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形成する

B1 verb #3,500 most common 9 min read

形成する

keisei suru Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 形成する in 30 Seconds

Explanation 形成する in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't really need to use '形成する' (keisei suru). It is a difficult word. Instead, you use '作る' (tsukuru), which means 'to make.' For example, instead of saying 'form a habit,' you might just say 'make a new habit.' You might see '形成' in very formal signs, but for now, focus on simple 'make' and 'become' (naru). If you encounter this word, just think of it as a very fancy way to say 'make' or 'take shape.'

At the A2 level, you might start seeing '形成する' in simple news articles or textbooks. You should understand that it means 'to form' something complex. You might see it used with words like 'character' (人格 - jinkaku) or 'society' (社会 - shakai). You don't have to use it in your own speaking yet, but you should recognize that it's more formal than 'tsukuru.' It often appears in the passive form 'keisei sareru' (is formed).

At the B1 level, you should begin using '形成する' in your writing and formal speaking. This is the level where you discuss abstract topics like education, nature, and society. You should know the common phrase '人格形成' (character formation) and '合意形成' (consensus building). When you want to sound more professional in a presentation, choose 'keisei suru' over 'tsukuru' when discussing the development of ideas or systems. You should also be able to distinguish it from 'kousei suru' (to compose).

At the B2 level, you are expected to use '形成する' naturally in various contexts, including business and academic writing. You should understand its nuance of 'systematic development over time.' You should use it to describe geological processes, psychological development, and social trends. You should also be comfortable with the noun form '形成' and how it functions in compound words like '形成外科' (plastic surgery). You understand that this word implies a certain 'logic' behind the formation.

At the C1 level, you should have a nuanced command of '形成する.' You can use it to discuss complex philosophical concepts, economic trends, and intricate biological processes. You understand the subtle difference between 'keisei' and other formal synonyms like 'kouchiku' (construct) or 'juritsu' (establish). You can use it in the potential form 'keisei shiuru' (can form) or causative 'keisei saseru' (cause to form) to describe complex interactions in systems theory or high-level sociology.

At the C2 level, '形成する' is a basic tool in your vast vocabulary. You use it with precision in academic papers, legal documents, or high-level diplomacy. You are aware of its historical and etymological roots and can use it to evoke a sense of grand, inevitable process. You can distinguish between the 'morphogenesis' aspect of 'keisei' and the 'structural' aspect of 'kousei' with perfect accuracy. You can also play with the word in literary contexts to describe the shaping of a soul or the destiny of a civilization.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

形成する in 30 Seconds

Keisei suru means 'to form' or 'to shape' in a formal and systematic way.
It is commonly used for abstract things like character, habits, and opinions.
It is also a standard scientific term for geological and biological formations.
It is more formal than 'tsukuru' and implies a structured process of development.

The Japanese verb 形成する (けいせいする - keisei suru) is a sophisticated and versatile term that translates primarily to 'to form,' 'to shape,' or 'to construct.' While it can describe physical shaping, it is most frequently employed in abstract, academic, or formal contexts. At its core, the word implies a process where various elements, parts, or influences come together over time to create a structured whole. It is not just about 'making' something (like the simple verb 作る - tsukuru), but rather about the systematic or evolutionary process of development. You will encounter this word in discussions ranging from geology and biology to psychology and sociology.

Abstract Formation: Used when discussing the development of character, habits, or public opinion. For example, '人格を形成する' (forming one's personality) suggests a long-term growth process influenced by environment and education.
Physical/Geological Formation: Used in science to describe how natural features like mountains, rivers, or crystals are created. '山脈が形成される' (mountain ranges are formed) implies a grand, natural scale.
Social and Political Structures: Commonly used in news and business to describe the building of consensus, coalitions, or market trends. '合意を形成する' (to reach/form a consensus) is a standard professional phrase.

教育の目的は、豊かな人格を形成することにあります。(The purpose of education lies in forming a rich personality.)

