1.
form, shape, configuration
The outward form, structure, or mode of something. Used in academic, technical, and formal contexts to describe how something is organized or structured.
新しい雇用形態が増えている。
New forms of employment are increasing.
家族の形態は時代とともに変化してきた。
The form of the family has changed with the times.
この生物は環境に応じてさまざまな形態を取ることが知られている。
This organism is known to take on various forms depending on the environment.
USAGE:
A formal and somewhat academic word. Common in discussions of organizational structures, biological morphology, and social patterns. In linguistics, 形態素 means "morpheme" and 形態論 means "morphology."
Do not confuse with the homophone 携帯 (portable; mobile phone), which is a completely different word.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 雇用形態: form of employment
- 生活形態: lifestyle, way of living
- 経営形態: form of management
- 形態学: morphology (biology)