model · type

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 型 denotes a mold or type; its kun-reading is かた and its on-reading is けい.
• Basic usage: 型(かた) means mold or type, while 模型(もけい) means model.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• A tool for shaping and a model for showing
  • 星の型 is a mold used to cut dough into stars. 船の模型 is a model representing a boat; distinguish the mold used in making something from a model that has been made.
  • Dividing responses into 三つの型 means classifying them into three types. Here, 型 extends from a concrete tool to a basis for classification.