Japanese word

礼儀

Pronunciation

Romajireigi

Meaning

  • nounmanners

Example

子どもに礼儀を教えます。ko do mo ni rei gi o oshi e ma su

I teach children manners.

Illustration for 礼儀 (manners)

More examples

初対面の人には、相手を思いやることも礼儀の一つです。hatsu tai men no hito ni wa ai te o omo i ya ru ko to mo rei gi no hito tsu de su

Showing consideration for the other person when meeting someone for the first time is also part of good manners.

Core concept

Describes the social conduct that helps people show respect and consideration toward one another.

Common phrases

  • 礼儀を守るrei gi o mamo ru

    observe proper etiquette

  • 礼儀を身につけるrei gi o mi ni tsu ke ru

    develop good manners

  • 礼儀を学ぶrei gi o mana bu

    learn good manners

  • 礼儀を大切にするrei gi o tai setsu ni su ru

    value good manners

Similar words

マナーmanā: A customary way of behaving politely in a social situation.
礼節reisetsu: Respectful conduct that shows regard for other people.
作法sahō: Established rules for proper behavior in a particular setting.

Definition in Japanese

社会生活で相手を尊重し、失礼にならないようにふるまう作法。sha kai sei katsu de ai te o son chō shi shitsu rei ni na ra na i yō ni fu ru ma u sa hō

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese word 礼儀 (reigi) is formed from 礼 (rei, "propriety") and 儀 (gi, "ceremony or conduct").

Usage tips

  • English usually uses manners in the plural for polite behavior, while singular manner usually means a way of doing something.

Other meanings

  • courtesynoun
  • etiquettenoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word