Form refers to the specific shape or structural pattern that something takes in a given context.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to the shape and structural appearance of an object.
- Describes both physical forms and abstract patterns or states.
- Used in diverse fields like biology, linguistics, and sociology.
常见语境：在生物学中，我们讨论“生物形态”；在语言学中，讨论“词法形态”；在社会学中，讨论“社会形态”；在日常生活中，也可以用它描述云朵或建筑的形状。
- 1近义词辨析：与“形状”相比，“形态”更强调结构和内在逻辑，而“形状”多指纯粹的几何外貌。与“形式”相比，“形态”更侧重于事物呈现出的具体样貌，而“形式”更侧重于处理或运作的方式。例如，我们说“艺术形态”，强调的是艺术表现出来的样子，而“艺术形式”则强调艺术的类别或手法。
Examples
这些岩石的形态非常独特。
everydayThe forms of these rocks are very unique.
我们需要深入研究这种社会形态的演变。
formalWe need to study the evolution of this social form deeply.
这棵树的形态长得有点奇怪。
informalThe shape of this tree is a bit weird.
语言的形态学是语言学的一个重要分支。
academicMorphology is an important branch of linguistics.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
形态万千
thousands of different forms
原始形态
original form
改变形态
change form
Often Confused With
Refers mainly to the 2D or 3D outline of an object. It is more concrete and visual than '形态'.
Refers to the way something is done or organized. It is more abstract and relates to procedure rather than appearance.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word is primarily used in formal, academic, or descriptive writing. It carries a sense of structural observation. Avoid using it in very casual daily interactions where '样子' is preferred.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use it for simple shapes like a circle or square, where '形状' is more appropriate. Do not use '形态' to describe personal feelings or moods.
Tips
Focus on structural meaning
Think of form as more than just a 2D outline. It includes how the object is built or organized internally.
Avoid overusing in casual chat
Using '形态' in casual conversation might sound overly formal or academic. Use '样子' instead for daily talk.
Academic and social usage
The term is deeply rooted in Chinese academic writing, especially in history and sociology to describe eras or structures.
Word Origin
The character '形' implies body or shape, and '态' implies state or appearance. Together they signify the state of an object's appearance.
Cultural Context
In Chinese social and historical studies, '社会形态' (social formation) is a key concept derived from Marxist theory to describe stages of societal development.
Memory Tip
Think of '形态' as 'shape' (形) + 'pattern/state' (态). It is the shape that has a specific state or structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“形状”通常指物体简单的几何外观，如圆形、方形。而“形态”包含含义更广，不仅指外形，还包含内部结构和表现方式，常用于学术或正式场合。
这是一个常用成语，指事物的形态多种多样，各不相同。常用于形容花草、建筑或艺术作品。
在非常随意的口语中，人们更倾向于说“样子”或“形状”。“形态”更多出现在说明文、新闻报道或学术讨论中。
你可以将其作为名词使用，比如“这种新型的社会形态”。只要上下文涉及事物的表现样貌，使用“形态”通常都是准确的。
Test Yourself
这些云朵呈现出各种奇特的___，仿佛动物一样。
在描述自然景观的结构表现时，“形态”最为贴切且具有书面语美感。
下列选项中，哪一个是“形态”的常见搭配？
“形态各异”是形容事物外形多样性的固定搭配。
形态 / 社会 / 这种 / 演变 / 正在 / 发生
符合中文主谓宾的基本语序。
Score: /3
Summary
Form refers to the specific shape or structural pattern that something takes in a given context.
- Refers to the shape and structural appearance of an object.
- Describes both physical forms and abstract patterns or states.
- Used in diverse fields like biology, linguistics, and sociology.
Focus on structural meaning
Think of form as more than just a 2D outline. It includes how the object is built or organized internally.
Avoid overusing in casual chat
Using '形态' in casual conversation might sound overly formal or academic. Use '样子' instead for daily talk.
Academic and social usage
The term is deeply rooted in Chinese academic writing, especially in history and sociology to describe eras or structures.
Examples
4 of 4这些岩石的形态非常独特。
The forms of these rocks are very unique.
我们需要深入研究这种社会形态的演变。
We need to study the evolution of this social form deeply.
这棵树的形态长得有点奇怪。
The shape of this tree is a bit weird.
语言的形态学是语言学的一个重要分支。
Morphology is an important branch of linguistics.
Related Content
Related Vocabulary
More academic words
缺席
B1The state of being absent from a place or event where one is expected to be, such as a class, meeting, or ceremony.
抽象的
A2Abstract.
抽象地
B1In an abstract manner; conceptually.
艰深
B1Profound; abstruse; recondite.
学术性
A2Academic; scholarly; relating to education and scholarship.
学术化
B1Academic; characterized by formal study or research.
学术会议
A2Academic conference; a formal meeting for academic discussions.
学术交流
B1Exchange of ideas, information, and research among scholars.
学术期刊
B1A periodical publication containing scholarly articles.
教务处
A2Academic affairs office; department handling educational administration.
