形式 (xíngshì)

形式 refers to the form, format, or structure of something, as opposed to its content or substance. It can also mean "formality" when something is done for appearance rather than substance.

Meanings

[noun] form; format; structure; shape
[noun] formality; outward appearance (as opposed to substance)

Example Sentences

这次活动的形式很新颖，吸引了很多人。 Zhè cì huódòng de xíngshì hěn xīnyǐng, xīyǐnle hěn duō rén. The format of this event was very novel and attracted many people.

我们要改变学习的形式，不能只靠背诵。 Wǒmen yào gǎibiàn xuéxí de xíngshì, bù néng zhǐ kào bèisòng. We need to change the form of learning; we cannot rely only on memorization.

这个会议只是形式，没有实质内容。 Zhège huìyì zhǐshì xíngshì, méiyǒu shízhì nèiróng. This meeting is just a formality; there is no substantive content.

艺术可以用很多不同的形式表达。 Yìshù kěyǐ yòng hěn duō bùtóng de xíngshì biǎodá. Art can be expressed in many different forms.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
形式多样	diverse in form
走形式	to go through the motions
内容与形式	content and form
组织形式	organizational form

Usage Notes

形式 is often contrasted with 内容 (content) or 实质 (substance). The phrase 走形式 (to go through the motions) has a negative connotation, meaning something is done superficially. At B1 level, 形式 appears frequently in discussions of art, education, and organization.

Memory Hook

形 means "shape/form" and 式 means "style/pattern." So 形式 is the shape and style of something: its outward form.