In everyday conversation, you might not use 'keisei suru' to talk about making a sandwich, but you would certainly use it when discussing how your childhood experiences shaped who you are today. It suggests a level of complexity where multiple factors converge. In a business setting, it is the go-to word for 'forming a team' or 'shaping a strategy' when you want to sound professional and deliberate. The word consists of two kanji: 形 (shape/form) and 成 (become/achieve), literally meaning 'to become a shape' or 'to achieve a form.' This etymological roots emphasize the transition from a state of chaos or nothingness into a defined entity.

新しい習慣を形成するには、少なくとも三週間は必要だと言われている。(It is said that it takes at least three weeks to form a new habit.)

When using this verb, consider the formality of the situation. It is a 'suru' verb, which makes it easy to conjugate, but its high-register kanji combination makes it sound authoritative. If you are writing an essay, a business report, or a scientific paper, 'keisei suru' is often preferred over more colloquial verbs like 'dekiru' (to be made) or 'tsukuru' (to make). It provides a sense of gravity and analytical depth to your Japanese.

Using 形成する effectively requires understanding its grammatical patterns. As a transitive verb (他動詞), it typically takes the particle を (o) to indicate the object being formed. However, it is very frequently used in its passive form, 形成される (keisei sareru), to describe natural phenomena or social trends where the 'creator' is not a single person but a set of circumstances.

Transitive Usage (Active): [Subject] が [Object] を形成する. Example: '政府が新しい委員会を形成した' (The government formed a new committee).
Passive Usage (Natural/Systemic): [Object] が形成される. Example: '長い年月をかけて、この地形が形成された' (Over many years, this terrain was formed).
Noun Form Usage: [Noun] の形成. Example: '人格の形成' (The formation of character). This is common in titles and academic headings.

世論を形成する上で、SNSは大きな役割を果たしている。(SNS plays a major role in forming public opinion.)

One key distinction to remember is that 'keisei suru' implies a certain level of internal logic or structure. You wouldn't use it for something messy or temporary. For instance, if you are piling up trash, you use 'tsumiru,' but if you are 'forming a layer' of sediment in a scientific sense, you use 'keisei suru.' The word carries a connotation of 'morphogenesis'—the biological process that causes an organism to develop its shape.

火山活動によって、新しい島が形成されました。(A new island was formed by volcanic activity.)

In academic writing, 'keisei suru' is often paired with causative or potential forms. For example, '形成しうる' (can form) or '形成させる' (to cause to form). This allows for nuanced descriptions of complex systems. When you are describing the results of an experiment or a social study, this verb is your best friend. It bridges the gap between 'happening' and 'being created with intent.'

Understanding the context of 形成する is crucial because it isn't a word you'll hear much in a casual izakaya (pub) unless the patrons are discussing philosophy or politics. It is a staple of 'Kango' (Chinese-origin Japanese), which naturally lends it a more intellectual and formal air. You will hear it most frequently in the following environments:

News Broadcasts (NHK, etc.): News anchors use it to describe the formation of new political alliances ('新会派を形成する') or the development of weather patterns ('前線が形成される').
Educational Settings: Teachers and professors use it constantly. Whether it's the formation of the solar system in science class or the formation of the modern Japanese state in history class.
Business and Strategy: In meetings, you might hear about 'forming a consensus' (合意形成 - goui keisei) or 'forming a network' (ネットワークを形成する). It sounds much more professional than saying 'make friends' or 'agree.'

この地域では、独自の文化が形成されてきました。(A unique culture has been formed in this region.)

Interestingly, 'keisei' is also a term used in 'Go' (the board game) and other strategic contexts to describe the 'state of the game' or the 'position' (形勢). While written with different kanji, the phonetic similarity reinforces the idea of structure and situational development. In medicine, you might hear of 'Plastic Surgery' as '形成外科' (Keisei Geka), literally 'Forming Surgery,' which focuses on reconstructing or shaping the body. This highlights the word's connection to physical structural integrity and aesthetics.

