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:

方程式を解いてみた。

Hōteishiki wo toite mita

I solved the equation.

• 方程式 - "Equação" em japonês significa 方程式 (ほうていしき, hōteishiki).
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 解いて - verb form of the verb 解く (toku), which means "to solve"
• みた - verb form of the verb 見る (miru), which means "to try" or "to experience"

株式市場での投資はリスクがある。

Kabushiki shijō de no tōshi wa risuku ga aru

Investing in the stock market is risky.

• 株式市場 - stock market
• での - in
• 投資 - Investment
• は - is
• リスク - Risk
• が - exists
• ある -

株式市場は今日も活況を呈しています。

Kabushiki shijō wa kyō mo kakkō o tei shite imasu

The stock market is still booming today.

• 株式市場 - stock market
• は - Topic particle
• 今日 - today
• も - also
• 活況 - prosperity, good performance
• を - direct object particle
• 呈しています - is demonstrating/presenting

清濁を分ける

Seidaku wo wakeru

Separate the pure from the unclean.

Divide the turbidity

• 清 - "dry; clear; clean"
• 濁 - "turbidity; impurity; dirt"
• を - object particle
• 分ける - "to divide; to separate; to share"