人形

• Reading: にんぎょう
• Romaji: ningyou
• Kanji breakdown: 人 (nin/hito) — person; 形 (gyō/katachi) — shape, form
• Pronunciation: /niɴ.ɡʲoː/

Meaning

A doll; a figurine. A model of a human figure used as a toy, decoration, or in traditional ceremonies.

Covers a wide range from children's dolls to traditional Japanese dolls displayed during festivals. Key examples include ひな人形 (hina dolls for Girls' Day on March 3rd) and 五月人形 (May dolls for Boys' Day on May 5th). Also refers to puppets in traditional bunraku puppet theater.

Examples

1. 三月にひな人形を飾ります。 We display hina dolls in March.
2. 妹は人形で遊ぶのが好きです。 My little sister loves playing with dolls.
3. おばあさんが手作りの人形をくれました。 Grandma gave me a handmade doll.

Usage Guide

Context: festivals, toys, traditional culture

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 人 (nin, person) and 形 (gyō, shape/form). Literally 'person-shaped,' reflecting the human likeness of dolls and figurines.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal