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形式 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
形式
xíngshì
outer appearance
HSK 5, n, 13 strokes, rank #3949, Hard
形式
xíngshì
form
HSK 5, n, 13 strokes, rank #3949, Hard
形式
xíngshì
shape
HSK 5, n, 13 strokes, rank #3949, Hard
形式
xíngshì
formality
HSK 5, n, 13 strokes, rank #3949, Hard
xíngshì(xing2shi4)xing shi T2
1outer appearance
2form
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March 24, 2026
形式xíngshì(xing2shi4)
形式 (xíngshì) refers to the outer appearance, shape, or form of something, often used in both physical and abstract contexts. It can denote formalities or prescribed methods in social or professional settings, emphasizing how something is presented rather than its substance.
Strokes13Frequency#3949DifficultyHard
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, 形式 plays a significant role in social interactions, such as the importance of formal greetings or customs in business settings. Understanding the concept of 形式 can aid in navigating social norms effectively.
Memory tip
Think of 形式 as 'shape' or 'form' by visualizing a box (形) that contains various items, representing different forms (式) inside. The box's exterior is its 形式, while what's inside represents its essence. Remember 'xíng' sounds like 'sing' and 'shì' like 'she,' so imagine a singing box where 'she' shows you different shapes.
Meanings of 形式
xíngshì(xing2shi4)
1outer appearance
2form
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 形式
形式Simplified
13Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#3949Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 形式
Podcast: 形式
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AI study notes for 形式
Quick Contrast
形式 (xíngshì) vs 形态 (xíngtài): 形式 emphasizes the external presentation or form, while 形态 focuses more on the shape or state of something.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 形式 with 实质 (substance), as learners might use 形式 when they mean to refer to the essence of something. It is often used in formal contexts, so be mindful of the register. Typical collocations include 形式主义 (formalism) and 形式上 (in form).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 形式 connects with other words that describe appearance or method, like 类型 (type) and 方法 (method). Focus on using it in phrases that discuss both form and function, helping to solidify understanding of its dual meaning.
Common Mistakes
Learners may incorrectly use 形式 when discussing the content or meaning of something, such as saying 这个问题的形式很复杂 (This question's form is complex) instead of using 实质 (substance) to convey that the issue itself is complex.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 形式
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Learning Lab
Knowing 形式 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.
形式 (xíngshì) refers to the outer appearance, shape, or form of something, often used in both physical and abstract contexts. It can denote formalities or prescribed methods in social or professional settings, emphasizing how something is presented rather than its substance.
When to use 形式
Common mistakes include confusing 形式 with 实质 (substance), as learners might use 形式 when they mean to refer to the essence of something. It is often used in formal contexts, so be mindful of the register. Typical collocations include 形式主义 (formalism) and 形式上 (in form).
形式 or something close to it
形式 (xíngshì) vs 形态 (xíngtài): 形式 emphasizes the external presentation or form, while 形态 focuses more on the shape or state of something.
What learners get wrong
Learners may incorrectly use 形式 when discussing the content or meaning of something, such as saying 这个问题的形式很复杂 (This question's form is complex) instead of using 实质 (substance) to convey that the issue itself is complex.
Write 形式
形
式
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Grammar patterns of 形式
形式 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 4 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
“这不是我喜欢的音乐____。”——“对，这不是。”
"It's not one of my favourite forms of music." — "No."
