Recognise 状 in words such as 状態 and 状況. Learn the whole word together with its reading and meaning.

The idea

Read 状態 as じょうたい and 状況 as じょうきょう. 状 has 7 strokes; use the linked KanjiVG diagram to follow their order. Many kanji have Japanese-origin readings (kun) and readings borrowed through Chinese (on); learn each with its word. N3 is an approximate learning level, not an official JLPT kanji list.

Patterns to compare
Japanese wordReadingMeaning
状態じょうたいstate; condition
状況じょうきょうsituation; circumstances
招待状しょうたいじょうinvitation

Examples

  • 今日きょうは機械きかいの状態じょうたいを調しらべます。Today I will check the condition of the machine.
  • この家具かぐはいい状態じょうたいです。This piece of furniture is in good condition.
  • 状況じょうきょうが変かわったら、教おしえてください。Please let me know if the situation changes.
  • 今いまの状況じょうきょうを説明せつめいします。I will explain the current situation.
  • 友達ともだちに招待状しょうたいじょうを送おくりました。I sent an invitation to a friend.
  • 招待状しょうたいじょうが昨日きのう届とどきました。The invitation arrived yesterday.

Read-aloud uses a synthetic Japanese voice available on your device. Voice quality and availability vary; it does not assess your pronunciation.

Watch out

状態 describes a condition, while 招待状 is a written invitation: 状 does not mean the same thing in every compound. Compare the shapes of 状 and 犬; they are different characters.

Try it yourself

  1. Write the reading of 状態 in hiragana.

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    じょうたい

    状態 is read じょうたい; it means state; condition.

  2. Write the reading of 状況 in hiragana.

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    じょうきょう

    状況 is read じょうきょう; it means situation; circumstances.

  3. Fill in the missing kanji: 招待＿（しょうたいじょう）.

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    状

    状 completes 招待状, read しょうたいじょう; it means invitation.

Use it today

Cover the table, write 状 from memory, and read 状態 and 状況 aloud. Then use one in a sentence.