The Chinese word **公式** is a compound term formed by combining two individual characters, each contributing to its overall meaning. The first character, **公** (gōng), carries connotations of "public," "common," or "official," suggesting something universally applicable or accepted. The second character, **式** (shì), means "pattern," "form," "model," or "style." When combined in this modifier-head structure, where 公 modifies 式, the term literally translates to a "public form" or "common model." This logically extends to its modern meaning of a **formula**, **equation**, or **official rule**—a standardized, universally accepted expression or principle used in mathematics, science, or formal procedures.