市場のトレンドを分析し、戦略を形成します。(We will analyze market trends and form a strategy.)

Finally, when reading Japanese literature or high-level essays, 'keisei suru' appears when the author is describing the slow, invisible forces that shape a person's identity or a nation's destiny. It is a word that invites reflection on the 'how' and 'why' something came to be, rather than just the fact that it exists. If you want to discuss the 'shaping of the future,' this is the word to use.

Despite its utility, 形成する is often misused by learners who treat it as a direct synonym for 'to make' or 'to create.' Because English uses 'form' in many ways, it’s easy to misapply the Japanese counterpart. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid:

Overusing it for Simple Physical Tasks: Mistake: '朝ごはんにオムレツを形成する' (Forming an omelet for breakfast). Correct: '作る' (tsukuru). 'Keisei' is too heavy and formal for cooking unless you are in a food science lab discussing the molecular formation of proteins.
Confusing with 'Kousei' (構成): While similar, '構成' (kousei) means 'composition' or 'makeup.' Use 'keisei' for the process of coming into being, and 'kousei' for the static structure of what something is made of. Mistake: 'この本は五つの章で形成されている' (This book is formed of five chapters). Better: '構成されている' (is composed of).
Confusing with 'Katachizukuru' (形作る): 'Katachizukuru' is a native Japanese (Kun-yomi) word. It is more poetic and visual. Use 'katachizukuru' for artistic shaping and 'keisei suru' for systematic or scientific formation.

× 友達を形成する (Forming friends)
○ 友達を作る (Making friends)

Another mistake is failing to use the passive voice when appropriate. In Japanese, natural processes are often described using the passive 形成される. If you say 'The wind formed the dunes' using the active '形成した,' it sounds like the wind has a conscious will. To sound more natural, say 'The dunes were formed by the wind.' This nuance is subtle but separates intermediate learners from advanced speakers.

× 氷がこの谷を形成した。
○ 氷河によってこの谷が形成された。(This valley was formed by glaciers.)

Finally, remember that 'keisei suru' is a transitive verb. If you want to say something 'took shape' automatically without focusing on the process, you might use 'katachi ni naru' (形になる). 'Keisei suru' always implies an underlying mechanism or developmental process at work.

To master 形成する, you must know its neighbors. Japanese has many words for 'making' and 'shaping,' each with a specific flavor. Choosing the right one shows your level of fluency.

構成する (Kousei suru) - To Compose/Constitute: Focuses on the parts that make up a whole. '水は水素と酸素で構成されている' (Water is composed of hydrogen and oxygen). Use this when describing a structure.
構築する (Kouchiku suru) - To Construct/Build Up: Often used for systems, networks, or digital infrastructure. '信頼関係を構築する' (To build a relationship of trust). It implies building something solid piece by piece.
養成する (Yousei suru) - To Cultivate/Train: Specifically used for human skills or training professionals. '専門家を養成する' (To train/cultivate experts).
形作る (Katachizukuru) - To Shape/Mold: A more literary and visual word. '夕日が影を形作る' (The setting sun shapes the shadows). Use this for visual or artistic contexts.

Comparison:
1. 組織を形成する (To form an organization - focus on the process/existence)
2. 組織を構成する (To constitute an organization - focus on the members/parts)

If you are talking about forming a habit, you could also use '身につける' (mi ni tsukeru - to acquire). However, '習慣を形成する' sounds more like a psychological study. If you are 'forming' a line, use '列を作る' (retsu o tsukuru). If you are 'forming' a circle, use '輪を作る' (wa o tsukuru). 'Keisei' would be too heavy for just standing in line. Use 'keisei' when you want to sound like you are discussing a significant, structural, or long-term development.

新たな価値観が形成されつつあります。(New values are in the process of being formed.)

