形成 in 30 Sekunden
- Process of taking shape.
- Used for abstract concepts (character, identity).
- Used for natural formations (geology, weather).
- Formal alternative to 'making' (作る).
The Japanese word 形成 (けいせい - keisei) is a formal noun and suru-verb that translates to 'formation,' 'shaping,' or 'taking form.' It refers to the process by which something is created, structured, or developed over time. Unlike simple words for 'making' (like 作る - tsukuru), 形成 implies a gradual, often complex process where various elements come together to create a unified whole. This word is highly versatile and is used across multiple domains, from physical geography to abstract psychology and sociology.
To truly understand 形成, we must break down its kanji characters. The first kanji, 形 (kei/katachi), means 'shape,' 'form,' or 'appearance.' It is used in words like 形式 (keishiki - format) and 人形 (ningyou - doll). The second kanji, 成 (sei/naru), means 'to become,' 'to grow,' or 'to turn into.' It appears in words like 成功 (seikou - success) and 成長 (seichou - growth). Together, 形 + 成 literally means 'to become a shape' or 'to grow into a form.'
- Physical Formation
- Used for natural processes where physical structures are created over time, such as mountains, clouds, or geological features. It emphasizes the natural forces at work.
- Abstract Formation
- Used for the development of intangible concepts, such as character (人格 - jinkaku), identity (アイデンティティ), or values (価値観 - kachikan). It highlights the psychological or social processes involved.
- Social Formation
- Used for the creation of groups, communities, networks, or consensus. It underscores the collaborative or collective effort required to build social structures.
長い年月をかけて、この独特な地形が形成された。
幼児期の経験は、人格の形成に大きな影響を与える。
新しいコミュニティを形成するためのプロジェクトが始まった。
台風が形成されつつある。
市場での価格形成のメカニズムを学ぶ。
In academic and professional settings, 形成 is a critical vocabulary word. It elevates the tone of your Japanese, making it sound more objective, analytical, and sophisticated. Whether you are discussing the formation of a new political party, the development of a child's personality, or the geological history of a region, 形成 is the precise word you need. Understanding its broad applicability is key to mastering B2-level Japanese and moving towards advanced fluency.
Using 形成 (けいせい) correctly involves understanding its grammatical behavior and the specific collocations it forms. As a 'suru-verb' (名詞＋する), it can function both as a noun and as a verb. This dual nature makes it highly adaptable in sentence construction. Let's explore the primary ways to use 形成 in everyday and professional Japanese.
1. As a Transitive Verb (〜を形成する)
When someone or something actively shapes or forms an object, concept, or group, 形成 takes the object particle を (wo). This usage emphasizes the active role of the subject in the creation process.
- Noun + を + 形成する
- This is the most common active pattern. Example: チームを形成する (to form a team), 資産を形成する (to build/form assets).
2. As an Intransitive Verb (〜が形成される)
Often, 形成 is used in the passive form (形成される) to describe something that forms naturally or as a result of a process, without explicitly stating who or what formed it. This is very common in scientific, historical, or sociological contexts.
- Noun + が + 形成される
- This pattern describes the result or ongoing process of formation. Example: 地形が形成される (the terrain is formed), 合意が形成される (consensus is formed).
3. As a Noun Modifier (形成の〜 / 〜形成)
形成 frequently acts as a suffix to create compound nouns. This is a hallmark of formal and academic Japanese.
- Compound Nouns
- Words like 人格形成 (character formation), 資産形成 (asset building), and 合意形成 (consensus building) are standard terms in their respective fields.
彼らは新しい政党を形成した。
この地域には独自の文化が形成されている。
若者の価値観の形成には、SNSが大きく関わっている。
会議でようやく合意形成に至った。
将来のために資産形成を始めるべきだ。
Mastering these patterns will significantly improve your ability to read news articles, participate in business meetings, and discuss complex topics in Japanese. Remember that 形成 implies a process, a gradual coming together of parts, which distinguishes it from sudden creation or simple manufacturing.
The word 形成 (けいせい) is a staple of formal Japanese. While you might not hear it in casual chats at an izakaya, it is ubiquitous in news broadcasts, academic lectures, business meetings, and formal writing. Understanding the contexts where 形成 is commonly used will help you anticipate its appearance and grasp the nuances of the discussion.
