方(かた)

かた
noun, suffix
way (of doing); person (polite)
person
1. way, method, manner (of doing something)
Attached to the masu-stem of a verb to mean 'way of doing.' Functions as a suffix in this usage.
この漢字(かんじ)の読(よ)み方(かた)は？
How do you read this kanji?
箸(はし)の持(も)ち方(かた)を教(おし)えてください。
Please teach me how to hold chopsticks.
料理(りょうり)の作(つく)り方(かた)を母(はは)から習(なら)った。
I learned how to cook from my mother.
2. person (polite)
A polite way to refer to a person. More respectful than 人.
あの方(かた)はどなたですか。
Who is that person?
お客(きゃく)さまの中(なか)に、お医者(いしゃ)さまの方(かた)はいらっしゃいますか。
Is there a doctor among the passengers?
こちらの方(かた)が担当(たんとう)の田中(たなか)さんです。
This is Mr. Tanaka, the person in charge.

SENSE 1 — WAY OF DOING:
Attaches to the masu-stem of verbs: verb stem}+{方(かた).

Common patterns

SENSE 2 — PERSON (POLITE):
More polite than 人(ひと). Used in formal speech and polite conversation. Often preceded by あの, この, その, or どの.

Note: 方(かた) (person) is distinct from 方(ほう) (direction/alternative), which is a separate word with the same kanji.

Related Words

Related: 方(ほう) (same kanji, different reading)
general
Added 2026.2.9 11:36 · Revised 2026.9.4 21:29
10500/10665_kata