公式（こうしき、koushiki）
- formula

The Japanese word 公式 (こうしき, *koushiki*) generally translates to "official," "formal," "formula," or "rule." The specific meaning depends heavily on the context in which it's used. It can refer to something that is authorized, sanctioned, or recognized as correct. It can also refer to a mathematical or scientific formula. The 公式 itself suggests something that is established, standardized, or accepted as the norm. It often implies a level of authority, correctness, or adherence to a specific protocol.

⚫︎ 政府の公式発表 Translation: The government's official announcement. ⚫︎ 数学の公式を覚える Translation: To memorize the mathematical formula. ⚫︎ 公式ウェブサイト Translation: Official website.

You use 公式 when you're referring to something that is: ⚫︎ Officially sanctioned or approved. ⚫︎ Formal or according to established rules. ⚫︎ A formula or a set of rules used to solve a problem. The context will determine the specific nuance. For example, in a business setting, it might refer to an official document or a prescribed procedure. In a mathematical context, it clearly indicates a formula. In a news context, it signifies an authorized statement.

公式 is written with the kanji 公式. The reading is こうしき (koushiki) in hiragana. There are no other common ways to write this word. Okurigana is not applicable to the kanji.

⚫︎ 正式（せいしき, seishiki): Formal, official. ⚫︎ 正規（せいき, seiki): Regular, formal, official. ⚫︎ オフィシャル (ofisharu): Official (borrowed word from English). ⚫︎ 決まり（きまり, kimari): Rule, regulation, custom.

⚫︎ 非公式（ひこうしき, hikoushiki): Unofficial. ⚫︎ 未公認（みこうにん, mikounin): Unrecognized, not authorized. ⚫︎ インフォーマル (infoomaru): Informal (borrowed word from English). ⚫︎ 私的（してき, shiteki): Private, personal.

公式ウェブサイトで最新情報を確認してください。 ・Translation: Please check the latest information on the official website. ・Explanation: This sentence uses 公式 to specify that the website providing the information is the authorized or approved source.

この問題の公式を使って、答えを求めましょう。 ・Translation: Let's use the formula for this problem and find the answer. ・Explanation: In this case, 公式 refers to a mathematical or scientific formula.

The word 公式 is composed of two kanji: 公 (kou) meaning "public," "official," or "governmental," and 式 (shiki) meaning "formula," "ceremony," or "style." Therefore, 公式 literally combines the ideas of something being "public" or "official" with a "style," "formula," or "procedure."