客气
客气 30 सेकंड में
- 客气 (kèqi) is the essential Chinese word for politeness, literally meaning 'guest air.' It covers everything from 'you're welcome' to describing a courteous personality.
- It is used to maintain social harmony and 'face.' While being polite is good, being too '客气' with close friends can actually create unwanted distance.
- Common phrases include '不客气' (you're welcome), '别客气' (don't be formal), and '太客气了' (you are too kind/generous).
- Grammatically, it functions as an adjective or adverb. It is vital for navigating restaurants, homes, and business meetings in Chinese culture.
The term 客气 (kèqi) is a cornerstone of Chinese social interaction, primarily functioning as an adjective that translates to 'polite,' 'courteous,' or 'modest.' However, its linguistic roots offer a deeper glimpse into Chinese psychology. Composed of '客' (kè, meaning guest) and '气' (qì, meaning air, spirit, or manner), it literally describes the 'manner of a guest.' In a culture where hospitality is paramount, acting like a guest implies a level of restraint, respect, and avoidance of over-familiarity that might impose upon the host. It is the social lubricant that maintains harmony (和谐) by ensuring that individuals do not appear overly demanding or arrogant.
- Social Distance
- It defines the appropriate gap between individuals to show respect without being cold.
- Reciprocity
- It often triggers a cycle of 'giving face' (给面子) where both parties minimize their own importance.
- Modesty
- It is frequently used to deflect compliments or gifts, showing that one is not greedy or conceited.
你太客气了，不用送我礼物。 (Nǐ tài kèqi le, bùyòng sòng wǒ lǐwù.) - You are being too polite; there is no need to give me a gift.
In daily life, you will encounter this word most frequently in the phrase '不客气' (bù kèqi), the standard response to 'thank you.' But beyond this basic utility, '客气' describes a personality trait. A person who is '很客气' (hěn kèqi) is someone who consistently displays good manners, listens well, and avoids causing trouble for others. It is highly valued in professional settings, family gatherings, and when meeting strangers. However, there is a subtle threshold: if someone is *too* '客气' with close friends, it can be perceived as '见外' (jiànwài) — treating friends like outsiders, which might actually hurt the intimacy of the relationship.
大家都是老朋友，别这么客气。 (Dàjiā dōu shì lǎo péngyǒu, bié zhème kèqi.) - We are all old friends; don't be so formal/polite.
Understanding '客气' requires understanding the concept of 'Face' (面子). By being '客气,' you are effectively giving the other person face by elevating their status while humbling your own. This is not seen as weakness but as a sign of high emotional intelligence (EQ) and upbringing (教养). In business, being '客气' can open doors that bluntness would close. It involves using honorifics, offering the best seat, and being the first to offer tea. It is the art of making others feel comfortable and respected.
王经理对客户非常客气。 (Wáng jīnglǐ duì kèhù fēicháng kèqi.) - Manager Wang is very polite to the clients.
别客气，随便坐。 (Bié kèqi, suíbiàn zuò.) - Don't be formal; please, sit anywhere.
他说话很客气，让人感觉很舒服。 (Tā shuōhuà hěn kèqi, ràng rén gǎnjué hěn shūfu.) - He speaks very politely, making people feel very comfortable.
Using 客气 (kèqi) correctly involves mastering several grammatical structures and understanding the social context of each. It is most commonly used as an adjective, but it frequently appears in imperative sentences (commands or suggestions) and as part of fixed social formulas. The versatility of '客气' allows it to describe people, actions, and even the atmosphere of a room.
- As a Predicate
- Subject + (Degree Adverb) + 客气. Example: 他很客气 (He is very polite).
- In Negation
- Use '不' to negate. '不客气' is 'You're welcome,' but '他不客气' can mean 'He is rude' or 'He is being blunt.'
- As an Adverb
- 客气地 + Verb. Example: 他客气地拒绝了我的邀请 (He politely declined my invitation).
对不起，我刚才说话不太客气。 (Duìbuqǐ, wǒ gāngcái shuōhuà bù tài kèqi.) - Sorry, I wasn't very polite in what I just said.
One of the most important uses is the '别/不用 + 客气' structure. This is used to tell someone to make themselves at home or to stop being overly formal. When you invite someone to your house, you say '别客气' to encourage them to eat or relax. If someone thanks you profusely, '不用客气' (No need for politeness) is the standard humble response. It signals that the favor was done out of genuine care or duty, not for a reward.
到了我家就别客气，当成自己家一样。 (Dàole wǒjiā jiù bié kèqi, dāngchéng zìjǐ jiā yīyàng.) - Once you're at my house, don't be formal; treat it like your own home.
In formal writing or business, '客气' is used to describe the tone of correspondence. A '客气的信' (a polite letter) might be one that uses '您' (the formal 'you') and avoids direct demands. It's also used in the phrase '客气话' (kèqi huà), which refers to 'polite remarks' or 'pleasantries' — the kind of small talk that isn't necessarily meant literally but is necessary for social lubrication. For example, saying 'We must have dinner sometime' when you don't have a specific date in mind is a classic '客气话'.