1. News and Politics
In political discourse, 形成 is frequently used to describe the creation of alliances, governments, or public opinion. Journalists use it to describe complex social phenomena.
- 世論形成 (Yoron Keisei)
- The formation of public opinion. News anchors often discuss how media or events influence 世論形成.
2. Business and Economics
In the corporate world, 形成 is essential for discussing strategy, finance, and organizational structure. It conveys a sense of deliberate planning and long-term development.
- 資産形成 (Shisan Keisei)
- Asset formation or wealth building. This is a massive buzzword in Japanese personal finance and banking.
3. Science and Geography
In the natural sciences, 形成 describes the slow, methodical processes of nature. It is the standard term for geological and meteorological phenomena.
- 地形形成 (Chikei Keisei)
- Landform formation. Used in documentaries and textbooks to explain how mountains, valleys, and coastlines were created.
ニュース：新たな連立政権が形成される見通しです。
ビジネス：社内の合意形成には時間がかかる。
心理学：アイデンティティの形成は青年期の重要な課題だ。
気象情報：南の海上で熱帯低気圧が形成されました。
医療：血栓の形成を防ぐ薬を処方します。
By recognizing these common contexts, you can not only understand the word 形成 but also gain insight into Japanese culture and professional norms. The word reflects a society that values process, gradual development, and collective agreement over sudden, individualistic action.
Because Japanese has many words that translate to 'make,' 'form,' or 'create' in English, learners often struggle to choose the right one. 形成 (けいせい) is frequently confused with other similar-sounding or similar-meaning words. Let's clarify these common mistakes to ensure you use 形成 accurately and naturally.
Mistake 1: Confusing 形成 with 作る (tsukuru)
The most basic mistake is using 形成 for simple, physical creation. 作る is the general word for making things. 形成 implies a complex, gradual process.
- Incorrect vs. Correct
- ❌ ケーキを形成する (To form a cake - sounds bizarrely scientific)
✅ ケーキを作る (To make a cake)
Mistake 2: Confusing 形成 with 構成 (kousei)
This is a very common error even among advanced learners. 構成 means 'composition' or 'structure'—it focuses on the *parts* that make up the whole. 形成 means 'formation'—it focuses on the *process* of taking shape.
- Nuance Difference
- チームの構成 (The composition of the team - who is in it).
チームの形成 (The formation of the team - how it came together).
Mistake 3: Confusing 形成 with 発生 (hassei)
発生 means 'occurrence' or 'outbreak.' It is used for things that happen suddenly, like accidents, bugs, or problems. 形成 is for things that develop over time.
- Usage Context
- ❌ 問題が形成された (A problem was formed - unnatural).
✅ 問題が発生した (A problem occurred).
❌ 彼は新しい机を形成した。
✅ 彼は新しい机を作った。
❌ 委員会の形成メンバーを発表する。
✅ 委員会の構成メンバーを発表する。
❌ 事故が形成された。
✅ 事故が発生した。
❌ 良い習慣を構成する。
✅ 良い習慣を形成する。
❌ 雲が作成される。
✅ 雲が形成される。
By avoiding these common pitfalls, your Japanese will sound much more natural and precise. Always consider the nature of the object being created: is it a sudden event, a physical product, a composition of parts, or a gradual formation? Choose your vocabulary accordingly.
To fully master 形成 (けいせい), it is helpful to compare it with its synonyms. Japanese has a rich vocabulary for concepts related to creation, structure, and development. Understanding the subtle differences between these similar words will allow you to express yourself with greater precision and nuance.
1. 構成 (こうせい - Kousei) : Composition / Organization
As mentioned in the Common Mistakes section, 構成 focuses on the elements or parts that make up a whole. It is about the internal structure.
- Example
- 家族の構成 (Family composition - who is in the family). 形成 focuses on the process, 構成 focuses on the structure.
2. 構築 (こうちく - Kouchiku) : Construction / Building
構築 is used for building complex, often abstract systems, networks, or theories. It implies a deliberate, step-by-step architectural process.
- Example
- 信頼関係を構築する (To build a relationship of trust). While you can say 形成, 構築 emphasizes the active effort of building it like a structure.
