儀式

• Reading: ぎしき
• Romaji: gishiki
• Kanji breakdown: 儀 (gi) — ceremony, protocol, model; 式 (shiki) — ceremony, style, formula
• Pronunciation: /gi.ɕi.ki/

Meaning

Ceremony; rite; ritual; service. A formal act or set of acts performed on a special occasion.

A noun for formal, often solemn occasions with prescribed procedures, whether religious, cultural, or institutional. Broader than 式 (shiki, ceremony) alone — 儀式 emphasises the ritualistic and traditional aspects. Common collocations include 宗教儀式 (shuukyou gishiki, religious ceremony), 儀式を行う (gishiki wo okonau, to hold a ceremony), and 通過儀式 (tsuuka gishiki, rite of passage). Used in both traditional and modern contexts.

Examples

1. 古代の儀式の様子が壁画に描かれている。 Ancient rituals are depicted in murals.
2. その部族では成人になるための儀式がある。 That tribe has a ceremony marking the transition to adulthood.
3. 卒業式は学校生活の大切な儀式の一つだ。 Graduation is one of the most important ceremonies of school life.

Usage Guide

Context: religion, culture, education

Tone: formal

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 儀 (gi, ceremony/protocol) + 式 (shiki, ceremony/style). Literally 'ceremonial form' — a prescribed pattern of formal observance.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal