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Kotomora

態

attitude, condition, figure, appearance, voice (of verbs)

JLPTN1StatusJōyō · grade 5FrequencyTop 500Strokes14

Readings

On'yomi

  • タイ

Kun'yomi

  • わざ.と

Meaning

態 centers on the outward expression of an inner state: the attitude, appearance, or condition something presents. The grammatical sense 'voice' is a specialized application of this idea of form or manner.

Most common words using 態

20 of 265
  • 状態じょうたい
    N3

    state; condition; situation; appearance; circumstances

  • 事態じたい
    N2

    situation; (present) state of affairs; circumstances

  • 変態へんたい

    transformation

  • 態度たいど
    N3

    attitude; manner; behaviour; demeanour; bearing

  • 形態けいたい
    N1

    form; shape; figure

  • 実態じったい
    N1

    true state; actual condition; reality

  • 生態せいたい
    N1

    ecology; life and habits (of an animal)

  • 態勢たいせい
    N1

    attitude; posture; preparedness; readiness

  • 失態しったい

    blunder; fault; error; mistake; failure; disgrace

  • 業態ぎょうたい

    business conditions

  • 態たい

    condition; figure; appearance

  • 擬態ぎたい

    mimicry; mimesis; camouflage

  • 動態どうたい

    movement; dynamic state

  • 病態びょうたい

    state of a disease; condition of a patient

  • 常態じょうたい

    normal state (condition)

  • 悪態あくたい

    abusive language

  • 醜態しゅうたい

    disgraceful behavior; disgraceful behaviour; shameful conduct; shameful sight

  • 容態ようだい
    N1

    condition; state (of health); appearance

  • 旧態きゅうたい

    old state of affairs

  • 様態ようたい

    form; situation; condition

Explore all words using 態 →

Study

Etymology

態 combines 能 (ability, form) with 心 (heart, mind), suggesting the form or appearance that arises from one's inner state. The exact historical development is uncertain, but the component relationship is well established.

Meaning mnemonic

The top 能 shows a form or ability, and the bottom 心 is the heart. Together they picture the heart's form: the attitude or appearance that shows on the outside.

Reading mnemonic

For タイ, imagine a person's attitude tied to their heart: tie -> タイ, and the heart 心 below 能 shows the true attitude.