形状|けいじょうkeijou[0]heiban (flat)

1. nounshape; form

• Synonym形かたちNeutralThe most general, everyday word for a shape or how something looks, as in 「丸い形」; 「形状」 is the more formal, explanatory term.
• Synonym外形がいけいWrittenWritten word for the outward form or appearance of something, as in 「外形が似ている」; 「形状」 centers on the shape of the object itself.
• Synonym形態けいたいWrittenSame word as above; 「形体」 is merely an alternative spelling of 「形態」 with the same meaning.
• SynonymシェイプCasualLoanword for shape or body shape, often in fitness contexts, as in 「シェイプアップ」; 「形状」 is the more explanatory term.
• Synonym形象けいしょうWrittenWritten word for an image or figure; 「形状」 centers on the concrete outline of an object.
• Synonym姿すがたNeutralA person's figure, posture or appearance, as in 「後ろ姿」; 「形状」 is for the shape and outline of objects.
• Synonym象しょうWrittenWritten word for shape or appearance; standalone use is rare in modern Japanese, and it mostly appears as a combining form in words like 「現象」 and 「対象」.
• Synonym格好かっこうCasualColloquial word for how someone or something looks, especially dress and appearance, as in 「変な格好」; 「形状」 is the more formal, explanatory term.
• Related型かたNeutralType, model or mold, as in 「血液型」; 「形状」 centers on the concrete outline of an object.
• Related体型たいけいNeutralA person's build or figure, as in 「体型カバー」; 「形状」 is for the shape and outline of objects.
• Related形姿なりすがたWrittenWritten word for a person's clothing, dress and overall appearance; 「形状」 refers to the shape and outline of objects.

Use 「形状」 for the concrete outline of an object, as in 「形状記憶」; in speech 「形」 is the everyday default. 「形態」 is for the form in which something exists, 「姿」 a person's figure, 「格好」 how someone is dressed, 「体型」 body build. 「外形」 and 「形象」 are written-style; 「型」 means type or model; 「シェイプ」 is a loanword for body shape; 「象」 seldom stands alone and mostly lives in compounds.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

1. 物ものの形かたちや有様ありさま。