Word formation with postfixes in Chinese
Postfixes are special ending morphemes that are used to form new words.
化
We use the postfix 化 
to form a large number of words denoting an action, a transformation, or the transition of an object to another state.
to form a large number of words denoting an action, a transformation, or the transition of an object to another state. Pay attention
This postfix is formed from the word “transformation”.
Most of the words with the postfix 化 are nouns, however it can be with a verb as well. The postfix 化 can not only form words with the end “-ization” and “-ification”, but also “-ize” and “-ify”.
恶化
工业化
电气化
自动化
大众化
工业化
电气化
自动化
大众化 式
We use the postfix 式 to form words denoting “style”, “kind”.
to form words denoting “style”, “kind”. Pay attention
This postfix is formed from the word “style”.
美式
西式
青年式
老式
西式
青年式
老式 We also use this postfix to form words meaning “formula”, “equation”.
方程式 (mathematical or chemical)
分子式
(mathematical or chemical)
分子式 型
We use the postfix 型 to form words for scale, type, and kind.
to form words for scale, type, and kind.小型
微型
流线型
轻便型
重型
微型
流线型
轻便型
重型 性
We use the postfix 性 to form various abstract nouns. Usually such words describe the properties of objects and phenomena.
to form various abstract nouns. Usually such words describe the properties of objects and phenomena. Pay attention
This postfix is formed from the word 性 “characteristic, property, nature”.
可能性
原则性
重要性
耐性
主动性
原则性
重要性
耐性
主动性