那些都只是客气话，你别当真。 (Nàxiē dōu zhǐshì kèqi huà, nǐ bié dàngzhēn.) - Those were just polite remarks; don't take them seriously.
You will hear 客气 (kèqi) in almost every social tier of Chinese life. It is ubiquitous in service industries, domestic hospitality, and corporate negotiations. Because Chinese culture places such high value on 'Li' (礼 - ritual/etiquette), '客气' is the audible manifestation of that value. It acts as a shield against conflict and a bridge for building trust.
- In Restaurants
- Waiters are '客气' to guests, and guests are '客气' when requesting the bill or declining more tea.
- At Home
- Hosts use it to make guests feel welcome, while guests use it to show they aren't taking the host's kindness for granted.
- In the Workplace
- It's used to soften requests or feedback, ensuring that professional relationships remain '客客气气'.
服务员的态度很客气。 (Fúwùyuán de tàidù hěn kèqi.) - The waiter's attitude is very polite.
One specific scenario where '客气' is heard is during the 'bill-fighting' ritual at the end of a meal. Both parties will use '客气' to describe the other's insistence on paying. '你太客气了，这次我来！' (You're too polite, let me get it this time!). In this context, '客气' is synonymous with generosity and social grace. Similarly, when receiving a compliment, a common response is '你太客气了' or '哪里哪里' (where, where), which serves to deflect the praise and maintain a humble image.
他这人说话太客气，有时候让人摸不着头脑。 (Tā zhè rén shuōhuà tài kèqi, yǒushíhòu ràng rén mō bù zháo tóunǎo.) - He is too polite when he speaks; sometimes it's hard to know what he's really thinking.
In movies and TV dramas, especially period pieces or family dramas, '客气' is used to highlight the dynamics of power and respect. A younger person must always be '客气' to an elder. A subordinate must be '客气' to a superior. If a character is described as '不客气' (bù kèqi) in a narrative sense, it often implies they are a straight-shooter, someone who doesn't play social games, or someone who is about to take decisive, perhaps even aggressive, action.
你要是再这样，我可就不客气了！ (Nǐ yàoshi zài zhèyàng, wǒ kě jiù bù kèqi le!) - If you keep doing this, I won't be polite anymore! (A warning of impending confrontation).
While 客气 (kèqi) is a basic word, its nuances lead to several common pitfalls for learners. The most frequent mistake is confusing it with 礼貌 (lǐmào). While both relate to politeness, '礼貌' is a noun meaning 'manners' or an adjective meaning 'polite' in a more formal, rule-based sense. '客气' is more about the *feeling* of being a guest or treating someone like a guest. You have '礼貌' (manners), but you *act* '客气'.
- Over-politeness
- Being '客气' with your spouse or best friend can feel like you are pushing them away. It suggests a lack of intimacy.
- Incorrect Negation
- Saying '他不客气' doesn't always mean 'He is a bad person.' It might just mean he is very direct or informal.
- Confusing with 'Humble'
- While '客气' involves humility, the specific word for 'humble' is '谦虚' (qiānxū).
错误：他很有客气。 (Incorrect: He has very polite.)
正确：他很客气。 (Correct: He is very polite.)
Another mistake is using '客气' when '周到' (zhōudào - thoughtful/attentive) is more appropriate. If someone prepares a very detailed travel plan for you, they are being '周到'. If they simply speak to you with a kind tone and offer you tea, they are being '客气'. Learners also often forget the neutral tone on the second syllable 'qi'. Pronouncing it with a full third or fourth tone can make the word sound unnatural or overly emphasized.
错误：不用客气你。 (Incorrect: No need to polite you.)
正确：不用客气。 (Correct: No need to be polite.)
Finally, learners sometimes miss the 'threat' nuance of '不客气'. While '不客气' usually means 'you're welcome,' if someone says '我对你不客气' (Wǒ duì nǐ bù kèqi), it is a serious threat meaning 'I will show you no mercy' or 'I will deal with you harshly.' Context is everything. If you've just done someone a favor, it's a friendly 'you're welcome.' If you've just insulted someone, it's a warning of a fight.
To truly master 客气 (kèqi), one must understand its neighbors in the semantic field of social behavior. Chinese has a rich vocabulary for different types of politeness, and choosing the right one shows a high level of fluency. The most common similar words are 礼貌 (lǐmào), 谦虚 (qiānxū), and 委婉 (wěiwǎn).
- 礼貌 (lǐmào)
- Refers to 'manners' or 'etiquette.' It is more formal and objective. A child has '礼貌' if they say 'hello' to elders.
- 谦虚 (qiānxū)
- Means 'humble' or 'modest.' It specifically refers to how one views their own achievements or abilities.
- 委婉 (wěiwǎn)
- Means 'tactful' or 'indirect.' This is about the *way* something is said to avoid giving offense.
他很有礼貌，但并不客气。 (He is very well-mannered, but not necessarily 'guest-like' or warm.)
