In Chinese culture, there's a significant interplay between form (形式) and substance (内容, nèiróng). While often criticized, paying attention to the proper 形式 is not always negative; it can be a sign of respect, seriousness, and order. A key concept is 形式主义 (xíngshì zhǔyì), or “formalism.” This is a pejorative term, often used to criticize bureaucracy, “box-ticking” exercises, or any situation where procedure is valued more than the actual result. It's the act of doing something just because it's required, without genuine intent or effect. A helpful Western comparison is the phrase “going through the motions.” However, 形式主义 in a Chinese context is a more deeply ingrained concept, often linked to the idea of “saving face” (面子, miànzi). Maintaining a proper outward appearance—the correct 形式—can be crucial for preserving one's reputation and social harmony, even if the underlying situation is flawed. For example, a company might hold a lavish but pointless meeting (a 形式) to project an image of success to outsiders. For a learner, recognizing when an action is a genuine effort versus just a 形式 is a vital social skill.
The use of 形式 ranges from completely neutral to highly critical, depending on the context.