方式
fāngshì · HSK 3
pattern
🛣️ 方 (square/direction) + 式 (style/method) = a directional style, i.e. a way of doing
方 means square or direction; 式 means style, formula, or method. Together 方式 literally reads as direction-style, the manner or approach by which something is done.
方 — pictograph of a plow or two boats joined side by side
方 originated as a pictograph, traditionally interpreted as a plow handle or two boats lashed together. From the idea of paired boats it extended to mean 'side by side,' then 'square,' 'direction,' and 'region.' It was later borrowed for the abstract sense of 'method' or 'way.'
式 — 工 (work) + 弋 (phonetic)
式 is a phono-semantic compound: 工 ('work, craft') gives the meaning of a tool, rule, or method, while 弋 supplies the sound. It originally referred to a standard pattern or model used in craftsmanship, then broadened to mean 'style, form, ceremony, or formula.'