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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

    形: shape. 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'.

    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:

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.