In summary, 'keisei suru' is your formal, systemic choice. Use 'tsukuru' for general creation, 'kouchiku' for building systems, and 'kousei' for describing what something consists of. By rotating these synonyms, you will avoid sounding repetitive and demonstrate a high level of Japanese proficiency.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"本会議において、速やかに合意を形成することが求められます。"

Neutral

"山脈は地殻変動によって形成されました。"

Informal

"最近、いい習慣を形成しようと思ってるんだ。"

Child friendly

"このお山は、むかしむかしの火山でできたんだよ（形成されたんだよ）。"

Slang

"N/A"

Fun Fact

The kanji '成' originally depicted a weapon (axe) and a person, signifying a coming-of-age ceremony where one 'becomes' an adult. Paired with '形', it implies the completion of a structural identity.

Pronunciation Guide

UK keːseː suɾu

US keɪseɪ suɾu

Pitch accent is usually flat (Heiban), meaning the pitch stays relatively level after the first syllable.

Rhymes With

冷静 (Reisei) 成成 (Seisei) 平生 (Heisei) 明成 (Meisei) 定性 (Teisei) 適性 (Tekisei) 慣性 (Kansei) 感性 (Kansei)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'kei' as 'ki' (like key). It should be 'kay'.
Shortening the long vowels to 'kese suru'.
Confusing the pitch with 'keisei' (situation), though they are often both flat.
Over-emphasizing the 'r' in 'suru'.
Failing to pronounce the 'u' in 'suru' as a voiceless/short sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Requires knowledge of two N3/N2 level kanji and understanding of Kango patterns.

Writing 4/5

The kanji for 'Kei' (形) and 'Sei' (成) are common but must be written precisely.

Speaking 3/5

Easy to conjugate as a 'suru' verb, but choosing the right context is tricky.

Listening 3/5

Clear pronunciation, but can be confused with other 'kei' or 'sei' words.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

作る (Tsukuru) 形 (Katachi) 成る (Naru) 社会 (Shakai) 性格 (Seikaku)

Learn Next

構成する (Kousei suru) 構築する (Kouchiku suru) 成立する (Seiritsu suru) 変形する (Henkei suru) 構造 (Kouzou)

Advanced

形態学 (Morphology) 形而上学 (Metaphysics) 象徴 (Symbolism) 具現化 (Embodiment)

Grammar to Know

Passive Voice (受動態)

山が形成された。

Causative Voice (使役態)

環境が人格を形成させる。

Compound Nouns (複合名詞)

人格形成 (Personality formation).

Tsutsu aru (Process)

秩序が形成されつつある。

Ni yotte (By means of)

火山によって形成された。

Examples by Level

彼は新しいグループを形成しました。

He formed a new group.

A1 learners would usually say 'tsukurimashita' instead.

山が形成されるまで、長い時間がかかります。

It takes a long time for a mountain to be formed.

Passive form: keisei sareru.

良い習慣を形成しましょう。

Let's form good habits.

Volitional form: keisei shimashou.

水が氷を形成します。

Water forms ice.

Simple transitive usage.

二人はチームを形成しました。

The two formed a team.

Past tense.

社会を形成するのは人間です。

It is humans who form society.

Noun-forming 'no wa'.

この雲は雨を形成します。

This cloud forms rain.

Direct object with 'o'.

形を形成するのは難しいです。

It is difficult to form a shape.

Formal 'form a shape'.

この地域は火山によって形成されました。

This area was formed by volcanoes.

Passive voice + ni yotte (by).

子供の性格は環境によって形成されます。

A child's personality is formed by the environment.

Abstract usage: personality formation.

新しい政府が形成される予定です。

A new government is scheduled to be formed.

Passive + yotei (plan).

彼は自分の考えを形成するのに時間がかかった。

It took him time to form his own thoughts.

Gerund 'no ni' (for the purpose of).

私たちは強力な同盟を形成しました。

We formed a powerful alliance.

Formal 'alliance' context.

