Japanese word

姿

Pronunciation

Romajisugata

Meaning

  • nounshape

Example

山の姿が見えます。yama no sugata ga mi e ma su

I can see the shape of the mountain.

Illustration for 姿 (shape)

More examples

長い旅の後、彼は元気な姿を見せました。naga i tabi no ato kare wa gen ki na sugata o mi se ma shi ta

After the long trip, he showed up looking well.

Core concept

Describes the visible form or overall appearance through which a person or thing is recognized.

Common phrases

  • 姿が見えるsugata ga mi e ru

    be visible

  • 姿を見せるsugata o mi se ru

    show up

  • 姿を消すsugata o ke su

    disappear from sight

Similar words

形katachi: The visible shape or form of a person or thing.
外見gaiken: The overall appearance of a person or thing as seen from outside.
様子yōsu: The appearance or condition shown by a person or thing at a given time.

Definition in Japanese

人や物を外から見たときの形や全体の様子。hito ya mono o soto ka ra mi ta to ki no katachi ya zen tai no yō su

Word origin

姿 (sugata) is a native Japanese noun, not a Sino-Japanese compound; its older formation is uncertain, so it is learned as a single word for visible form or appearance.

Usage tips

  • When 姿 (sugata) describes a person, it often means the person's visible appearance or whole figure rather than a precise body shape.

Other meanings

  • appearancenoun
  • figurenoun

Word lists with this word