공식 (gong-sik, gongsik) · 격식 (gyeok-sik, gyeoksik) · 정식 (jeong-sik, jeongsik)
공식 refers to officially recognized procedures or rules, 격식 emphasizes etiquette and formal manners, and 정식 means a complete and proper procedure or method.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
Refers to officially recognized procedures, rules, or an official status
When to use
official announcement, official event, official document
The nuance
Use 공식 for procedures or rules officially recognized or announced by governments, organizations, or institutions.
Expresses an attitude or atmosphere that values etiquette and formal manners
When to use
formal gathering, observe etiquette, informal conversation
The nuance
Use 격식 when referring to etiquette between people, social formality, or situations requiring formal manners.
Indicates a complete and proper procedure or method, or something official and regular
When to use
formal procedure, official contract, formal education
The nuance
Use 정식 when a procedure is complete and correct, regular, or officially recognized as formal.
이것은 정부에서 발표한 공식 문서입니다.
i-geos-eun jeong-bu-e-seo bal-pyo-han gong-sik mun-seo-ip-ni-da., i geos eun jeong bu e seo bal pyo han gong sik mun seo ip ni da.
Because it refers to a document officially announced by the government, '공식' is appropriate.
우리는 격식 문서에 서명했다.
u-ri-neun gyeok-sik mun-seo-e seo-myeong-haess-da., u ri neun gyeok sik mun seo e seo myeong haess da.
'격식' refers to etiquette or formality, so for documents, '공식' or '정식' should be used instead.
격식을 차려서 회의에 참석했다.
gyeok-sik-eul cha-ryeo-seo hoe-ui-e cham-seok-haess-da., gyeok sik eul cha ryeo seo hoe ui e cham seok haess da.
'격식' fits when emphasizing etiquette and formality in attending a meeting.
정식 절차를 거치지 않고 계약했다.
jeong-sik jeol-cha-reul geo-chi-ji an-go gye-yak-haess-da., jeong sik jeol cha reul geo chi ji an go gye yak haess da.
'정식' is appropriate as it means a complete and proper procedure.
공식 교육을 받았다.
gong-sik gyo-yuk-eul bat-ass-da., gong sik gyo yuk eul bat ass da.
'공식' is acceptable as it refers to education officially recognized by institutions.
격식 교육을 받았다.
gyeok-sik gyo-yuk-eul bat-ass-da., gyeok sik gyo yuk eul bat ass da.
'격식' means etiquette or formality and does not fit with education.
정식으로 초대받았다.
jeong-sik-eu-ro cho-dae-bat-ass-da., jeong sik eu ro cho dae bat ass da.
'정식' is appropriate as it means an official and proper invitation.
공식으로 격식을 차렸다.
gong-sik-eu-ro gyeok-sik-eul cha-ryeoss-da., gong sik eu ro gyeok sik eul cha ryeoss da.
'공식' and '격식' are different concepts and should not be used together like this.
When do you use 공식 행사?
Which word is used when emphasizing etiquette and formality?
Which word means a complete and proper procedure?
Which is correct: 공식 문서 or 격식 문서?
