure

    kanji

    Meaning

    Punish

Learn the Kanji

Let's make sure you fully understand this kanji.

What does 形 mean?

形 means 'Shape'.

Japanese school students learn this kanji in Second Grade, while non-native learners often study it for the JLPT N3 exam.

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