Definition
礼 is a bound morpheme (b.f.) meaning 'ritual, courtesy, or gift' — it carries deep cultural weight in Chinese society, rooted in Confucian concepts of propriety and social order. You'll encounter it in common compounds: 礼物 (gift), 礼貌 (politeness), 典礼 (ceremony), 礼节 (etiquette). The English glosses 'ceremony', 'courtesy', and 'gift' each cover only part of its range.
b.f.
(bound form) ritualceremony(bound form) courtesyetiquettemanners(bound form) giftpresent
Examples
- ，。Zhè fèn lǐ wù suīrán bú guì, dàn chéngyì hěn zhòngyào.This gift may not be expensive, but sincerity is very important.
- 。Xīn yuángōng xūyào xuéxí gōngsī de lǐ jié.New employees need to learn the company's etiquette.
- 。Bìyè diǎnlǐ zài liùyuè jǔxíng.The graduation ceremony takes place in June.
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