形

形 — shape, form, style

Learn the correct stroke order for 形 (shape), a 7-stroke kanji.

JLPT N3Grade 27 strokes

Stroke Order

Stroke 0 / 7

On'yomi (音読み)ケイkei、ギョウgyou

Kun'yomi (訓読み)かたkata、-がたgata、かたちkatachi、なりnari

Strokes7

Radical彡

Frequency#418

Meaningsshape, form, style

Step-by-Step Diagram

Try Writing It

Practice writing each stroke in the correct order and direction. Start from the green dot.

Draw stroke 1 of 7 — start from the green dot

Common Words

花形はながたfloral pattern; flourish; ornamentnoun

形見かたみmemento (esp. of a deceased person); keepsake; heirloomnoun

形式けいしきform (as opposed to substance)noun

形状けいじょうshape; formnoun

形勢けいせいcondition; situation; prospectsnoun

形成けいせいformation; molding; making (up)noun

Usage & Examples

Usage Notes

The kanji 形 (shape) is taught in grade 2 of Japanese elementary school and appears at JLPT N3 level. It has 7 strokes with radical 彡.

In newspaper frequency rankings, 形 is #418, making it one of the most commonly used kanji.

Example Words in Context

花形はながた — floral pattern; flourish; ornament

形見かたみ — memento (esp. of a deceased person); keepsake; heirloom

形式けいしき — form (as opposed to substance)

Practice Sheet

Trace then write on your own. Print this row as a PDF practice sheet.

Related Kanji

Same radical (彡)

彩coloring 彫carve 彰patent 影shadow

Same reading

経sutra 係person in charge 警admonish 景scenery 掛hang

Frequently Asked Questions

How many strokes does 形 have?

The kanji 形 (shape) has 7 strokes. Watch the animation above to see the correct order.

What is the correct stroke order for 形?

形 follows the standard Japanese stroke order as taught in schools. Use the step-by-step diagram or the "Try Writing" tool above to practice each stroke in sequence.

What does 形 mean?

形 means: shape, form, style. On'yomi readings: ケイ, ギョウ. Kun'yomi readings: かた, -がた, かたち, なり.

What JLPT level is 形?

形 is a JLPT N3 kanji. This is an intermediate kanji.