Quick answer
形 is the kanji for "Form". Its reading is かた (kata). This page includes example sentences and a stroke-order diagram.
Meaning
Form
Also : Shape · Style
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Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
7 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 形 represents 'SHAPE'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of shape.
On-reading: けい — remember this sound by associating it with shape. Kun-reading: かた.
Example Sentences
この花は星の形をしていてとてもきれいです。
このはなはほしのかたちをしていてとてもきれいです。
This flower is star-shaped and very beautiful.
祖母に折り紙で人形の作り方を教えてもらいました。
そぼにおりがみでにんぎょうのつくりかたをおしえてもらいました。
My grandmother taught me how to make a doll with origami.
Vocabulary using 形
Grammar to study at this level
- [Verb dictionary/nai form] + ように～ように (you ni) - So that
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことにする～ことにする (koto ni suru) - Decide to
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことになる～ことになる (koto ni naru) - It has been decided that
- [Noun/Verb te-form] + ばかり～ばかり (bakari) - Only / Nothing but
- [Verb/Adjective plain form] + はずだ～はずだ (hazu da) - Should be / It is expected
Last updated Jun 11, 2026
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