川の流れがこの谷を形成しました。

The flow of the river formed this valley.

Active voice with natural subject.

意見を形成する前に情報を集めなさい。

Gather information before forming an opinion.

Imperative 'nasai'.

この物質は結晶を形成しやすい。

This substance easily forms crystals.

Adjective-like 'yasui' (easy to).

教育は人格形成において最も重要な要素だ。

Education is the most important element in character formation.

Noun compound 'jinkaku-keisei'.

彼らは新しい市場を形成することに成功した。

They succeeded in forming a new market.

Success 'ni seikou shita'.

合意を形成するためには、対話が必要です。

Dialogue is necessary to form a consensus.

Purpose 'tame ni wa'.

インターネットは新しいコミュニティを形成している。

The internet is forming new communities.

Continuous 'te iru'.

この岩石は何百万年もかけて形成された。

This rock was formed over millions of years.

Time span 'o kakete'.

彼女の音楽スタイルは、旅の経験から形成された。

Her musical style was formed from her travel experiences.

Source 'kara'.

若者の間で新しい流行が形成されつつある。

A new trend is in the process of being formed among young people.

Process 'tsutsu aru'.

細胞が分裂して、新しい組織を形成する。

Cells divide and form new tissue.

Sequential actions 'te'.

その事件は、国民の間に強い連帯感を形成させた。

That incident caused a strong sense of solidarity to form among the citizens.

Causative 'saseru'.

地質学的な変化が、この独特な景観を形成した。

Geological changes formed this unique landscape.

Formal 'geological' context.

メディアはしばしば、ステレオタイプを形成する役割を果たす。

Media often plays a role in forming stereotypes.

Role 'yakuwari o hatasu'.

このタンパク質が結合して、複雑な構造を形成する。

These proteins combine to form a complex structure.

Science register.

企業文化を形成するには、リーダーの姿勢が重要だ。

To form a corporate culture, the leader's attitude is important.

Business register.

歴史は、多くの偶然が重なって形成されるものだ。

History is formed by the overlapping of many coincidences.

Explanatory 'mono da'.

この法律は、公正な競争環境を形成することを目的としている。

This law aims to form a fair competitive environment.

Purpose 'mokuteki to shite iru'.

経験の積み重ねが、深い知恵を形成していく。

The accumulation of experience goes on to form deep wisdom.

Directional 'te iku'.

グローバル化が、新たな国際秩序を形成しつつある。

Globalization is currently forming a new international order.

Academic 'tsutsu aru'.

自己同一性の形成は、思春期における重要な課題である。

The formation of identity is a crucial challenge during adolescence.

Psychological terminology 'jiko-douitusei'.

この理論は、現代物理学の基礎を形成している。

This theory forms the foundation of modern physics.

Foundational usage.

言論の自由は、民主主義社会を形成する不可欠な要素だ。

Freedom of speech is an indispensable element in forming a democratic society.

Political science context.

特定のタンパク質が異常に形成されることで、病気が発症する。

The disease manifests through the abnormal formation of specific proteins.

Medical 'de' (by means of).

植民地時代の遺産が、現在の国家体制を形成した背景にある。

The legacy of the colonial era lies behind the formation of the current state system.

Historical analysis.

多文化共生社会を形成するための具体的な方策が求められている。

Concrete measures are needed to form a multicultural symbiotic society.

Social policy 'motonerarete iru'.

芸術作品は、作者の魂が形を成し、形成されたものである。

A work of art is something formed as the author's soul takes shape.

Literary/Philosophical.

宇宙誕生の直後、素粒子が結合して原子を形成した。

Immediately after the birth of the universe, elementary particles combined to form atoms.

Cosmological register.

法規範の形成過程を分析することは、法哲学の根幹をなす。

Analyzing the formation process of legal norms constitutes the core of legal philosophy.

Legal philosophy 'konkan o nasu'.

意識の形成における神経回路の役割は、未だ解明されていない。

The role of neural circuits in the formation of consciousness has yet to be elucidated.

