Chinese word

得体

Pronunciation

Pinyindé tǐ

Meaning

  • adjectiveappropriate

Example

她的穿着很得体。tā de chuān zhe hěn dé tǐ

Her outfit is very appropriate.

Illustration for 得体 (appropriate)

More examples

面对批评，他的反应很得体。miàn duì pī píng tā de fǎn yìng hěn dé tǐ

In the face of criticism, his response was very appropriate.

Core concept

Conduct and appearance that fit the setting while staying within the bounds of good manners.

Common phrases

  • 衣着得体yī zhuó dé tǐ

    appropriate dress

  • 举止得体jú zhǐ dé tǐ

    proper behavior

  • 应对得体yìng duì dé tǐ

    appropriate response

Similar words

合适hé shì: Right for a purpose, use, or situation and free of an awkward mismatch.
适宜shì yí: Suitable under the given conditions or at a particular time.
得当dé dàng: Proper in handling a matter or making a decision.
合身hé shēn: Fitting the body well in size and shape, making clothing comfortable to wear.

Definition in Chinese

在社交或正式场合中指一个人的言谈举止与穿着等恰当，既不失礼也不过分张扬。zài shè jiāo huò zhèng shì chǎng hé zhōng zhǐ yí gè rén de yán tán jú zhǐ yǔ chuān zhe děng qià dàng jì bù shī lǐ yě bú guò fēn zhāng yáng

Word origin

得 (dé, "fit") + 体 (tǐ, "bearing") forms the idea of a person's outward manner fitting the social situation.

Usage tips

  • In everyday Chinese, this word is especially useful for describing someone at a formal event, where it can cover clothing, speech, and behavior in one judgment rather than just one item.

Other meanings

  • politeadjective

Opposites

  • 不得体bù dé tǐinappropriateadjective
  • 不得当bù dé dāngimproperadjective

Word lists with this word