Compound of 西洋 (the West) + the suffix 式 (style, system). The 式 suffix produces many style/type words: 日本式 (Japanese-style), 新式 (new style), 結婚式 (wedding ceremony).
Common patterns
- As a noun modifier: 西洋式の + noun
- As a predicate: 西洋式だ / です
Similar words
- 洋式: Western-style — shorter, more common in everyday contexts (especially 洋式トイレ)
- 西洋風: Western in feel — softer; emphasizes a Western-like atmosphere rather than strict conformity
- 欧米式: European/American style — narrower; specifies Europe and North America