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回礼 (huí lǐ) — (v.o.) to give a return gift, to reciprocate a gift or salute

Definition

回礼 (huí lǐ) is a verb-object phrase meaning to give a gift back in return, not just a verbal 'thank you' or reply. It carries a cultural expectation of reciprocity after receiving a gift, invitation, or favor (e.g. weddings, New Year).

verb
(v.o.) to give a return giftto reciprocate a gift or salute

Examples

  • ，回礼。
    Guò nián de shí hou, wǒ men gěi qīn qi men huí lǐ.
    During the New Year, we give return gifts to relatives.
  • ，。
    Tā shōu dào lǐ wù hòu, mǎ shàng huí le yí gè lǐ.
    After receiving the gift, he immediately returned one.
  • ，回礼。
    Àn zhào xí sú, jié hūn shí bīn kè yào huí lǐ.
    According to custom, guests should give a return gift at a wedding.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
动宾dòngbīnVerb + object

An action followed by what it acts on, fused into one word.

回huíreturn
礼lǐgift

回 (return) and 礼 (gift) combine to mean a return gift or salute.

Characters in this word

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

回 comes from a drawing of a spiral, showing something turning around.

Open 回 →

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 禮; 礼 is its simplified writing.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
礻Written in full as示shìaltar
Sound part声符shēngfú
豊
豊lǐ禮lǐ
Same sound today

The traditional form 禮 pairs 礻 (altar) with 豊, a sound part, for performing rites at the altar; the simplified 礼 is a later shorthand.

Open 礼 →
Appears in
Greetings & Politeness

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