礼貌 (lǐmào) — polite; politeness

HSK 3 | adj/noun | polite behavior or manners

礼貌 (lǐmào)

礼貌 refers to polite behavior and good manners, or the quality of being courteous and respectful in social interactions.

Meanings

  1. [adj] polite; courteous; well-mannered
  2. [noun] politeness; courtesy; good manners

Example Sentences

他说话总是很有礼貌。 Tā shuōhuà zǒngshì hěn yǒu lǐmào. He always speaks very politely.

对老人要有礼貌,这是基本道德。 Duì lǎorén yào yǒu lǐmào, zhè shì jīběn dàodé. Being polite to the elderly is basic morality.

不打招呼就离开是不礼貌的。 Bù dǎ zhāohu jiù líkāi shì bù lǐmào de. Leaving without saying goodbye is impolite.

她的礼貌让每个人都喜欢她。 Tā de lǐmào ràng měi gè rén dōu xǐhuān tā. Her politeness makes everyone like her.

Collocations

Collocation Meaning
有礼貌 to be polite
没有礼貌 to be impolite; rude
不礼貌 impolite
讲礼貌 to observe good manners
礼貌用语 polite expressions

Memory Hook

礼 means "ritual/courtesy" and 貌 means "appearance/manner" — 礼貌 is the outward appearance of your courtesy, visible in how you act toward others.