HSK · Level 45
120 words
Chinese word
礼
Pronunciation
Pinyinlǐ
Meaning
- nounritual
Example
见面时我们要互相行礼。jiàn miàn shí wǒ men yào hù xiāng xíng lǐ
When we meet, we should bow to each other.
More examples
在正式场合要注意保持礼貌。zài zhèng shì chǎng hé yào zhù yì bǎo chí lǐ mào
In formal situations, be sure to remain polite.
Core concept
A recognized way to turn respect into visible, orderly behavior.
Common phrases
礼貌lǐ mào
politeness
行礼xíng lǐ
bow
礼节lǐ jié
etiquette
Similar words
礼貌lǐ mào: Polite behavior and respectful language toward other people.
礼节lǐ jié: Rules of proper behavior that people follow when dealing with one another.
礼仪lǐ yí: Formal customs and set procedures for greetings and behavior at official occasions.
仪式yí shì: A formal event held with set forms for a particular purpose or meaning.
Definition in Chinese
约定俗成的行为规范，用来表达对他人的尊重并维持交往秩序，既可指具体动作也可指规则。yuē dìng sú chéng de xíng wéi guī fàn yòng lái biǎo dá duì tā rén de zūn zhòng bìng wéi chí jiāo wǎng zhì xù jì kě zhǐ jù tǐ dòng zuò yě kě zhǐ guī zé
Word origin
The meaning of 礼 (lǐ, "ritual") broadens from prescribed ceremonial acts to the accepted conduct that keeps relationships and public dealings respectful.
Usage tips
- In conversational Chinese, the bare noun 礼 (lǐ, "ritual") often sounds formal, so everyday speech usually names the particular behavior or situation instead of using it alone.