式

• Pinyin: shì
• Hanzi breakdown: 式 = 弋 (stake/shoot) + 工 (work), suggesting a standard tool or method

Meaning

Style; type; form; pattern; ceremony.

A suffix or standalone noun indicating a style, type, or formal procedure. Very productive in forming compound words like 中式 (Chinese-style), 正式 (formal), 公式 (formula), 仪式 (ceremony). Also used for mathematical formulas and ceremonial events.

Examples

1. 我喜欢中式装修风格。 I like Chinese-style interior decoration.
2. 明天是新生开学典礼仪式。 Tomorrow is the freshman orientation ceremony.
3. 这道数学题要用什么公式？ What formula should be used for this math problem?

Usage Guide

Context: description, classification, ceremony

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 开幕式几点开始？(What time does the opening ceremony start?)
• 这是新式的设计。(This is a new-style design.)

Don't Say

• 这个式很好 — 式 is usually a suffix, not standalone; say 这个款式/样式很好

Origin & History

Originally meant a standard or pattern used as a model, from the idea of a ritual or established procedure.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal