Translation guide
How to express that something comes into existence, takes shape, or is created, depending on whether it is natural, man-made, or abstract.
Something forms or develops over time, often without a direct agent.
General verb for something coming into being, forming, or being made. Very common and natural.
雲ができた。
Clouds formed.
新しい習慣ができた。
A new habit formed.
More formal/literary; often used for geological, biological, or abstract formations.
この地形は何百万年もかけて形成された。
This landscape was formed over millions of years.
To arise, come about; often for abstract things like problems or feelings.
誤解が生じた。
A misunderstanding formed/arose.
Something is put together, organized, or established by human effort.
Passive of 作る (to make). The most common way to say something is made/formed by someone.
このチームは去年作られた。
This team was formed last year.
委員会が作られた。
A committee was formed.
Specifically for forming groups, bands, teams, organizations.
新しいバンドが結成された。
A new band was formed.
For establishing companies, institutions, or formal organizations.
その会社は1990年に設立された。
The company was formed/established in 1990.
A physical object is molded, shaped, or comes to have a particular form.
Passive of 形作る (to shape/form). Emphasizes the shaping process.
粘土が花瓶の形に形作られた。
The clay was formed into a vase.
Technical term for molding, casting, or shaping materials.
プラスチックが成形される。
Plastic is formed/molded.
Describing the composition or constituents of something.
Pattern meaning 'consists of ~'. Use after a noun listing components.
水は水素と酸素からなる。
Water is formed of hydrogen and oxygen.
この委員会は10人のメンバーからなる。
This committee is formed of 10 members.
Means 'is made of ~'. More concrete, often for materials.
この像は石でできている。
This statue is formed of stone.
English 'be formed' covers many situations. In Japanese, the best word depends on what is forming and how. Using 形成される for everyday things can sound overly formal. For simple natural formation, できる is usually best.