Definitions

shì (noun) type; form; pattern; style

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

About

The character "式" structurally integrates the component "工", representing a tool or implement, with "弋", which historically conveyed both phonetic value and the notion of a marker or stake, collectively originating from the concept of a carpenter's square as a tangible standard for exactitude. This initial reference to a precise measuring instrument provided a foundation for meanings related to models, patterns, and correctness, which over time expanded into more abstract domains. The character's application broadened from denoting physical templates and rules to encompassing formal procedures, such as ceremonial rites, and later to specialized uses like mathematical formulas, reflecting a semantic shift from concrete tool to an abstract representation of systematic form.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这是一种好方

Zhè shì yī zhǒng hǎo fāngshì.

This is a good method.

我们采用传统方

Wǒmen cǎiyòng chuántǒng fāngshì.

We adopt traditional methods.

这种形很常见。

Zhè zhǒng xíngshì hěn chángjiàn.

This form is very common.

这是一个正会议。

Zhè shì yī gè zhèngshì huìyì.

This is a formal meeting.

请按照指定格填写。

Qǐng ànzhào zhǐdìng géshì tiánxiě.

Please fill in according to the specified format.

他正在解数学方程

Tā zhèngzài jiě shùxué fāngchéngshì.

He is solving mathematical equations.

婚礼仪非常隆重。

Hūnlǐ yíshì fēicháng lóngzhòng.

The wedding ceremony is very grand.

开放厨房越来越受欢迎。

Kāifàngshì chúfáng yuè lái yuè shòu huānyíng.

Open-style kitchens are becoming more and more popular.