形式
けいしき · keishiki · JLPT N2 · noun
form
📐 形式 = 形 (shape) + 式 (formula): the shape a thing must follow
形 means shape and 式 means formula or ceremony. Together they give a formula for shape: the set rules a thing's form must follow, like a formal dress code or a file format.
形 — open frame 开 + hair/pattern 彡
形 combines 开 (originally a phonetic element suggesting the sound) with 彡, a radical depicting fine lines, hair, or decorative strokes. The 彡 part conveys the idea of visible markings or surface appearance, giving 形 its core meaning of 'shape' or 'form.' Over time it broadened to cover physical figure, appearance, and abstract form.
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.'