Neuroscience 'kaimei sarete inai'.

資本主義の進展が、都市の空間構造を劇的に形成し直した。

The progress of capitalism has dramatically reshaped (re-formed) the spatial structure of cities.

Urban sociology 'keisei shi-naoshita'.

権力構造の形成には、言説による支配が密接に関わっている。

The formation of power structures is closely linked to dominance through discourse.

Post-structuralist theory.

生命の起源における有機化合物の形成は、偶然の産物なのだろうか。

Is the formation of organic compounds in the origin of life a product of chance?

Biological inquiry.

言語活動が、我々の思考そのものを形成しているという説がある。

There is a theory that linguistic activity forms our very thoughts.

Linguistic determinism.

この条約の形成は、長年にわたる外交努力の集大成である。

The formation of this treaty is the culmination of years of diplomatic effort.

Diplomatic 'shutaisei'.

Common Collocations

人格を形成する

合意を形成する

世論を形成する

習慣を形成する

地形を形成する

同盟を形成する

結晶を形成する

ネットワークを形成する

細胞を形成する

価値観を形成する

Common Phrases

人格形成 (Jinkaku Keisei)

— Character building or personality formation. A very common educational term.

人格形成の時期に大切なこと。

合意形成 (Goui Keisei)

— Consensus building. Often used in corporate or political meetings.

スムーズな合意形成を目指す。

形成外科 (Keisei Geka)

— Plastic/Reconstructive surgery. Literally 'Forming Surgery.'

形成外科で傷跡を治す。

骨形成 (Kotsu Keisei)

— Bone formation. A medical term used in biology.

カルシウムは骨形成に不可欠だ。

世論形成 (Yoron Keisei)

— The formation of public opinion.

SNSによる世論形成の速さ。

自己形成 (Jiko Keisei)

— Self-formation or self-development.

読書は自己形成の一環だ。

コロニー形成 (Koronii Keisei)

— Colony formation. Used in biology for bacteria.

シャーレの中でコロニーが形成された。

前線形成 (Zensen Keisei)

— Formation of a weather front.

停滞前線が形成されている。

関係形成 (Kankei Keisei)

— Relationship building.

初期段階での関係形成が重要だ。

都市形成 (Toshi Keisei)

— Urban formation or city development.

この街の都市形成の歴史を学ぶ。

Often Confused With

形成する vs 構成する (Kousei)

Kousei is 'what it is made of' (composition). Keisei is 'how it became that way' (formation).

形成する vs 成形する (Seikei)

Seikei is used for industrial molding or plastic fabrication. Keisei is for abstract or natural formation.

形成する vs 作成する (Saksesei)

Sakusei is used for creating documents or plans. Keisei is for systems or structures.

Idioms & Expressions

"形を成す (Katachi o nasu)"

— To take shape or materialize. Similar to keisei but more literary.

長年の夢がようやく形を成した。

Literary

"筋道を立てる (Sujimichi o tateru)"

— To form a logical argument or path. Often used when forming ideas.

筋道を立てて説明する。

Neutral

"一角を占める (Ikkaku o shimeru)"

— To form/occupy a corner. Used when something forms part of a major group.

彼は業界の一角を占めている。

Formal

"輪を広げる (Wa o hirogeru)"

— To expand the circle. Used when forming larger groups of people.

支援の輪を広げる。

Neutral

"手を組む (Te o kumu)"

— To join hands. Idiom for forming a partnership.

ライバル企業と手を組む。

Informal

"腹を固める (Hara o katameru)"

— To form a resolution. Literally 'to harden one's belly.'

辞職の腹を固めた。

Informal

"根を張る (Ne o haru)"

— To take root. Used when a habit or culture forms deeply.

新しい文化がこの地に根を張った。

Neutral

"土台を築く (Dodai o kizuku)"

— To build/form a foundation.

