正式
formal; official
zhèngshì
What does 正式 mean?
正式 (zhèngshì) is an adjective and adverb meaning 'formal' or 'official.' As an adjective it describes things that follow proper procedure or have official status — a formal occasion (正式场合), a formal document (正式文件), formal clothes (正式服装). As an adverb it marks the moment something becomes official or fully takes effect: 正式开始 ('officially begin'), 正式宣布 ('officially announce'), 正式录用 ('formally hire'). English splits this into 'formal' (about style/register) and 'official' (about authority), but 正式 covers both, so context decides which English word fits.
It is not used to describe personality; a stiff person is 严肃 or 拘谨, not 正式. Its rough opposite is 非正式 ('informal') or 随便 ('casual'). Common in business, ceremonies, contracts, and job contexts.
Note: Describes the formal/official nature of an event, document, or process. As an adverb
Character breakdown
proper; upright; main
style; form; pattern
Memory hook: 正 (proper) + 式 (form) = the proper form, i.e. formal/official.
Example sentences
这是一个正式的会议，请穿正装。
Zhè shì yí ge zhèngshì de huìyì, qǐng chuān zhèngzhuāng.
This is a formal meeting, please wear formal attire.
written
我们下周正式开始上班。
Wǒmen xià zhōu zhèngshì kāishǐ shàngbān.
We officially start work next week.
neutral
他已经成为公司的正式员工了。
Tā yǐjīng chéngwéi gōngsī de zhèngshì yuángōng le.
He has already become a permanent employee of the company.
neutral
别那么正式，我们随便聊聊。
Bié nàme zhèngshì, wǒmen suíbiàn liáoliáo.
Don't be so formal, let's just chat casually.
spoken
Common phrases with 正式
Synonyms
官方 means 'official' in the sense of coming from the government or an organization's authority (官方消息, 'official news'). 正式 stresses proper procedure or formal style, not necessarily authority.
Don't confuse 正式 with
FAQ
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