Meanings of 正式
By ear
Play it, then pick what 正式 means.
About 正式
Podcast: 正式
Podcast: 正式
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 正式
正式 (zhèngshì) vs 正规 (zhèngguī): use 正式 when referring specifically to formal or official contexts, while 正规 emphasizes adherence to rules or standards in a broader sense. 正式 (zhèngshì) vs 典雅 (diǎnyǎ): choose 正式 for contexts requiring formality, whereas 典雅 denotes elegance or refinement, often in a more aesthetic sense.
Be careful not to confuse 正式 with informal terms like 非正式 (fēi zhèngshì) which means 'informal.' It's important to use 正式 in professional contexts to avoid sounding casual. Common collocations include 正式文件 (zhèngshì wénjiàn, official document) and 正式场合 (zhèngshì chǎnghé, formal occasion).
As an HSK 4 word, 正式 connects well with other words related to formality and professionalism, such as 会议 (huìyì, meeting) and 申请 (shēnqǐng, application). Focus on using it in sentences to describe formal situations to reinforce its meaning.
Learners often misuse 正式 in contexts that are too casual, like saying '这是我的正式朋友' (This is my formal friend) instead of a more appropriate term like '正式的朋友' (formal friend, which may not be accurate). Instead, use 正式 when referring to events or documents.
Pronunciation of 正式
Drill the tone of 正式 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 正式 to You
Let me explain 正式 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 正式 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 正式?
Learning Lab
Knowing 正式 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Component Characters
How to say formal in Chinese
“formal” in Chinese is正式
正式 (zhèngshì) means 'formal' or 'official,' often used to describe events, documents, or language that adhere to established rules or standards. It is commonly used in contexts such as formal invitations, official documents, or professional settings to indicate a level of seriousness and respect.
When to use 正式
Be careful not to confuse 正式 with informal terms like 非正式 (fēi zhèngshì) which means 'informal.' It's important to use 正式 in professional contexts to avoid sounding casual. Common collocations include 正式文件 (zhèngshì wénjiàn, official document) and 正式场合 (zhèngshì chǎnghé, formal occasion).
正式 or something close to it
正式 (zhèngshì) vs 正规 (zhèngguī): use 正式 when referring specifically to formal or official contexts, while 正规 emphasizes adherence to rules or standards in a broader sense. 正式 (zhèngshì) vs 典雅 (diǎnyǎ): choose 正式 for contexts requiring formality, whereas 典雅 denotes elegance or refinement, often in a more aesthetic sense.
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse 正式 in contexts that are too casual, like saying '这是我的正式朋友' (This is my formal friend) instead of a more appropriate term like '正式的朋友' (formal friend, which may not be accurate). Instead, use 正式 when referring to events or documents.
Write 正式
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 正式 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 正式
正式 functions as an adverb — it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In Chinese, adverbs sit BEFORE the verb they modify (我也去, 他常常迟到), never after it. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
____签订了每年可续签的合同。
A formal contract is signed which is renewable annually.
Example Sentences for 正式 (10)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 正式?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Frequently Asked Questions about 正式
Use 正式 for professional and serious contexts, such as business meetings or formal invitations, while informal terms are appropriate for casual conversations among friends.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 正式?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.