3. 成立 (せいりつ - Seiritsu) : Establishment / Materialization
成立 means that something has successfully come into existence or been finalized. It is often used for laws, contracts, or deals.
- Example
- 契約が成立した (The contract was established/concluded). 形成 is the process leading up to it; 成立 is the final realization.
文章の構成を考える。
新しいシステムを構築する。
ついに交渉が成立した。
資料を作成する。
新しい会社を設立する。
Expanding your vocabulary to include these related terms will drastically improve your reading comprehension, especially for JLPT N2 and N1 materials. You will begin to notice how Japanese authors carefully select between 形成, 構成, and 構築 to convey exactly how something came to be.
How Formal Is It?
Schwierigkeitsgrad
Wichtige Grammatik
Passive Voice (〜れる・られる) for natural processes.
Nominalization (〜こと・〜の) for discussing the act of formation.
Compound Nouns (Noun + 形成) for specialized terminology.
〜つつある (in the process of) for ongoing formation.
〜において (in/regarding) for academic contexts.
Beispiele nach Niveau
まるい 形 です。
It is a round shape.
Uses the kanji 形 (katachi) meaning shape.
しかくの 形 を さがして。
Look for the square shape.
Basic noun usage of 形.
ほしの 形 が 好き です。
I like the star shape.
Noun + particle が.
どんな 形 ですか。
What kind of shape is it?
Question word どんな + noun.
形 が きれいです。
The shape is pretty.
Subject marker が + adjective.
おおきい 形 を つくります。
I will make a big shape.
Adjective + noun + object marker を.
これは 変な 形 です。
This is a strange shape.
Na-adjective modifying a noun.
形 を かいて ください。
Please draw a shape.
Te-form + kudasai for requests.
雲が 形成 されます。
Clouds are formed.
Passive form されます.
山が 形成 されました。
The mountain was formed.
Past passive form.
グループを 形成 します。
We will form a group.
Object marker を + suru verb.
氷が 形成 される のを 見ました。
I saw the ice forming.
Nominalizer の + object marker を.
町が 形成 されて いきます。
The town is gradually forming.
Te-form + ikimasu (continuous process).
新しい チームが 形成 された。
A new team was formed.
Subject marker が + past passive.
列を 形成 して ください。
Please form a line.
Te-form + kudasai for instructions.
島が 形成 される 理由 を 学ぶ。
Learn the reason why islands are formed.
Modifying a noun (理由) with a clause.
子供の 人格は 家庭で 形成される。
A child's character is formed at home.
Abstract concept (人格) + passive.
良い 習慣を 形成する のは 難しい。
It is difficult to form good habits.
Nominalizing a verb phrase with のは.
この 地域の 文化が 形成された 歴史。
The history of how this region's culture was formed.
Relative clause modifying 歴史.
台風が 形成されつつ ある。
A typhoon is in the process of forming.
Verb stem + つつある (ongoing process).
意見の 一致を みて、合意が 形成された。
Seeing an agreement of opinions, a consensus was formed.
Formal compound noun 合意形成.
新しい ネットワークを 形成する 必要が ある。
There is a need to form a new network.
Verb dictionary form + 必要がある.
長年の 努力が 今の 彼を 形成した。
Years of effort formed the person he is today.
Using 形成 to mean shaping a person's current state.
社会の ルールは どのように 形成される のか。
How are the rules of society formed?
Embedded question with のか.
資産形成の ために 投資を 始めた。
I started investing for the purpose of asset formation.
Compound noun 資産形成 + のために.
アイデンティティの 形成には 他者との 関わりが 不可欠だ。
Interaction with others is essential for the formation of identity.
Noun + には (for the purpose of/in the process of).
会議では、円滑な 合意形成が 求められる。
Smooth consensus building is required in meetings.
Passive verb 求められる (is required).
その 出来事が 彼の 政治的 価値観を 形成した。
That event formed his political values.
Transitive usage with abstract object (価値観).
複雑な 地形が 形成された メカニズムを 解明する。
Clarify the mechanism by which the complex terrain was formed.
Relative clause modifying メカニズム.
現代 社会の 階層形成に ついて 論文を 書く。
Write a paper on the formation of social classes in modern society.
