Translation and Meaning of: 式 - shiki

The Japanese word 式 [しき] is a versatile term that appears in various contexts, from traditional ceremonies to mathematical formulas. If you've ever wondered about its meaning, origin, or how to use it correctly, this article will clarify those questions. We will explore everything from its everyday use to cultural curiosities, all based on reliable sources and accurate information. Whether for study or simple curiosity, understanding 式 can enrich your knowledge of the Japanese language.

Meaning and uses of 式 [しき]

The term 式 can be translated as "style," "formula," "ceremony," or "method," depending on the context. In mathematics, for example, 数式 [すうしき] means "numerical formula." In social events, 結婚式 [けっこんしき] refers to "wedding ceremony." This flexibility means that the word is often found in different areas.

Additionally, 式 also appears in expressions like 正式 [せいしき], which means "formal" or "official." This usage reinforces the idea of something structured or following an established standard. The variety of applications shows how Japanese uses the same word for concepts that, in other languages, may be expressed with distinct terms.

Origin and composition of the kanji 式

The kanji 式 is composed of the radical 弋 (いぐ), which represents a stake or mark, combined with 工 (こう), associated with work or construction. This combination suggests the idea of a "model" or "pattern" to be followed, reflecting its current meaning. The etymology reinforces the notion of structure and formality present in many of its uses.

Historically, the character has roots in ancient Chinese, where it also carried meanings related to rituals and methods. When incorporated into Japanese, it maintained this duality between the ceremonial and the practical. This linguistic heritage helps to explain why 式 appears in both traditional and technical contexts.

Tips to memorize and use 式 correctly

An effective way to memorize 式 is to associate it with common compound words. For example, 式典 [しきてん] means "ceremony," while 方程式 [ほうていしき] means "equation." By learning these combinations, it becomes easier to understand and apply the term in different situations.

Another tip is to pay attention to kanji in real contexts, such as in manuals, event invitations, or even in animes and dramas that depict Japanese ceremonies. Repeated exposure helps to reinforce not only the meaning but also the pronunciation and the most common usages.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 方法 (Hōhō) - Method, way of doing something.
• 手順 (Tejun) - Procedure, sequence of steps to follow.
• 規定 (Kitei) - Regulations, established rules that must be followed.
• 規則 (Kisoku) - Rules, principles that govern behavior.
• 方式 (Hōshiki) - Style, a particular way of doing something.
• ルール (Rūru) - Rules, simple or informal guidelines that guide behavior.

式

Romaji: shiki
Kana: しき
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: equation; formula; ceremony

Meaning in English: equation;formula;ceremony

Definition: A combination of numbers, letters, etc.

Example Sentences - (式) shiki

See below some example sentences:

式場で結婚式を挙げました。

Shikijō de kekkonshiki o agemashita

We had our wedding in the ceremony room.

We had a wedding in the Hall of Ceremonies.

• 式場 (shibajou) - ceremony location
• で (de) - particle that indicates the place where the action occurred
• 結婚式 (kekkonshiki) - Wedding
• を (wo) - Particle indicating the direct object of the action.
• 挙げました (ageremashita) - past tense of the verb "ageru", which means "to perform" or "to conduct"

茶の湯は日本の伝統的な茶道の儀式です。

Chanoyu wa Nihon no dentōteki na sadō no gishiki desu

Chanoyu is a traditional ritual of the Japanese tea ceremony.

Canoyu is a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

• 茶の湯 (Chanoyu) - Tea ceremony
• は (wa) - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 日本 (Nihon) - Japan
• の (no) - Particle indicating possession or relationship
• 伝統的な (dentōteki na) - Traditional
• 茶道 (chadō) - Tea path
• の (no) - Particle indicating possession or relationship
• 儀式 (gishiki) - Ceremony, ritual
• です (desu) - polite way of being

版画は美しい芸術形式です。

Hanga wa utsukushii geijutsu keishiki desu

Engraving is a beautiful art form.

Printing is a beautiful art form.

• 版画 - engraving
• は - Topic particle
• 美しい - Beautiful, lovely
• 芸術 - art
• 形式 - shape, format
• です - Is (verb to be in the present tense)

正式にお知らせいたします。

Shōshiki ni oshirase itashimasu

Let's inform you officially.

Let's inform you officially.

• 正式に - formally
• お知らせ - warning, notification
• いたします - expression of courtesy to indicate that something will be done

公式を使って計算しましょう。

Koushiki wo tsukatte keisan shimashou

Let's calculate using the official formula.

Let's calculate using the formula.

• 公式 (kōshiki) - formula
• を (wo) - object particle
• 使って (tsukatte) - using
• 計算 (keisan) - Calculation
• しましょう (shimashou) - let's do it

今日は開会式があります。

Kyou wa kaikai shiki ga arimasu

Today we have the opening ceremony.

There is an opening ceremony today.

• 今日 (kyou) - today
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 開会式 (kaikaishiki) - opening ceremony
• が (ga) - subject particle
• あります (arimasu) - yeah, there is

この書類は正しい形式で提出してください。

Kono shorui wa tadashii keishiki de teishutsu shite kudasai

Please send this document in the correct format.

Submit this document in the correct format.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 書類 - noun meaning "document"
• は - particle that marks the topic of the sentence
• 正しい - adjective meaning "correct"
• 形式 - noun meaning "shape"
• で - particle that indicates the means or method used
• 提出 - noun meaning "submission"
• して - verb form of the verb "suru" (to do)
• ください - imperative form of the verb "kudasai" (please do)

この書類は正式な様式で提出してください。

Kono shorui wa seishiki na yōshiki de teishutsu shite kudasai

Please send this document in an official format.

Submit this document in a formal style.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 書類 - noun meaning "document" or "paperwork"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 正式な - adjective meaning "formal" or "official"
• 様式 - noun meaning "shape" or "style"
• で - particle that indicates the means or way in which something is done
• 提出して - verb meaning "to hand over" or "to submit"
• ください - expression indicating a request or request

葬式に参列する

Soushiki ni sanretsu suru

Participate in a funeral.

Participate in the funeral

• 葬式 - - Funeral
• に - - particle indicating the target of an action
• 参列 - - attendance, participation
• する - - to do, to perform

儀式を行う

Gishiki wo okonau

Perform a ceremony.

Ritual

• 儀式 - means "ceremony" or "ritual".
• を - particle that indicates the direct object of the action.
• 行う - verb that means "to carry out" or "to execute".