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