構(かま)え

がまえ
noun
stance; posture; readiness
1. stance; posture; guard
A physical position of readiness, especially in martial arts, sports, or combat. The way one positions the body in preparation for action.
剣道(けんどう)の構(かま)えをとる。
To take a kendo stance.
上段(じょうだん)の構(かま)えから打(う)ち込(こ)む。
To strike from a high guard position.
相手(あいて)の攻撃(こうげき)に対(たい)して身構(みがま)えの構(かま)えをとった。
I took a defensive stance against the opponent's attack.
2. attitude; readiness; preparedness
A mental state of readiness or a particular attitude toward something. Used figuratively to describe being prepared or on guard.
気楽(きらく)な構(かま)えでいい。
A relaxed attitude is fine.
何(なに)があっても動(どう)じない構(かま)えだ。
He has an attitude of not being fazed by anything.
試験(しけん)に向(む)けて万全(ばんぜん)の構(かま)えで臨(のぞ)む。
I will approach the exam fully prepared.
3. structure; appearance; scale (of a building)
The external appearance or imposing size of a building or establishment.
立派(りっぱ)な構(かま)えの屋敷(やしき)だ。
It's a mansion with an impressive appearance.
大(おお)きな構(かま)えの店(みせ)が通(とお)りに並(なら)んでいる。
Large-scale shops line the street.
門(もん)構(がま)えからして、かなり裕福(ゆうふく)な家(いえ)のようだ。
Judging from the gate's appearance, it seems to be a quite wealthy household.

The noun form of 構(かま)える (to set up, to take a stance). The reading changes from かまえ to がまえ when used as a suffix in compounds like 門構(もんがま)え and 身構(みがま)え (rendaku).

Common collocations

  • 構(かま)えをとる — to take a stance/posture
  • 上段(じょうだん)の構(かま)え — high guard (kendo/martial arts)
  • 中段(ちゅうだん)の構(かま)え — middle guard
  • 門構(もんがま)え — the appearance of a gate/entrance
  • 身構(みがま)え — bracing oneself, being on guard

Usage

Similar words

Related Words

Compare: 姿勢(しせい) (posture)
Compare: 態勢(たいせい) (readiness, preparation)
general
Added 2026.5.7 22:11 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
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