送礼

• Pinyin: sòng lǐ
• Hanzi breakdown: 送 = to send, give; 礼 = gift, ceremony — to give gifts

Meaning

To give gifts; gift-giving. The act of presenting gifts to others, often on special occasions or to show appreciation.

An important social practice in Chinese culture. Common occasions include weddings, births, holidays, and visiting elders or superiors. Gift selection follows cultural norms — avoid clocks (谐音 '送终'), pears (谐音 '分离'), and umbrellas (谐音 '散'). Can sometimes have negative connotations related to bribery: 行贿送礼 (bribery through gifts).

Examples

1. 中国人过年走亲访友都要送礼。 Chinese people give gifts when visiting relatives and friends during New Year.
2. 送礼要注意场合和对方的喜好。 Gift-giving should consider the occasion and the recipient's preferences.
3. 政府明令禁止公务员接受贵重礼品。 The government explicitly prohibits civil servants from accepting expensive gifts.

Usage Guide

Context: social, customs, holidays

Tone: cultural

Do Say

• 送礼不在贵重，心意最重要。(The value of a gift doesn't matter; it's the thought that counts.)
• 去拜访长辈别忘了送礼。(Don't forget to bring gifts when visiting elders.)

Don't Say

• 不要对陌生人说'我来送礼' (Don't tell strangers you're here to give gifts — it may sound like bribery)

Origin & History

Verb-object compound: 送 (to send, give) + 礼 (gift). The act of presenting a gift.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal