How to Write 式 (shì) — Meaning “style, type, or formula”

Imagine a worker (工) holding a measuring stick shaped like a hook (弋) to check if something is the correct style. The hook (弋) helps you "hook" onto the right formula or pattern, making 式 easy to recall as a standard method.

Write the left part 弋 first: horizontal stroke, then the slanted hook, then the dot. Next write the right part 工: horizontal, vertical, horizontal. Make sure the 弋 is slightly taller than 工, and the dot on 弋 sits above the top of 工, not too low.

方式 (fāng shì) means "way" or "method" and is used in daily life, like 沟通方式 (communication style). 正式 (zhèng shì) means "formal" and appears in official settings, such as 正式会议 (formal meeting). 中式 (zhōng shì) means "Chinese style" and describes things like food or décor.

式 is very common in compound words to indicate categories, styles, or formulas. For example, 西式 (xī shì) means "Western style" and 格式 (gé shì) means "format." In Chinese culture, specifying a style (式) often reflects a respect for tradition or proper method, as in 中式婚礼 (Chinese-style wedding).

Common words containing 式 include: 方式 (fāng shì) — way; manner; mode; 正式 (zhèng shì) — Formal / Official; 中式 (zhōng shì) — Chinese style.