様式（ようしき、youshiki）
- style

The Japanese word 様式 （ようしき, *youshiki*) generally refers to "form," "style," "format," "model," or "system." It describes the established way something is done, the particular method or manner, or the design and structure. It can apply to various contexts, from writing and art to architecture, bureaucracy, or even social customs. It implies a degree of standardization or established practice. 様式 emphasizes the *how* something is done or structured.

⚫︎この書類は新しい様式で作成してください。 Translation: Please create this document in the new format. ⚫︎伝統的な様式の家が好きです。 Translation: I like houses in the traditional style. ⚫︎申請書の様式はウェブサイトからダウンロードできます。 Translation: You can download the application form from the website.

You can use 様式 in formal and informal situations. It's often used in professional or official contexts when discussing documents, procedures, or artistic styles. It's also suitable when you want to specify a particular style or way of doing something. Be mindful of the context to determine the most appropriate nuance of “form”, “style”, “format”, etc.

様式 is typically written with the kanji 様（*you*, meaning "appearance," "state," "manner") and 式（*shiki*, meaning "ceremony," "formula," "style"). The reading is ようしき in hiragana. There are no other common ways to write this word. The okurigana is standard.

⚫︎ 形式（*keishiki*): Form, format (often used interchangeably with 様式) ⚫︎ スタイル（*sutairu*): Style (loanword) ⚫︎ 形式（*keishiki*): Formal ⚫︎ フォーム（*foomu*): Form (loanword) ⚫︎ 型（*kata*): Model, type, pattern.

There aren't direct antonyms, but words that imply a lack of structure or standardization could be considered opposites in a sense. For example: ⚫︎ 自由（*jiyuu*): Freedom ⚫︎ 独自（*dokuji*): Originality, unique.

このプロジェクトの企画書は、既存の様式に従って作成する必要があります。 ・Translation: The project proposal for this project needs to be created according to the existing format. ・Explanation: This sentence illustrates how 様式 is used in a professional setting, specifying that the proposal must follow a predefined format.

あの画家は、斬新な様式で絵を描くことで有名です。 ・Translation: That painter is famous for painting in an innovative style. ・Explanation: This sentence shows the use of 様式 in the context of artistic style, highlighting the painter's unique approach.

The kanji 様 indicates "appearance" or "state," and 式 relates to "ceremony" or "method." Together, they combine to indicate a formal, structured "way" or "form." The word likely evolved as the Japanese language incorporated Chinese characters to describe systems and structures.