将来の成功の土台を築く。

Formal

"一線を画す (Issen o kakusu)"

— To draw a line. Used when forming a boundary between things.

他社とは一線を画す戦略だ。

Formal

"形勢を立て直す (Keisei o tatenaosu)"

— To reform the situation. Using the phonetic 'keisei' for situation.

不利な形勢を立て直す。

Formal

Easily Confused

形成する vs 構築する

Both mean 'to build/form.'

Kouchiku is more about 'construction' (building a bridge or a digital system). Keisei is more about 'development' (forming a habit or a mountain).

信頼関係を構築する (Build trust).

形成する vs 形作る

Both use the kanji for 'form.'

Katachizukuru is Kun-yomi (native Japanese) and is more visual/artistic. Keisei is Kango (Sino-Japanese) and is more systematic/formal.

彫刻を形作る (Shape a sculpture).

形成する vs 組成する

Both sound scientific.

Sosei is used for the chemical makeup of something. Keisei is the process of it coming into existence.

岩石の組成を調べる (Check the composition of the rock).

形成する vs 樹立する

Both involve making something new.

Juritsu is specifically for establishing records, governments, or formal principles. Keisei is for the gradual process of formation.

外交関係を樹立する (Establish diplomatic relations).

形成する vs 生成する

Both mean 'to create/form.'

Seisei is used in chemistry (generation of gas) or AI (generative AI). Keisei is about the resulting 'form' or 'structure.'

ガスを生成する (Generate gas).

Sentence Patterns

[Abstract Noun] を形成する

彼は良い習慣を形成した。

[Natural Feature] が形成される

長い年月をかけて谷が形成された。

[A] が [B] の形成に影響を与える

読書が人格の形成に影響を与える。

[A] によって [B] が形成される

教育によって社会が形成される。

[A] は [B] を形成する不可欠な要素だ

自由は民主主義を形成する不可欠な要素だ。

[A] が [B] を形成しつつある

新しい秩序が形成されつつある。

[A] の形成過程を分析する

言語の形成過程を分析する。

[A] が [B] を劇的に形成し直す

技術革新が市場を形成し直した。

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in formal writing, news, and academic speech. Rare in casual daily chat.

Common Mistakes

朝ごはんを形成する → 朝ごはんを作る
'Keisei suru' is too formal for making food. It sounds like a lab experiment.
友達を形成する → 友達を作る
You don't 'form' friends in a systematic way; you 'make' them.
この本は三章で形成されている → この本は三章で構成されている
Use 'kousei' (composition) when describing the static parts of a whole.
風が砂丘を形成した (Active) → 風によって砂丘が形成された (Passive)
Japanese prefers the passive voice for natural processes without a conscious agent.
粘土を形成する → 粘土を成形する
For physical molding of materials like clay or plastic, 'seikei' (成形) is the technical term.

Tips

Think 'Process'

Use 'keisei suru' when you want to emphasize the 'how' and the 'time' it took to make something complex.

Passive vs. Active

If nature did it, use the passive 'sareru.' If a person/group did it with intent, use 'suru.'

Noun Compounds

Look out for '人格形成' (character formation). It's the most common way you'll see this word in daily life.

Sound Professional

In a job interview or presentation, use 'keisei suru' to discuss your skill development or team-building efforts.

Kanji Clues

Remember: Shape (形) + Become (成). It's literally 'becoming a shape.'

Keisei vs. Kouchiku

Keisei is organic/natural/systemic. Kouchiku is deliberate/constructed (like a bridge or a database).

News Key Word

In Japanese news, when they talk about new laws or political groups, listen for 'keisei' to know they are talking about formation.

Academic Tone

If you are writing an essay for the JLPT or a university application, this word adds the 'sophisticated' touch you need.

The Potter Mnemonic

Visualize a potter's wheel. The act of the clay *becoming* a vase is 'keisei.'

