Translation guide
The English word "form" covers many concepts: a physical shape, a document, a type or variety, a way of doing something, and more. This guide breaks down the most common meanings for learners and gives natural Japanese equivalents.
A paper or digital document with spaces to enter information
General word for a form or blank sheet to fill out. Often combined with a specific purpose.
申込用紙に記入してください。
Please fill out the application form.
Loanword from English, common in digital contexts (web forms, online input).
ウェブサイトのフォームに入力する。
Fill in the form on the website.
Refers to a prescribed format or template for documents, often in official or business settings.
報告書は指定の書式で提出してください。
Please submit the report in the specified form.
The physical shape or outline of something
Most common word for shape or form of an object.
雲が犬の形に見える。
The cloud looks like the form of a dog.
More technical or formal term for shape, often used in product descriptions or science.
Often used for the form or figure of a person, animal, or sometimes an object in a poetic sense.
A particular type or manifestation of something
Used for forms or modes of existence, often in academic or business contexts (e.g., forms of government, life forms).
新しい働き方の形態が増えている。
New forms of working are increasing.
Refers to a prescribed or conventional form, format, or style (e.g., art form, ceremony form).
General word for kind or type; can often replace 'form' when meaning 'sort'.
A particular manner, method, or style of doing something
Common, casual way to say 'way of doing' or 'method'.
彼のやり方は少し変わっている。
His form of doing things is a bit unusual.
More formal word for method or way.
Loanword for style, often used for artistic or personal forms of expression.
A person's current state of health, fitness, or performance level
Common word for condition or form, especially in sports or daily health.
今日は調子がいい。
I'm in good form today.
Specifically physical condition or health.
In sports, can refer to one's technique or posture (e.g., running form, swimming form).
A class or year group in a school, especially in UK English
Standard word for school year or grade.
彼は同じ学年の生徒だ。
He's in the same form as me.
Loanword for class, commonly used in school contexts.
English uses 'form' in many set phrases (e.g., 'in any shape or form', 'true to form'). These rarely translate directly. Instead, learn the natural Japanese equivalent for the whole phrase.
いかなる形であれ、暴力は許されない。
Violence is not acceptable in any shape or form.
形 (かたち) is concrete shape. 形態 (けいたい) is abstract form or mode (e.g., life form, business form). 形式 (けいしき) is prescribed format or formality (e.g., ceremony form, document format). Choose based on whether you mean physical shape, type of existence, or fixed style.
この用紙に記入してください。
Please complete this form.
その建物は変わった形をしている。
The building has an unusual form.
彼は今シーズン最高の調子だ。
He's in top form this season.
この部品の形状を変える必要がある。
We need to change the form of this part.
The form of the moon was hidden by clouds.
この芸術の形式は独特だ。
This art form is unique.
There are several forms of this disease.
効果的な学習方法を見つけたい。
I want to find an effective form of study.
彼女のダンスのスタイルは独特だ。
Her dance form is unique.
体調を整えて試合に臨む。
Get in form for the match.
His batting form is perfect.
Next year I'll move up to the next form.