Meaning
The kanji 式 (shiki) is a versatile character with several key meanings, primarily 'style,' 'ceremony,' 'method,' and 'formula.' It often describes a particular way of doing something, a prescribed form, or a formal event. Essentially, it indicates an established 'pattern,' 'manner,' or 'system.'
The kanji's origin combines two components: 弋 (yoku, shiki), which originally depicted a stake or an arrow on a string, implying something fixed or used for measuring; and 工 (kō, ku), meaning 'craft,' 'work,' or 'tool.' Together, these elements suggest a fixed 'pattern' or 'method' employed in 'crafting' or 'working.' You can visualize a craftsperson using a fixed stake or guide to follow, thus establishing a specific 'style' or 'procedure.' This concept later expanded to cover formal ceremonies and mathematical formulas, all representing established ways or forms.
With 6 strokes, 式 is taught in Grade 3 of Japanese elementary schools. This makes it a relatively common and fundamental character for N3 learners to know.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary and almost exclusively used On'yomi for 式 in modern Japanese is シキ (shiki).
シキ (shiki): This is the most common reading and appears in many compound words, referring to various types of forms, methods, styles, or ceremonies. When you see 式, you can almost always assume it's read as シキ.
方式 (houshiki) — meaning 'method,' 'form,' or 'system.' This refers to a particular way or established procedure of doing something.
儀式 (gishiki) — meaning 'ceremony' or 'ritual.' This describes a formal event with specific procedures.
卒業式 (sotsugyōshiki) — meaning 'graduation ceremony.' This is a prime example of 式 denoting a formal event.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The kanji 式 does not have a commonly used independent Kun'yomi (native Japanese reading) in modern Japanese, especially at the N3 level. While historical or very specialized contexts might reveal rare readings like のり (nori) to mean 'rule' or 'pattern,' these are not standard or frequently encountered in everyday Japanese for learners. For practical purposes, N3 learners should focus entirely on the On'yomi シキ (shiki). It is the dominant, almost exclusive, reading for this kanji when it appears in compound words or as a suffix.
Therefore, when you encounter 式 in various contexts, always prioritize remembering its On'yomi シキ and how it combines with other kanji to form specific meanings related to style, method, or ceremony. Learning 式 is relatively straightforward regarding readings because it avoids the common confusion between multiple On'yomi and Kun'yomi that many other kanji present.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 式 is highly productive, forming numerous compounds related to ceremonies, methods, styles, and mathematical or scientific formulas. Here are some essential words grouped by theme:
Ceremonies and Events:
- 結婚式 (kekkonshiki) — Wedding ceremony
- 入学式 (nyūgakushiki) — Entrance ceremony (e.g., for school)
- 卒業式 (sotsugyōshiki) — Graduation ceremony
- 開会式 (kaikaishiki) — Opening ceremony
- 閉会式 (heikaishiki) — Closing ceremony
- 告別式 (kokubetsushiki) — Funeral service
Methods, Forms, and Systems:
- 方式 (houshiki) — Method, system, form
- 形式 (keishiki) — Form, formality, format
- 様式 (youshiki) — Style, form, mode
- 定式 (teishiki) — Fixed form, formula, established rule
Styles and Types:
- 和式 (washiki) — Japanese style (e.g., 和式トイレ - Japanese-style toilet)
- 洋式 (yōshiki) — Western style (e.g., 洋式トイレ - Western-style toilet)
- 最新式 (saishinshiki) — Latest model, latest style
Formulas and Expressions:
- 数式 (sūshiki) — Mathematical formula
- 書式 (shoshiki) — Form, format (e.g., document format)
As a suffix, 式 can also directly mean '-style,' '-type,' or '-ceremony,' as seen in examples like ホテル式 (hoteru-shiki) meaning 'hotel style' or 'hotel type.'
Example Sentences
この学校の卒業式は３月にあります。
Kono gakkō no sotsugyōshiki wa sangatsu ni arimasu.
This school's graduation ceremony is in March.
その会議の方式はとても効率的でした。
Sono kaigi no houshiki wa totemo kōritsuteki deshita.
The method of that meeting was very efficient.
日本の結婚式はとても美しい伝統があります。
Nihon no kekkonshiki wa totemo utsukushii dentō ga arimasu.
Japanese wedding ceremonies have very beautiful traditions.
この書類は決められた書式で提出してください。
Kono shorui wa kimerareta shoshiki de teishutsu shite kudasai.
Please submit this document in the specified format.
和式と洋式、どちらのトイレがお好きですか。
Washiki to yōshiki, dochira no toire ga osuki desu ka?
Which toilet do you prefer, Japanese style or Western style?
彼は新しい教育方式を提案しました。
Kare wa atarashii kyōiku houshiki o teian shimashita.
He proposed a new educational method.
その儀式は毎年同じ形式で行われます。
Sono gishiki wa maitoshi onaji keishiki de okonawaremasu.
That ritual is performed in the same form every year.
先生はボードに数式を書きました。
Sensei wa bōdo ni sūshiki o kakimashita.
The teacher wrote a mathematical formula on the board.
Memory Tip
To remember 式, think of its components: 弋 (a stake or arrow) and 工 (a tool or work). Imagine a craftsman (工) using a fixed stake (弋) to guide their work, ensuring a consistent 'style' or 'method.' This fixed stake creates a 'formula' or 'pattern' for construction. If they're building something like a stage for a 'ceremony,' they'd use these fixed guides. So, 弋 (stake) + 工 (work) = 式 (a fixed way of doing work, a style, a ceremony, a formula).