Consensus is Key

Memorize 'Goui Keisei' (consensus building). It is a magic phrase for working in a Japanese company.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'K-Shape' (Kei-Sei) being made. You are giving a 'Shape' (Kei) to something so it 'Succeeds' (Sei) in becoming real.

Visual Association

Imagine a potter's hands slowly turning clay into a vase. The 'Kei' is the shape, and 'Sei' is the successful completion of that shape.

Word Web

人格 (Personality) 習慣 (Habit) 地形 (Terrain) 合意 (Consensus) 社会 (Society) 結晶 (Crystal) 秩序 (Order) 同盟 (Alliance)

Challenge

Try to use '形成する' instead of '作る' in your next Japanese diary entry about a habit you are trying to build. See how it changes the tone!

Word Origin

Borrowed from Middle Chinese. '形' (xíng) means form or shape, and '成' (chéng) means to become, finish, or succeed.

Original meaning: To bring a shape into existence or to complete a form.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but using it for people (e.g., 'making a person') can sound cold or scientific if not used in the context of 'character formation'.

English speakers often use 'form' for both simple shapes and complex systems. In Japanese, 'keisei' is strictly for the complex/formal ones.

Used in the Japanese translation of the Bible (Genesis) for the formation of the world. A key term in 'Go' strategy books regarding 'Keisei-handan' (judging the situation). Commonly found in the 'Kyōiku-kanji' list for Japanese elementary students.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Education

人格形成の場
豊かな人間性を形成する
基礎を形成する
価値観の形成

Science/Nature

地層の形成
結晶が形成される
細胞組織の形成
宇宙の形成過程

Politics/Business

合意形成プロセス
世論を形成する
同盟を形成する
市場の形成

Psychology

アイデンティティの形成
トラウマの形成
習慣形成
信頼関係の形成

Medicine

骨形成不全
形成外科手術
瘢痕形成
血管形成

Conversation Starters

"子供の教育において、最も人格形成に影響を与えるのは何だと思いますか？"

"新しい習慣を形成するために、どのような工夫をしていますか？"

"インターネットは、私たちの世論をどのように形成していると思いますか？"

"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？"

"ビジネスにおいて、チームの合意を形成する一番良い方法は何ですか？"

Journal Prompts

あなたの今の性格を形成した、子供の頃の出来事について書いてください。

将来、どのような社会を形成していくべきだと思いますか？

最近、新しく形成しようとしている習慣とその理由について記述してください。

あなたが尊敬する人物は、どのようにその地位を形成したと思いますか？

読書や映画鑑賞が、あなたの価値観をどう形成したか分析してください。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, that would sound very strange. Use 'tsukuru' (make) or 'ryouri suru' (cook). 'Keisei suru' is for abstract or grand formations like personality or mountains.

'Keisei' (形成) is the process of forming or shaping. 'Kousei' (構成) is the composition or structure of parts making a whole. For example, a committee is *formed* (keisei) and then it is *composed* (kousei) of members.

Yes, 'Plastic Surgery' is called 'Keisei Geka' (形成外科) in Japanese, which literally means 'Reconstructive/Forming Surgery.'

It is a transitive verb (他動詞), meaning it takes an object with 'o'. However, it is very commonly used in the passive form 'keisei sareru' (to be formed).

You can say '習慣を形成する' (shuukan o keisei suru), which sounds a bit formal, or '習慣を身につける' (shuukan o mi ni tsukeru), which is more natural for daily life.

No, that is '形勢' (keisei), which is pronounced the same but written with different kanji (形勢). It refers to the 'tide of battle' or 'current situation.' Context usually makes it clear.

It is generally considered an N2 or B1/B2 level word. It's common in formal writing but not essential for basic daily survival.

No, use 'tomodachi o tsukuru.' 'Keisei suru' sounds like you are building them in a lab.

'Goui Keisei' (合意形成) means 'consensus building.' It is a very important term in Japanese business and politics.

Use the passive voice: '火山活動で島が形成された' (The island was formed by volcanic activity).