lǐ礼courtesyshàng尚esteemwǎng往golái来come
Courtesy demands reciprocity; to return politeness for politeness.
Literal meaning
courtesy (礼) — esteem (尚) — go (往) — come (来)
Origin
A classical four-character phrase emphasizing the importance of reciprocity in social interactions, possibly from the *Book of Rites*.
Examples
Zhōng中guó国rén人jiǎng讲jiu究lǐ礼shàng尚wǎng往lái来。
Chinese people emphasize reciprocity in social interactions.
Sòng送lǐ礼wù物yě也shì是yī一zhǒng种lǐ礼shàng尚wǎng往lái来。
Giving gifts is also a form of reciprocity.
Usage & nuances
Highlights the importance of returning favors and showing respect to others.
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