Definition
客套话 is a noun meaning 'polite formalities' or 'courtesy phrases' — the formulaic expressions people use in social situations to be polite, even when they don't fully mean them. You'll hear it a lot in greetings, thanks, and farewells. In Chinese culture, using 客套话 is expected in many interactions, though too much can feel insincere.
n.
polite formulaformal words of courtesycivilities
Examples
- 客套话，。Tā shuō le hěn duō kè tào huà, dàn qíshí bìng bù zhēnxīn.He said a lot of polite formulas, but actually wasn't sincere.
- ，客套话。Jiàn miàn shí, dàjiā dōu huì shuō yì xiē kè tào huà.When meeting, everyone will say some formal words of courtesy.
- 客套话，。Wǒ bù xǐhuan nàxiē kè tào huà, tài jiǎ le.I don't like those polite formalities; they're too fake.
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