Definition
礼数 refers to the full set of social courtesies and formalities expected in Chinese interpersonal interactions — not just politeness, but the specific, often unspoken rules about how to treat someone based on age, status, and relationship. It's a culturally loaded term that covers everything from seating arrangements at a banquet to how you address someone's elders. You'll hear it in phrases like 礼数周到 ('thorough in etiquette') or 不懂礼数 ('doesn't understand proper manners').
n.
social etiquetteformal courtesiesproper manners (in Chinese cultural context)
Examples
- ，礼数。Tā zuòshì hěn zhōudào, lǐ shǔ shàng cóng bù mǎhu.He is very thorough in his work and never slacks on social courtesies.
- ，礼数。Dì yī cì qù zhǎngbèi jiā zuòkè, yídìng yào dǒng lǐ shǔ.When visiting an elder's home for the first time, you must understand proper etiquette.
- ，礼数，。Tā suīrán niánqīng, dàn lǐ shǔ fēicháng zhōudào, dàjiā dōu xǐhuan tā.Although she's young, her manners are very thorough, and everyone likes her.
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