非正式 (fēizhèngshì)

非正式 means "informal" or "unofficial" and describes situations, meetings, language, or relationships that are relaxed and not bound by official rules or protocol.

Meanings

[adjective] informal; unofficial; casual; not formal

Example Sentences

我们进行了一次非正式的会谈。 Wǒmen jìnxíng le yī cì fēizhèngshì de huìtán. We held an informal meeting.

这是非正式场合，不需要穿正装。 Zhè shì fēizhèngshì chǎnghé, bù xūyào chuān zhèngzhuāng. This is an informal occasion; formal attire is not required.

他们通过非正式渠道进行了沟通。 Tāmen tōngguò fēizhèngshì qúdào jìnxíng le gōutōng. They communicated through unofficial channels.

在非正式场合，可以用更轻松的语气说话。 Zài fēizhèngshì chǎnghé, kěyǐ yòng gèng qīngsōng de yǔqì shuōhuà. In informal settings, you can speak in a more relaxed tone.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
非正式场合	informal occasion
非正式会议	informal meeting
非正式渠道	unofficial channel
正式与非正式	formal and informal

Usage Notes

非正式 is formed by adding the negation prefix 非 (fēi, non-/not) to 正式 (zhèngshì, formal/official). It is used to contrast situations that are relaxed or unofficial with those that are formal. This word is particularly useful for learners navigating Chinese social and professional contexts, where the distinction between formal and informal registers matters greatly.

Memory Hook

非 (fēi) means "not" and 正式 (zhèngshì) means "formal or official": 非正式 is simply "not formal," making it easy to decode from its parts.