1.
Western-style; Western format; Occidental style
A style, method, or design that follows Western (European/American) conventions, as opposed to traditional Japanese or Eastern styles.
洋式トイレを使う。
To use a Western-style toilet.
この建物は洋式の造りになっている。
This building is built in Western style.
明治時代に日本では洋式の生活様式が広まった。
Western lifestyles spread in Japan during the Meiji period.
Most commonly encountered in the phrase 洋式トイレ (Western-style toilet, i.e., a sit-down toilet), in contrast to 和式トイレ (Japanese-style squat toilet). This distinction is very practical for learners in Japan, as signs in public restrooms often indicate the type available.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 洋式トイレ — Western-style (sit-down) toilet
- 洋式建築 — Western-style architecture
- 洋式の部屋 — Western-style room
CONTRAST:
- 和式 — Japanese-style (the direct opposite)
- 様式 — style, format (homophone with different kanji; refers to style or form in general)