Chinese word

彬彬有礼

Pronunciation

Pinyinbīn bīn yǒu lǐ

Meaning

  • idiompolite

Example

服务员对客人总是彬彬有礼。fú wù yuán duì kè rén zǒng shì bīn bīn yóu lǐ

The server is always polite to the customers.

Illustration for 彬彬有礼 (polite)

More examples

与人交谈时，他总是彬彬有礼，让人感觉很舒服。yǔ rén jiāo tán shí tā zǒng shì bīn bīn yóu lǐ ràng rén gǎn jué hěn shū fú

When talking with others, he is always polite, making people feel comfortable.

Core concept

A calm, polished social manner that makes respect visible in speech and conduct.

Common phrases

  • 对客人彬彬有礼duì kè rén bīn bīn yóu lǐ

    be polite to guests

  • 待人彬彬有礼dài rén bīn bīn yóu lǐ

    be polite to others

  • 言谈举止彬彬有礼yán tán jú zhǐ bīn bīn yóu lǐ

    be polite in speech and conduct

Similar words

有礼貌yǒu lǐ mào: Behaves politely toward others by following accepted standards of courtesy.
文质彬彬wén zhì bīn bīn: Presents a refined manner that reveals culture, learning, and restraint.
温文尔雅wēn wén ér yǎ: Shows quiet refinement through calm, graceful speech and conduct.

Definition in Chinese

形容人举止礼貌周到，言行稳重，带有文雅和端庄的气质。xíng róng rén jú zhǐ lǐ mào zhōu dào yán xíng wěn zhòng dài yǒu wén yǎ hé duān zhuāng de qì zhì

Word origin

彬彬 (bīnbīn, "refined and well-composed") + 有礼 (yǒulǐ, "having propriety") forms an idiom for conduct that is both cultured and courteous.

Usage tips

  • In everyday conversation, this idiom usually comments on another person's conduct and can sound formal when used among close friends for a small, routine courtesy.

Opposites

  • 粗鲁无礼cū lǔ wú lǐrude and discourteousidiom
  • 傲慢无礼ào màn wú lǐarrogant and discourteousidiom

Word lists with this word