举止

• Pinyin: jǔ zhǐ
• Hanzi breakdown: 举 = 兴 simplified (action/movement); 止 = foot/stop (conduct/demeanour)

Meaning

Manner; bearing; deportment. One's observable conduct, gestures, and behaviour in social or formal settings.

Refers to how a person presents themselves through body language and behaviour, particularly in evaluative or formal contexts. 举止得体 means 'appropriate/proper conduct.' Often assessed in interviews, diplomatic situations, and public life.

Examples

1. 面试时，举止大方、谈吐得体往往能给面试官留下良好的第一印象。 In an interview, confident manners and appropriate speech often leave a strong first impression on the interviewer.
2. 他虽出身贫寒，但言谈举止始终透露出一种儒雅而从容的气质。 Though he came from a poor background, his words and behavior always reveal a refined and composed temperament.
3. 外交场合要求代表举止端庄、言辞谨慎，充分展示国家应有的风范。 Diplomatic occasions require representatives to carry themselves with dignity and speak cautiously, fully demonstrating the country’s proper bearing.

Usage Guide

Context: social etiquette, interview, diplomacy

Tone: evaluative

Do Say

• 她的举止优雅从容，令在场所有宾客都留下了深刻的印象。(Her bearing was elegant and composed, leaving a deep impression on all the guests present.)
• 作为公众人物，他时刻注重自身的言行举止，力求以身作则。(As a public figure, he always paid attention to his words and conduct, striving to set a good example.)

Don't Say

• 他有好的举止 — unnatural phrasing; use 举止得体 (proper conduct) or 举止优雅 (elegant bearing); 举止 takes descriptive adjectives, not 有好的

Origin & History

举 (movement/raise) + 止 (stop/foot — extended to mean conduct/deportment)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal