Japanese word

定形

Pronunciation

Romajiteikei

Meaning

  • nounfixed form

Example

この動詞の定形を覚えます。ko no dō shi no tei kei o obo e ma su

I learn the fixed form of this verb.

Illustration for 定形 (fixed form)

More examples

会話では、定形の文を覚えておくと安心です。kai wa de wa tei kei no bun o obo e te o ku to an shin de su

In conversation, it is reassuring to learn fixed-form sentences in advance.

Core concept

Shows that a thing follows an established form instead of taking an arbitrary shape.

Common phrases

  • 定形の文tei kei no bun

    a fixed-form sentence

  • 定形で書くtei kei de ka ku

    write in a fixed form

Similar words

定型teikei: A standard pattern or formula used repeatedly for the same kind of thing.

Definition in Japanese

形や様式があらかじめ決まっていること。katachi ya yō shiki ga a ra ka ji me ki ma tte i ru ko to

Word origin

The compound 定形 (teikei) joins 定 (tei, "fixed") with 形 (kei, "shape"), so it denotes a form that is set.

Usage tips

  • 定形 (teikei) and 定型 (teikei) sound alike, but 定型 more often refers to a standard pattern or formula.

Other meanings

  • regular shapenoun

Opposites

  • 不定形futeikeiindefinite formnoun

Related words

  • 定形化teikeikastandardizationnoun

Word lists with this word