Chinese word

式

Pronunciation

Pinyinshì

Meaning

  • nounform

Example

这种式样很常见。zhè zhǒng shì yàng hěn cháng jiàn

This form is very common.

Illustration for 式 (form)

More examples

我们的工作方式越来越灵活。wǒ men de gōng zuò fāng shì yuè lái yuè líng huó

Our way of working is becoming increasingly flexible.

Core concept

A fixed frame that gives an activity its procedure and an object its recognizable shape.

Common phrases

  • 形式xíng shì

    form

  • 方式fāng shì

    way

  • 模式mó shì

    mode

Similar words

形式xíng shì: The shape, structure, or style in which something appears.
方式fāng shì: A system for organizing and carrying out work or procedures.
方法fāng fǎ: A practical way or means used to achieve a goal.
模式mó shì: A repeated pattern of steps or actions that forms a system.

Definition in Chinese

表示处理事情的方法或程序，也可指事物呈现出来的样式或模型。biǎo shì chú lǐ shì qíng de fāng fǎ huò chéng xù yě kě zhǐ shì wù chéng xiàn chū lái de yàng shì huò mó xíng

Word origin

The old ritual sense of 式 (shì, "form") connected a formal pattern with a set way of carrying something out, allowing the word to develop both procedural and visual uses.

Usage tips

  • English form often suggests a paper to complete, while this word also points to a method, design, or mode, so context decides which sense is active.

Other meanings

  • stylenoun
  • waynoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word