Japanese word

形

Pronunciation

Romajikatachi

Meaning

  • nounshape

Example

この形は四角です。ko no katachi wa shi kaku de su

This shape is square.

Illustration for 形 (shape)

More examples

この雲は面白い形です。ko no kumo wa omo shiro i katachi de su

This cloud has a funny shape.

この箱は丸い形をしています。ko no bako wa mari i katachi o shi te i ma su

This box is round in shape.

Core concept

Describes the visible outline or arrangement that makes something recognizable as a particular thing or gives an idea a definite form.

Common phrases

  • 形になるkatachi ni na ru

    take shape

  • 形を変えるkatachi o ka e ru

    change shape

  • 形を整えるkatachi o totono e ru

    adjust the shape

Similar words

格好kakkō: The outward appearance or form of a person or thing.

Definition in Japanese

物の外見や輪郭、または物事のまとまり方。mono no gai ken ya rin kaku ma ta wa mono goto no ma to ma ri kata

Word origin

The word 形 (katachi, "shape") is a native Japanese noun written with the Sino-Japanese character 形, which means "shape" or "form"; the older origin of katachi is uncertain.

Usage tips

  • English form can refer to a document or a class, but 形 (katachi) usually refers to a visible shape or a concrete arrangement in basic Japanese descriptions.

Other meanings

  • formnoun

Word lists with this word