式

shì

工 + 弋

HSK 3.0Level 5

Definitions

shì (noun) type; form; pattern; style

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 工 represents the meaning and 弋 represents the sound.

About

式 is a phonosemantic compound. The component 工, meaning work, skill, or a craftsman's tool, provides the semantic core, while 弋 (yì), though originally depicting a stake or a stringed arrow, functions here as the phonetic. Etymologically, the character evokes the precise methods and standardized tools of artisans. This association with exact measurements and templates expanded its meaning to encompass a standard, pattern, form, or specific style. In modern usage, 式 often denotes a mathematical formula, a paradigm, or an established ceremony, reflecting its origins in precision and standardized rules.

Etymology Hide

Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)

Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这是一种好方式。

Zhè shì yī zhǒng hǎo fāngshì.

This is a good method.

我们采用传统方式。

Wǒmen cǎiyòng chuántǒng fāngshì.

We adopt traditional methods.

这种形式很常见。

Zhè zhǒng xíngshì hěn chángjiàn.

This form is very common.

这是一个正式会议。

Zhè shì yī gè zhèngshì huìyì.

This is a formal meeting.

请按照指定格式填写。

Qǐng ànzhào zhǐdìng géshì tiánxiě.

Please fill in according to the specified format.

他正在解数学方程式。

Tā zhèngzài jiě shùxué fāngchéngshì.

He is solving mathematical equations.

婚礼仪式非常隆重。

Hūnlǐ yíshì fēicháng lóngzhòng.

The wedding ceremony is very grand.

开放式厨房越来越受欢迎。

Kāifàngshì chúfáng yuè lái yuè shòu huānyíng.

Open-style kitchens are becoming more and more popular.

Related Characters

Composed characters:

Component: 工

Component: 弋

式