Migii JLPT
Migii JLPT
Open Migii JLPT app
Open
BackBack

Grammar JLPT Level N3 - Lesson 10

Structure of の姿(すがた):

Verb + 姿(すがた)
Noun + () + 姿(すがた)

Details about の姿(すがた):

When the noun 姿(すがた) 'figure' is used as a suffix, it describes the outward appearance of someone. This may be in relation to what the person is wearing, their overall shape, body type, or style. 姿(すがた) is often translated as '(A) looking', 'wearing (A)', 'clad in (A)', or 'performing (A)'.
姿(すがた) may be used after verbs in their attributive form, or after nouns followed by the case marking particle の.
  • 昨日(きのう)(はじ)めてお(とう)さん(はたら)いている姿(すがた)()た。
    Yesterday was the first time I saw my father (his figure) working.
  • 息子(むすこ)(かな)しんでいる姿(すがた)()(わたし)まで(かな)しくなってくる
    When I see my son in a sad state, it makes even me sad.
  • さっき(おとこ)(ひと)姿(すがた)()えたけど()せいかな。
    Earlier, I saw a man (his figure), but that might have been my mistake.
  • デパート息子(むすこ)姿(すがた)()えなくなって、(すこ)しパニックになった。
    I lost sight of my son's presence at the department store, and it made me panic a little.
姿(すがた) is a word that focuses primarily on the way that someone appears to observer. Therefore, it is also often used to describe the observer's impression of who they are looking at, in regard to their presence, or lack thereof.
  • (むすめ)(ある)姿(すがた)(おっと)()ている
    The way my daughter walks looks just like my husband.
  • (いぬ)()ている姿(すがた)はとてもかわいい。
    The way my dog looks when he is sleeping is so cute.
の姿(すがた)

Usage Notes for の姿(すがた):

After nouns, の will sometimes be omitted, but this is not always the case. In general, の may be dropped after kanji compounds, but not after simple words like (ひと), (とき), (もと), etc.
  • やっとお(まえ)花嫁(はなよめ)姿(すがた)()れて(うれ)しいよ。
    I am so happy that I can finally see you as a bride.
  • シンデレラは12()になった瞬間(しゅんかん)元姿(もとすがた)(もど)った。
    As soon as it reached 12 oclock, Cinderella turned back into her original appearance.

Synonyms for の姿(すがた):

Example of の姿(すがた)

あなた(うご)姿(すがた)()です。

I like the way you look when you move.

新聞記事(しんぶんきじ):「映画会社(えいががいしゃ)パーティーには、(はな)やかな着物(きもの)姿(すがた)女優(じょゆう)たちが出席(しゅっせき)していた。」

Newspaper article: 'Actresses dressed in brilliant kimonos made an appearance at the movie company party.'

友達(ともだち)との(はなし):「あの(ひと)(かお)綺麗(きれい)だし、()姿(すがた)(うつく)しい。」

Chat between friends: 'That person has a pretty face, and also the way they stand is attractive.'

衣料品店(いりょうひんてん)、クライアント:「自分(じぶん)姿(すがた)(かがみ)()てみる。」

Clothing store, client: 'I will look at my appearance in the mirror!'

2012(ねん)最後(さいご)()ってから、あの(おとこ)姿(すがた)()ていない。

I haven't seen him (his presence) since the last time I met him in 2012.

Grammar same lesson

事(こと)はない

There is no need to, Never happens
See detailsreport

といえば

Speaking of, If it were the case that
See detailsreport

は~で有名(ゆうめい)

Is famous for
See detailsreport

と言(い)っても

Although ~ might say that ~
See detailsreport

合(あ)う

To or for one another, Mutually, With
See detailsreport
Practice
JLPT Practice
Review after tedious theory lessons.
Practice nownext
Practice
JLPT Mock Test
Let’s see how far you’ve honed your knowledge!
Take mock test nownext
Close image