Meet 形 in 形, 人形 and 形式. Read each complete word in its context.

The idea

形 has 7 strokes; follow the linked KanjiVG diagram. Compare 形（かたち） and 人形（にんぎょう）: learn each reading with the whole word.

Patterns to compare
Japanese wordReadingExample in context
形かたちThis box is round in shape.
人形にんぎょうMy younger sister has a small doll.
形式けいしきPlease check the format of the application form.

Examples

  • この箱はこは丸まるい形かたちです。This box is round in shape.
  • 星ほしの形かたちに紙かみを切きりました。I cut the paper into the shape of a star.
  • 妹いもうとは小ちいさな人形にんぎょうを持もっています。My younger sister has a small doll.
  • この人形にんぎょうは祖母そぼが作つくりました。My grandmother made this doll.
  • 申込書もうしこみしょの形式けいしきを確認かくにんしてください。Please check the format of the application form.
  • 話はなし合あいは自由じゆうな形式けいしきで行おこないます。The discussion will take place in a free format.

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

Watch out

形 is かたち in the independent word, ぎょう in 人形 and けい in 形式. 形 refers to form; 型 often names a type or mould.

Try it yourself

  1. Write the reading of 形 in hiragana.

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    かたち

    形 is read かたち. In context: This box is round in shape.

  2. Write the reading of 人形 in hiragana.

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    にんぎょう

    人形 is read にんぎょう. In context: My younger sister has a small doll.

  3. Fill in the missing kanji: ＿式（けいしき）.

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    形

    形 completes 形式, read けいしき. In context: Please check the format of the application form.

Use it today

Cover the table, write 形 from memory, and read 形 and 人形 aloud. Then make a sentence with one of them.