Japanese word

原型

Pronunciation

Romajigenkei

Meaning

  • nounprototype

Example

この形が新しいロゴの原型です。ko no katachi ga atara shi i ro go no gen kei de su

This shape is the prototype for the new logo.

Illustration for 原型 (prototype)

More examples

この模型は古代の建物の原型をよく残しています。ko no mo kei wa ko dai no tate mono no gen kei o yo ku noko shi te i ma su

This model preserves much of the original form of the ancient building.

Core concept

Describes the original form that serves as the basis for creating later versions or related forms.

Common phrases

  • 原型を作るgen kei o tsuku ru

    create a prototype

  • 原型をとどめるgen kei o to do me ru

    retain the original form

  • 原型を示すgen kei o shime su

    show the prototype

Similar words

原形genkei: The form something has in its original state before alteration.
雛形hinagata: A model that provides a pattern for producing similar things.

Definition in Japanese

新しく作るものの基準となる、もとになる形。atara shi ku tsuku ru mo no no ki jun to na ru mo to ni na ru katachi

Word origin

The noun combines 原 (gen, "original") and 型 (kei, "form or pattern"), referring to a form that becomes the basis for later creations.

Usage tips

  • English prototype usually means an early working version, whereas 原型 (genkei) can describe the underlying form from which a design develops.

Other meanings

  • modelnoun
  • archetypenoun

Related words

  • 原型的genkeitekiprototypicalna-adjective

Word lists with this word