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On'yomi
ケイ・ギョウ
KEI / GYOU
Kun'yomi
かた・-がた・かたち・なり
kata / gata / katachi / nari

shape · form · style

Details

Strokes7
Frequency#418
Radicalbristle(3)

Stroke Order

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Strokes7

Component Breakdown

=

开 + 彡

Cultural Context

Etymology

Composed of open and pattern. Form and pattern.

Symbolism

Shape, form, appearance. Represents form.

Words & Expressions

Four-Character Compounds

有形無形

ゆうけいむけい

tangible and intangible; material and spiritual; tangible and intangible

異類異形

いるいいぎょう

strange-looking creatures; spirits and goblins; strange-looking creatures

形影一如

けいえいいちにょ

being inseparable as a form and its shadow; a person's deed mirrors the good or evil of his mind; husband and wife being never apart; being inseparable as a form and its shadow

Proverbs & Idioms

形あるものは必ず壊れる

かたちあるものはかならずこわれる

All that has form will eventually break

Material things are impermanent

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 形 mean in Japanese?

形 means shape, form, style.

How do you read 形?

On'yomi: ケイ、ギョウ (KEI, GYOU). Kun'yomi: かた、-がた、かたち、なり (kata, gata, katachi, nari).

How many strokes does 形 have?

形 has 7 strokes. Its radical is 彡 (bristle).

Is 形 a good kanji for a tattoo?

Yes. 形 (shape, form, style) has a clear positive meaning and no embarrassing alternate readings, making it a solid tattoo choice.

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