(Noun) + 型
Model, Type, Pattern, Kind, Shape, Size(d)
Structure
Noun + の + かた
Noun + がた(1) +（の）+ Noun
［い］Adjective + かた
(1) けい
Explanation
The kanji 型, and occasionally 形, can be used as a suffix to mean that something is a certain 'type', 'model', or 'style' of (A). Both kanji are normally read as かた, but this changes to がた due to a sound-change rule called 連濁. 型 can be attached to the end of nouns and to the stem of い-Adjectives. In some situations, 型 is used after the case marking particle の. In this structure, because it's not directly joined to the preceding noun, it is read as かた instead of がた.
- このクッキーを花形にしてください。Please make these cookies into a flower shape.
- その型のパソコンはもう古いですよ。That model of computer is already old, you know.
- 彼は猫型のロボットを作っています。He is building a cat-type robot.
- 新しい型のゲーム機はどこで買えますか？Where can I buy the new model of this game console?
While two kanji can be used for this grammar point, you will see 型 used much more commonly than 形. This is because of the distinct meanings each kanji carries.
型 - Type (refers to a model, design, style, or pattern).
形 - Shape (refers only to physical outlines like circles, squares, etc.).
Because of this difference, 型 is used for classifying things into more abstract categories, while 形 is almost exclusively used for describing simple, tangible shapes.
- 大型の冷蔵庫を買いました。I bought a large-sized refrigerator.
- 私は月形のパンを食べました。I ate some moon-shaped bread.
Caution
On occasion, 型 is read as 型, which is the 音読み (Chinese reading) of the kanji 型. This typically occurs when it is paired with other words that also use their 音読み, or when it functions as part of a compound word rather than as a suffix.
- あなたの血液型は何ですか。What is your blood type?
Examples
彼の会社は新型の電気自動車を発表した。
His company announced a new model electric car.
昨日、大型の台風が日本に近づいた。
A large-sized typhoon approached Japan yesterday.
ビジネスメールでは、定型のあいさつを使うことが多い。
In business emails, fixed pattern greetings are often used.
そのスポーツカーは流線型の美しいデザインだ。
That sports car has a beautiful, streamlined design.
このテーブルはU字型なので、みんなが顔を見ながら話せます。
Because this table is U-shaped, everyone can talk while seeing each other's faces.
その髪型、とても似合っていますね。
That hairstyle really suits you.
この仕事には決まった型がないので、創造性が求められる。
This job doesn't have a set mold, so it requires creativity.
空手の大会で、彼は美しい型を披露した。
He demonstrated a beautiful form at the karate tournament.
私は小型のカメラを旅行に持っていきます。
I bring a compact-sized camera with me on trips.
これはまだ試作型で、製品ではありません。
This is still a prototype; it is not the final product.
彼は私の理想型のパートナーです。
He is my ideal type of partner.
従来型のシステムよりも、新しいシステムの方が効率がいい。
The new system is more efficient than the conventional type.