型 (Kanji for type / proper way)

This is one of those critical cultural code words. Kata refers to the proper way of doing things, which is why Japanese kids imitate their idols exactly, why you have old guys obsessed with collecting EVERY skate/thrash 7" from 1984 regardless of if it's any good.

Onyomi

KEI	If it's done the proper way, it's OK

Mnemonic

The earth pays the penalty for our type of pollution.

Kunyomi

かた

2 meanings: model and type.

Model, as in clay/plaster mold, or cookie-cutter stamp, or (figuratively) as in a social convention or conformity. ('this book is too cliche, it just follows all the rules of the style!').

Type as in blood type, or "new type" (i.e. this year's model of crime-fighting robot). CCW
★★★★☆

Jukugo

血液型(けつえきがた)

blood type ★★☆☆☆ KUNKUN
血 (blood) + 液 (liquid) + 型 (type / proper way) = 血液型 (blood type)

典型的(てんけいてき) な

typical ★★☆☆☆
典 (classic) + 型 (type / proper way) + 的 (motivation / '-al') = 典型的 (typical)

typical　thing of that type.

模型(もけい)

plastic model ★☆☆☆☆
模 (model) + 型 (type / proper way) = 模型 (plastic model)

a model (this is literal! Model, like a snap-tite model car or model train)

型 type / proper way

Onyomi

Mnemonic

Kunyomi

Jukugo

Synonyms