Definition
式 is a suffix meaning '-style' or '-type', used to form nouns like 西式 (Western-style) or 方式 (method). Unlike 种 (zhǒng) and 样 (yàng), which are classifiers for 'kind/type', 式 is a bound suffix that attaches to a preceding element to describe a specific style, form, or pattern. It does not function as a classifier.
suffix
(suffix) -style-type-form-pattern
Easily confused
- 试shìlook-aliketo try; to test
- 是shìsound-aliketo be (linking verb, followed by a noun or noun phrase)
- 代dàilook-aliketo substitute, to act on behalf of, to replace
- 事shìsound-alikething; matter; affair
- 时shísound-alike(noun) time, period, season
- 使shǐsound-aliketo cause, to make (someone do something)
- 十shísound-aliketen
- 室shìsound-alikeroom (often as a suffix in compound words)
- 屎shǐsound-alikefeces; excrement; stool
- 市shìsound-alikecity
Examples
- 。Zhè zhǒng xuéxí fāng shì hěn yǒuxiào.This learning method is very effective.
- 。Tāmen xǐhuan ōu shì de jiājù.They like European-style furniture.
- ？Nǐ gèng xǐhuan nǎ zhǒng yàng shì de qúnzi?Which style of skirt do you prefer?
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