形: the kanji for shape; form
形 is a JLPT N3 kanji that means shape; form. Below are its readings, 3 common words and example sentences, all with audio.
Stroke order
形 is written in 7 strokes. The red stroke is the one to write next, and the dot shows where it starts.
Words by reading
形 has 4 readings in the official Jōyō Kanji Table. Below are 3 common words grouped by reading. Tap ▶ to hear each word (audio plays with a free account).
ケイ (kei)
On reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 形式けいしき · keishiki | format; formality |
| 人形にんぎょう · ningyō | doll |
かたち (katachi)
Kun reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 形かたち · katachi | shape; form |
Example sentences for work and daily life
- 書類は正しい形式で提出してください。Shorui wa tadashii keishiki de teishutsu shite kudasai.Please submit the documents in the correct format.
- 娘に人形を買ってあげた。Musume ni ningyō o katte ageta.I bought a doll for my daughter.
- この雲は面白い形をしている。Kono kumo wa omoshiroi katachi o shite iru.This cloud has an interesting shape.
- 伝統的な形式に従って式を行った。Dentōteki na keishiki ni shitagatte shiki o okonatta.We held the ceremony following the traditional format.
- 星の形をしたクッキーを作った。Hoshi no katachi o shita kukkī o tsukutta.I made star-shaped cookies.
Questions about 形
How many strokes does 形 have?
形 is written in 7 strokes. The stroke order is shown at the top of this page.
What are the readings of 形?
The on readings are kei (ケイ), gyou (ギョウ). The kun readings are kata (かた), katachi (かたち).
What JLPT level is 形?
N3. The JLPT does not publish official kanji lists, so this level is a guide based on the official Test Content Specifications used through 2009.
About the JLPT level
The JLPT does not publish official lists of kanji for each level. The level on this page is a guide based on the official Test Content Specifications used for the test through 2009. The JLPT states that the current N3 falls between the former Levels 2 and 3.
More JLPT N3 kanji
Qualities and conditions
Executive Japanese by CCN is one-on-one online Japanese for managers and directors doing business in Japan.
Sources
- Jōyō Kanji Table (常用漢字表), Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan, 2010: readings and special readings of 形
- JLPT Frequently Asked Questions, The Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services: how current levels match the former levels
- Stroke order diagrams are based on KanjiVG by Ulrich Apel, used under CC BY-SA 3.0. The diagrams on this page are shared under the same license.