形式

• Reading: けいしき
• Romaji: keishiki
• Kanji breakdown: 形 (kei) — form, shape; 式 (shiki) — style, ceremony, formula
• Pronunciation: /keː.ɕi.ki/

Meaning

Form; format; formality; outward appearance as opposed to substance.

Used to describe the external structure, format, or procedure of something, often contrasted with content or substance (内容). Common in administrative, academic, and IT contexts. Appears in phrases like 形式的 (formalistic, perfunctory) and 形式を整える (to put into proper form).

Examples

1. 書類の形式が正しくないと受理されません。 If the document format is incorrect, it won't be accepted.
2. 形式にとらわれず自由に発表してください。 Please present freely without being bound by formality.
3. データを別の形式に変換する必要がある。 We need to convert the data to a different format.

Usage Guide

Context: administration, IT, academic

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 形 (form, shape) + 式 (style, ceremony, formula). Derived from classical Chinese, referring to the external pattern or structure of things.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal