礼貌

• Pinyin: lǐ mào
• Hanzi breakdown: 礼 = 礻 (spirit) + 乚 — ritual/propriety; 貌 = 豸 (beast) + 白 + 儿 — appearance

Meaning

Politeness; manners; polite. Courteous behavior that shows respect for others.

Can be used as a noun (politeness) or adjective (polite). 有礼貌 means polite/having manners, 没礼貌 means rude/impolite. Closely tied to Chinese social values of respect and proper conduct.

Examples

1. 对长辈说话要有礼貌。 You should speak politely to elders.
2. 她是一个既聪明又有礼貌的女孩。 She is a girl who is both smart and polite.
3. 不经允许就进别人房间是很没礼貌的。 Entering someone's room without permission is very impolite.

Usage Guide

Context: education, social, everyday

Tone: appreciative

Do Say

• 这孩子真有礼貌。(This child is really polite.)
• 请礼貌地对待每一个人。(Please treat everyone politely.)

Don't Say

• 说'礼貌地撒谎'表示善意的谎言 (Don't use 礼貌 to justify lies — 礼貌 is about genuine courtesy; for white lies, say 善意的谎言)

Origin & History

礼 (ritual, propriety) + 貌 (appearance, manner). Together meaning proper demeanor and courteous appearance.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal