Korean word

형식적

Pronunciation

Romanizationhyeongsikjjeok

Meaning

  • adjectiveformal

Example

그 인사의 태도는 형식적이었다.keu in sa ui tae do neun hyeong sik jjeo gi eot tta

The greeting was formal in tone.

Illustration for 형식적 (formal)

More examples

그 회의는 형식적인 인사말로 시작했다.keu hoe ui neun hyeong sik jjeo gin in sa mal lo si ja kaet tta

The meeting began with a formal greeting.

Core concept

Something is presented through recognized manners or steps, so its outward propriety stands out.

Common phrases

  • 형식적인 모임hyeong sik jjeo gin mo im

    formal gathering

  • 형식적인 인사말hyeong sik jjeo gin in sa mal

    formal greeting

  • 형식적인 태도hyeong sik jjeo gin tae do

    formal attitude

Similar words

정중하다cheongjunghada: Having a calm, respectful manner without becoming overly familiar.
공손하다kongsonhada: Treating others with humility and careful good manners.
격식적kyeokssikjjeok: Following strict conventions for ceremonies or other formal occasions.
공식적kongsikjjeok: Backed by an institution's recognized authority rather than personal opinion.

Definition in Korean

겉으로 보이는 예절이나 절차를 갖추는 것을 중요하게 여기는 성질을 가리키는 형용사.keo teu ro po i neun ye jeo ri na cheol cha reul kat chu neun keo seul chung yo ha ge yeo gi neun seong ji reul ka ri ki neun hyeong yong sa

Word origin

형식적 (hyeongsikjjeok, "formal in outward form") comes from 형식 (hyeongsik, "form or procedure") plus 적 (jjeok, "related to"), a common Sino-Korean pattern for making an adjective about a quality.

Usage tips

  • The word is useful for noticing a subtle judgment: the behavior may look proper while the speaker feels that little personal warmth is present.

Other meanings

  • ceremonialadjective

Opposites

  • 진심 어린chinsim eorinheartfeltadjective
  • 성의 있는seongui inneunsincereadjective

Related words

Word lists with this word