Academic compound noun 階層形成.
世論を 形成する 上で、メディアの 役割は 大きい。
The media plays a large role in forming public opinion.
Verb dictionary form + 上で (in the process of).
独自の 生態系が 形成されている 島を 訪れた。
I visited an island where a unique ecosystem has been formed.
Passive continuous state 形成されている modifying 島.
初期宇宙における 銀河の 形成過程を シミュレーションする。
Simulate the formation process of galaxies in the early universe.
Highly technical compound noun 形成過程.
言語の 形成は、人間の 認知能力の 発達と 密接に 結びついている。
The formation of language is closely linked to the development of human cognitive abilities.
Academic phrasing 密接に結びついている.
国家という 概念が 形成される 以前の 社会構造を 考察する。
Examine the social structure prior to the formation of the concept of a nation-state.
Complex relative clause modifying 以前の社会構造.
市場価格は、需要と 供給の 均衡点において 形成される。
Market prices are formed at the equilibrium point of supply and demand.
Economic terminology 均衡点において.
トラウマが 症状形成に どのように 関与しているかを 分析する。
Analyze how trauma is involved in symptom formation.
Medical/psychological term 症状形成.
多文化 共生社会の 形成に 向けた 政策的 課題を 議論する。
Discuss policy challenges toward the formation of a multicultural cohesive society.
Noun + に向けた (towards).
この 判例は、新たな 法理が 形成される 契機と なった。
This legal precedent became the catalyst for the formation of a new legal principle.
Legal context 契機となった (became the catalyst).
自己概念の 形成において、文化的 背景は 無視できない 要因である。
In the formation of self-concept, cultural background is an undeniable factor.
Noun + において (in/regarding).
歴史的 記述の 形成には、常に 権力者の 意図が 介在している。
The intentions of those in power always intervene in the formation of historical narratives.
Advanced abstract concept (歴史的記述の形成).
現象学に おいて、意味の 形成は 意識の 指向性に 基づく。
In phenomenology, the formation of meaning is based on the intentionality of consciousness.
Philosophical terminology (現象学, 指向性).
資本主義 経済の 形成期に おける 労働者階級の 状態を 詳述する。
Detail the conditions of the working class during the formative period of the capitalist economy.
Historical/economic compound 形成期 (formative period).
芸術作品の 価値形成 メカニズムは、極めて 恣意的で ある。
The value formation mechanism of artworks is extremely arbitrary.
Critical analysis vocabulary (恣意的).
法規範の 形成は、社会の 倫理的 コンセンサスの 結晶で あるべきだ。
The formation of legal norms should be the crystallization of society's ethical consensus.
Jurisprudential rhetoric (結晶であるべきだ).
都市空間の 形成は、資本の 論理と 住民の 生活圏の 衝突の 歴史で ある。
The formation of urban space is a history of conflict between the logic of capital and the living spheres of residents.
Sociological/urban planning discourse.
自我の 形成を 阻害する 病理的 家族関係の 構造的 要因を 探る。
Explore the structural factors of pathological family relationships that inhibit the formation of the ego.
Advanced psychoanalytic terminology (自我の形成, 阻害する).
言語ゲームの 形成と 変容を 通じて、文化の 動態を 記述する。
Describe the dynamics of culture through the formation and transformation of language games.
Wittgensteinian philosophical context (言語ゲーム).
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
Wird oft verwechselt mit
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
Leicht verwechselbar
Satzmuster
So verwendest du es
Implies a gradual, complex process of parts coming together.
Highly formal; appropriate for written Japanese, news, and business.
Not used for sudden creation or simple manufacturing.
- Using 形成 for simple physical objects.
- Confusing 形成 with 構成.
- Using the active form for natural events.
- Confusing 形成 with 発生.
- Adding を inside compound nouns.
Tipps
Active vs Passive
Pay close attention to を形成する (active) vs が形成される (passive). Natural phenomena almost always use the passive.
Compound Nouns
Memorize common compounds like 人格形成 (character formation) and 合意形成 (consensus building) as single vocabulary items.
Look at the Roots
形 means shape, 成 means become. 'Becoming a shape' helps you remember the meaning perfectly.
