状
じょう
form; shape; condition; (as a suffix) letter, certificate
By Nihongo PathUpdated
Examples
招待状がまだ届かない。
しょうたいじょうがまだとどかない。
The invitation still hasn't arrived.
粉をよく混ぜて液状にしてください。
こなをよくまぜてえきじょうにしてください。
Mix the powder well until it becomes liquid.
毎年、年賀状を書くたびに一年の早さを思う。
まいとし、ねんがじょうをかくたびにいちねんのはやさをおもう。
Every year, writing New Year's cards makes me think how fast the year has gone.
Common patterns
- 招待状
- letter of invitation
- 年賀状
- New Year's card
- 液状・粉状
- in liquid / powder form
Memory tip
状 works as a suffix in two families: physical form (液状, 粉状, 放射状) and formal documents (招待状, 年賀状, 免許状, 感謝状). It is rarely a standalone noun — do not confuse it with 情 (feeling), also read じょう.
Kanji in this word
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What does 状 mean?