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JapanLingo

ceremony / formula

N3
Onyomi
Stroke count
6
JLPT
N3

Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.

Memory tip

A flat illustration of a signpost standing fixed at a crossing, with the kanji 式 ("ceremony") drawn into the picture.

Picture a signpost standing fixed at a crossing: that is what 式 means — ceremony / formula. Now find the part that anchors it in the character itself, 弋 (stake / marker) — a stake driven into the ground with a small flag caught at an angle, and beside it 工 (craft / work) — a carpenter's tool held level. Drop that part into the picture and the shape stops being something separate to memorise.

Stroke Order

Stroke count: 6

General writing tips

These general rules have exceptions. Follow the animation and numbered frames for this character.

  • •Write from top to bottom.
  • •Write from left to right.
  • •Write horizontal strokes before the vertical strokes that cross them.
  • •Draw an outer enclosure first, then fill in what is inside.
  • •In symmetric shapes, write the centre before the left and right sides.
  • •This kanji has 6 strokes — trace them in order in the practice area below.

Step by step

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6

Practice Writing

Free writing practice — compare your writing with the example. This canvas does not check your shape or stroke order. Draw with a mouse, finger, or pen; scroll outside the square to move down the page.

Trace the faded character, or hide the outline to practise from memory.

Writing Tips

  • Follow the order strictly: top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Correct order makes the shape balanced and natural.
  • Keep each stroke in one smooth motion — don't lift the pen in the middle of a stroke.
  • Close enclosing strokes cleanly so the character does not look open or broken.
  • Common mistake: drawing strokes bottom-to-top or right-to-left. Even if the result looks similar, the wrong order shows in handwriting and makes it harder to read.

Example words

seishiki

formal

kabushiki

stocks

seishikina

attributive: formal (before a noun)

seishikidesu

polite: is formal

seishikijanaidesu

polite negative: is not formal

kabushikinokaigigaarimasu

there is a meeting about stocks

Example sentences (1)

douryou no kekkonshiki ni shoutai saremashita.

I was invited to a coworker's wedding.