Doll
Puppet
noun
Something that is person shaped that isn't a person? That has to be some kind of doll or puppet.
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on'yomi readings from the kanji. Since 人 has two on'yomi readings, and the reading of 形 is a bit of an oddball, here's a mnemonic to help you:
Did you know that all dolls at Nintendo are made out of gyoza dumplings (にんぎょう)? They'll also regularly try to get you to eat them... Mmmm, gyoza dolls. Don't be afraid to take a bite!
お人形あそび
playing with dolls
お人形さん
doll
お人形たち
dolls
からくり人形
mechanical doll
五月人形
dolls for the Boys’ Festival in May
あやつり人形
puppet
人形えらび
choosing dolls
人形みたい
like a doll
人形たち
dolls
人形を見る
to look at a doll
人形を作る
to make a doll
人形をつかう
to use a doll
これは私の妹の人形です。
This is my younger sister's doll.
小さい時、中古の人形をコレクションしていました。
When I was little, I collected used dolls.
その女の子は、バービー人形、メルちゃん人形、リカちゃん人形、全ての人形を自分の子のように大切にしています。
The girl cherishes all her dolls — Barbie doll, Mel-chan doll, and Rika-chan doll — as if they're her own children.