Meaning
This section explores the fascinating N3 kanji, 型 (kata / kei)! This versatile kanji frequently appears in daily Japanese. It carries core meanings such as type, model, pattern, mold, style, or form. Think of it as the kanji for defining categories, structures, or established ways of doing things.
Where does 型 come from? Its visual components provide clues. On the left side, you see the radical 土 (tsuchi), meaning 'earth' or 'clay'. This hints at a material connection. On the right side is 刑 (kei), which originally depicted a mold for casting things, later evolving to mean 'punishment' or 'pattern/model' in a broader sense. Combining 'earth' (土) with 'mold/pattern' (刑) suggests something being shaped or cast. This perfectly encapsulates 'type' or 'model'—something created according to a specific form or pattern.
Imagine making pottery: you take a lump of clay (土) and use a mold (刑) to give it a specific type or shape. This is the essence of 型! It applies not only to physical molds but also to conceptual ones, such as a standard 'type' of product or a 'pattern' of behavior.
This 7-stroke kanji is taught in the 2nd grade of Japanese elementary schools. It's an essential building block for your N3 journey and beyond. Its visual components directly echo its meanings, making it relatively intuitive to remember once you know its story.
Readings
Now, we'll examine how 型 is pronounced! Like many kanji, 型 has both On'yomi (Chinese-derived readings) and Kun'yomi (native Japanese readings). Mastering both will significantly boost your comprehension.
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The main On'yomi for 型 is ケイ (KEI). You'll typically find this reading in more formal, technical, or compound words. It often refers to specific types, models, or patterns in a classificatory sense, appearing with other kanji to create precise terms.
- 新型 (shingata) — Meaning 'new model' or 'new type' (e.g., a brand new car model or smartphone).
- 典型 (tenkei) — Meaning 'typical', 'model', or 'archetype', this compound describes something that perfectly represents a category or characteristic.
- 模型 (mokei) — This refers to a 'model', often a miniature scale model of things like cars, airplanes, or buildings.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The primary Kun'yomi for 型 is かた (kata). This reading is more common in everyday Japanese, especially when 型 appears as a standalone noun or in colloquial expressions. It directly conveys the sense of a 'pattern', 'style', 'form', or a 'mold'.
- 型 (kata) — As a standalone word, it means 'type', 'pattern', or 'mold' (e.g., a baking mold or a sewing pattern).
- 型にはまる (kata ni hamaru) — This useful phrase means 'to fit into a mold' or 'to be conventional/stereotypical,' implying conformity to established patterns.
- 型破り (katayaburi) — Literally 'breaking the mold', this adjective describes someone or something 'unconventional' or 'extraordinary'. It's the opposite of 型にはまる.
Common Words & Compounds
Here are more common words and compounds using 型, grouped by theme to help you understand their nuances. You'll encounter these frequently, from news articles to casual conversations.
- For Types & Models (製品や分類):
- 新型 (shingata) — new model, new type (e.g., new car 新型車)
- 旧型 (kyuugata) — old model, old type (the previous version)
- 標準型 (hyoujungata) — standard model, standard type
- 大型 (oogata) — large type, large-scale (e.g., 大型犬 - large dog)
- 小型 (kogata) — small type, small-scale (e.g., 小型カメラ - small camera)
- 血液型 (ketsuekigata) — blood type (A type, B type, etc.)
- For Patterns, Forms & Styles (様式や方法):
- 典型 (tenkei) — typical, model, archetype (as in a typical example)
- 形式 (keishiki) — form, format, style (often referring to administrative or artistic styles)
- 型 (kata) — pattern, style, form (e.g., a specific martial arts form or a sewing pattern)
- 文型 (bunkei) — sentence pattern (in grammar)
- 型にはまる (kata ni hamaru) — to fit into a mold, to be conventional
- 型破り (katayaburi) — unconventional, breaking the mold, extraordinary
- For Molds & Templates (成形する道具):
- 模型 (mokei) — model (e.g., plastic model kit)
- 型枠 (katawaku) — framework, formwork (used in construction for concrete)
- 焼き型 (yakigata) — baking mold (for cakes or cookies)
Example Sentences
Here are some example sentences demonstrating 型 in action. Pay attention to its use in different contexts.
これは新型車です。
Kore wa shingatasha desu.
This is a new model car.
小型のカメラが欲しいです。
Kogata no kamera ga hoshii desu.
I want a small camera.
生地を型に入れてください。
Kiji o kata ni irete kudasai.
Please pour the dough into the mold.
彼の性格は典型的なB型です。
Kare no seikaku wa tenkeiteki na B-gata desu.
His personality is very typical of a B blood type.
彼女は型破りなユニークなスタイルを持っています。
Kanojo wa katayaburi na yuniiku na sutairu o motteimasu.
She has a unique style that breaks the mold.
この建物は現代建築の典型です。
Kono tatemono wa gendai kenchiku no tenkei desu.
This building is a typical example of modern architecture.
型にはまった考え方に囚われないことが大切です。
Kata ni hamatta kangaekata ni torawarenai koto ga taisetsu desu.
It's important not to get stuck in a conventional way of thinking.
お土産に飛行機の模型を買いました。
Omiyage ni hikouki no mokei o kaimashita.
I bought a model airplane as a souvenir.
Memory Tip
To help you remember 型, let's connect its parts to a vivid image. Picture the left radical, 土, as a pile of 'earth' or 'clay'. Next, look at the right side, 刑. While it often means 'punishment', here we can imagine it as a 'tool' or 'structure' used to 'shape' something. So, you take a lump of earth (土) and use a shaping tool/mold (刑) to create a specific type or model of object. Picture a potter expertly using a template to form a perfect vase. This process defines its 'type' or 'pattern'. Whenever you see 型, remember this: 'earth + shaping tool = type/mold'.