形
かたち · katachi · JLPT N4 · noun
shape
🔷 kata (mold, pattern) + chi: the form a mold gives is its katachi
Katachi builds on kata (型/形), the word for a mold or set pattern, as in karate kata. A kata is the template; katachi is the outward shape that results. Same kanji 形 also reads kei/gyou in compounds like 人形 (ningyou, doll = person-shape).
形 — open frame 开 + hair/pattern 彡
形 combines 开 (originally a phonetic element suggesting the sound) with 彡, a radical depicting fine lines, hair, or decorative strokes. The 彡 part conveys the idea of visible markings or surface appearance, giving 形 its core meaning of 'shape' or 'form.' Over time it broadened to cover physical figure, appearance, and abstract form.