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In Korea, this Hanja character is also read as 식. However, this one means “style,” “system,” “formula,” or “rule.” Let’s look at some essential words using this 식:
- 주식 (株式): stocks, shares
- 격식 (格式): formality, social rules
- 공식 (公式): formula, official
- 방식 (方式): method, way
- 형식 (形式): form, format
- 의식 (儀式): ceremony, ritual
“방식” and “형식” are very similar, but “방식” is a broader concept. “형식” specifically focuses on the outward appearance or formal structure of a “way.” Meanwhile, “의식” refers to a “way” of conducting a formal event or ceremony. Since there are so many sub-words under these categories, let’s scan through them:
Styles & Formats
- 객관식 (客觀式): multiple-choice (format)
- 주관식 (主觀式): short-answer, essay (format)
- 구식 (舊式): old-fashioned, old style
- 신식 (新式): modern, new style
- 서양식 (西洋式): Western style
- 한국식 (韓式): Korean style
- 현대식 (現代式): modern style
- 군대식 (軍隊式): military style
- 이동식 (移動式): portable, mobile
You’ll often see 객관식 and 주관식 on exams. 객관식 refers to questions where you choose from 4 or 5 given options. 주관식 is the format where you must explain or write out the answer yourself.
Actually, adding “식” to almost any word gives it the vibe of “-styled” or “in such a way.” In fact, it’s used so much that “식” has become an independent word in daily life! Here are some examples:
- 그런 식으로 말하지 마.- Don’t talk in that way. / Don’t talk like that.
- 지금까지 계속 이런 식으로 해 오신 거예요? – Have you been doing it this way all this time?
- 계속 저런 식으로 하면 문제가 생길 텐데… – If they keep acting in that way, there will be a problem…
Ceremonies & Rituals
- 결혼식 (結婚式): wedding ceremony
- 입학식 (入學式): entrance ceremony (school)
- 시상식 (施賞式): awards ceremony
- 수료식 (修了式): completion ceremony (graduation)
- 기념식 (紀念式): commemoration ceremony
- 장례식 (葬禮式): funeral service
