Chinese word

客气

Pronunciation

Pinyinkè qì

Meaning

  • adjectivepolite

Example

他对陌生人很客气。tā duì mò shēng rén hěn kè qì

He is very polite to strangers.

Illustration for 客气 (polite)

More examples

他总是对长辈很客气，大家都很尊重他。tā zǒng shì duì zhǎng bèi hěn kè qì dà jiā dōu hěn zūn zhòng tā

He is always very polite to his elders, and everyone respects him.

Core concept

A respectful social buffer expressed through modest words and ceremonious behavior.

Common phrases

  • 对长辈客气duì zhǎng bèi kè qì

    be polite to elders

  • 表现得客气biǎo xiàn de kè qì

    behave politely

  • 别太客气bié tài kè qì

    don't stand on ceremony

Similar words

礼貌lǐ mào: Courteous in speech and actions in a way that shows respect for others.
热情rè qíng: Friendly and enthusiastic toward others, openly expressing warmth and goodwill.

Definition in Chinese

对他人表示礼貌和尊重，言行上谦逊并常含社交性的客套或保留。duì tā rén biǎo shì lǐ mào hé zūn zhòng yán xíng shàng qiān xùn bìng cháng hán shè jiāo xìng de kè tào huò bǎo liú

Word origin

客气 (kèqì, "guest manner") grew from the idea of a guest's careful, respectful conduct into a term for polite restraint between people.

Usage tips

  • It often marks the modest tone used when someone downplays thanks, praise, or an offer, rather than simply describing good behavior.

Other meanings

  • stand on ceremonyverb

Opposites

  • 无礼wú lǐrudeadjective

Related words

  • 客气话kè qì huàpolite phrasesnoun

Word lists with this word