Nemawashi
Understand that 合意形成 (consensus building) is deeply tied to the Japanese business practice of Nemawashi (laying groundwork).
Elevate Your Essays
Replace 作る with 形成する when writing about abstract concepts to instantly sound more academic.
JLPT Strategy
If you see 形成 in a reading passage, expect the text to be about a gradual process or development over time.
Pitch Accent
Pronounce it flat (けいせい). A drop in pitch will make it sound unnatural.
Not for Gadgets
Never use 形成 for manufacturing products like cars or phones. Use 製造 (seizou) or 生産 (seisan) instead.
Influence
The phrase 〜の形成に影響を与える (influence the formation of...) is extremely common in essays.
Science and Nature
In science documentaries, 形成 is the go-to word for how planets, stars, and landscapes were created.
Einprägen
Eselsbrücke
Imagine a piece of CLAY (Kei) SAYing (sei) 'I am taking shape!' as you mold it.
Wortherkunft
Kultureller Kontext
Used extensively in geology and meteorology to describe natural phenomena.
合意形成 (consensus building) is a critical term in Japanese corporate culture.
人格形成 (character formation) is considered a primary goal of schooling.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Gesprächseinstiege
"日本の教育における人格形成についてどう思いますか？ (What do you think about character formation in Japanese education?)"
"将来のための資産形成は何かしていますか？ (Are you doing anything for asset formation for the future?)"
"チームの合意形成で一番難しいことは何ですか？ (What is the most difficult thing about building consensus in a team?)"
"SNSは若者の価値観形成にどう影響していると思いますか？ (How do you think SNS influences the value formation of young people?)"
"この地域の独特な文化はどのように形成されたのでしょうか？ (How was the unique culture of this region formed?)"
Tagebuch-Impulse
あなたのアイデンティティ形成に最も影響を与えた出来事は何ですか？ (What event had the most influence on the formation of your identity?)
良い習慣を形成するために、毎日実践していることはありますか？ (Is there anything you practice daily to form good habits?)
理想のコミュニティを形成するためには何が必要だと思いますか？ (What do you think is necessary to form an ideal community?)
資産形成について、どのような計画を持っていますか？ (What kind of plan do you have regarding asset formation?)
あなたの国の世論はどのように形成されることが多いですか？ (How is public opinion usually formed in your country?)
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNo. 形成 is for complex, gradual processes. For a cake, use 作る (tsukuru).
形成 is the *process* of taking shape (formation). 構成 refers to the *parts* that make up the whole (composition).
It is both. It is a noun meaning 'formation', and by adding する (suru), it becomes a verb meaning 'to form'.
It means 'consensus building'. It refers to the process of getting everyone to agree before making a final decision.
Because it is often used to describe natural or social processes (like mountains forming or public opinion forming) where there is no single active creator.
Yes, but usually only for natural formations like geology (mountains, rivers) or meteorology (clouds, typhoons).
It translates to 'asset formation' or 'wealth building'. It is a common term in personal finance and banking.
It is pronounced 'keisei' with a flat pitch accent (heiban), meaning the pitch stays relatively high after the first mora.
It is generally considered an N2 level word, but it frequently appears in N1 reading comprehension texts.
Words like 崩壊 (houkai - collapse) or 解体 (kaitai - dismantling) represent the breaking down of form.
Teste dich selbst 200 Fragen
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Use 形成 (keisei) when discussing the gradual, complex process of something taking shape, whether it's a physical landform, a person's character, or a social consensus. It implies development over time, unlike simple creation.
- Process of taking shape.
- Used for abstract concepts (character, identity).
- Used for natural formations (geology, weather).
- Formal alternative to 'making' (作る).
Active vs Passive
Pay close attention to を形成する (active) vs が形成される (passive). Natural phenomena almost always use the passive.
Compound Nouns
Memorize common compounds like 人格形成 (character formation) and 合意形成 (consensus building) as single vocabulary items.
Look at the Roots
形 means shape, 成 means become. 'Becoming a shape' helps you remember the meaning perfectly.
Nemawashi
Understand that 合意形成 (consensus building) is deeply tied to the Japanese business practice of Nemawashi (laying groundwork).
Beispiel
幼少期の経験が人格の形成に大きな影響を与える。