Another related term is 周到 (zhōudào), which means 'thoughtful' or 'attentive to detail.' If a host prepares your favorite food and ensures your room is at the perfect temperature, they are being '周到.' '客气' is more about the surface-level interaction and the verbal expressions of politeness. Then there is 亲切 (qīnqiè), which means 'kind' or 'cordial.' While '客气' can sometimes feel a bit distant, '亲切' is always warm and welcoming, like a grandmother's hug.
他待人非常亲切，一点也不客气。 (He treats people very cordially, not being formal at all.)
In a business context, you might hear 恭敬 (gōngjìng), which means 'respectful' or 'reverent.' This is a much stronger version of '客气' and is usually reserved for interactions with people of significantly higher status or age. On the opposite end, 随意 (suíyì) means 'as one pleases' or 'informal.' When a host says '请随意' (Please, help yourself/be at ease), they are essentially telling you to stop being '客气'. Understanding these distinctions helps you navigate the complex waters of Chinese social hierarchy.
How Formal Is It?
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स्तर के अनुसार उदाहरण
谢谢你！不客气。
Thank you! You're welcome.
Standard response to '谢谢'.
不用客气，请喝茶。
No need to be polite, please drink tea.
Using '不用' to soften the social distance.
太客气了，谢谢。
You're too polite, thank you.
Used when receiving a favor or gift.
别客气，随便坐。
Don't be formal, sit anywhere.
Common phrase for a host.
他不客气。
He is not polite.
Simple adjective use.
老师很客气。
The teacher is very polite.
Describing a person's character.
大家别客气，快吃吧。
Everyone, don't be formal, please eat.
Used to encourage guests to start eating.
客气什么？我们是朋友。
Why be polite? We are friends.
Rhetorical question to show closeness.
服务员对我非常客气。
The waiter was very polite to me.
Subject + 对 + Object + Adjective.
你对他太客气了。
You are too polite to him.
Indicates the speaker thinks the politeness is excessive.
他说话总是很客气。
He always speaks very politely.
Describing the manner of speaking.
我不喜欢太客气的人。
I don't like people who are too polite.
Using '客气' as a noun-modifying adjective.
别客气，这只是件小事。
Don't mention it, it's just a small thing.
Downplaying a favor.
王医生对病人很客气。
Dr. Wang is very polite to the patients.
Professional context.
他客气地请我坐下。
He politely invited me to sit down.
Adverbial use with '地'.
你不用这么客气。
You don't need to be this polite.
Softening a formal interaction.
我们之间不需要这么客气。
There's no need for such politeness between us.
Emphasizing intimacy.
他客气地拒绝了我的好意。
He politely declined my kindness.
Polite refusal.
邻居们见面总是客客气气的。
The neighbors are always very polite when they meet.
Reduplication for emphasis.
这种客气话听听就行了。
Just listen to these polite remarks; don't take them seriously.
Referring to 'empty' politeness.
他虽然很客气，但很有原则。
Although he is very polite, he has strong principles.
Contrastive structure.
你这样说就太客气了。
It's too polite of you to say that.
Response to a compliment.
我们要客气地对待每一位客人。
We should treat every guest politely.
Adverbial use in a command.
他的客气让人觉得有点虚伪。
His politeness makes people feel it's a bit hypocritical.
Negative connotation of excessive politeness.
在商务场合，客气是必不可少的。
In business settings, politeness is essential.
Using '客气' as a noun/concept.
他那番客气话其实是在下逐客令。
His polite words were actually a hint for the guest to leave.
Hidden meanings in politeness.
你再客气，我可要生气了。
If you keep being so polite, I'm going to get angry.
Showing that over-politeness can be annoying.
他这人从不跟人客气，想说什么就说什么。
He is never polite with people; he says whatever he thinks.
Describing a direct personality.
双方在客气地交换了意见后结束了会谈。
The two sides ended the meeting after a polite exchange of views.
Formal narrative style.
这种礼貌只是表面上的客气。
This kind of manners is just superficial politeness.
Distinguishing between manners and sincerity.
如果你不听劝，我可就不客气了。
If you don't listen to my advice, I won't be polite anymore.
Warning/Threat.
他客气地向大家表示了歉意。
He politely expressed his apologies to everyone.
Formal apology.
中国人的客气往往包含着深厚的文化底蕴。
Chinese politeness often contains deep cultural heritage.
Abstract cultural discussion.
这种客气实际上是一种心理防御机制。
This kind of politeness is actually a psychological defense mechanism.
Psychological analysis.
他在文章中客气地指出了对方的错误。
In his article, he politely pointed out the other party's errors.
Academic/Literary context.
过分的客气反而会拉开人与人之间的距离。
Excessive politeness will instead increase the distance between people.
Philosophical observation.
他那套客气在真正的危机面前毫无用处。
His brand of politeness was useless in the face of a real crisis.
Critical evaluation.
这种客气话在外交辞令中非常常见。
These kinds of polite remarks are very common in diplomatic language.
Specialized register.
他客气地回绝了对方的重金聘请。
He politely turned down the other party's high-salary job offer.
Moral integrity context.
在那个圈子里，客气只是一种伪装。
In that circle, politeness is just a disguise.
Social commentary.
其言辞虽客气，却字字如刀，绵里藏针。
Though his words were polite, every word was like a knife, a needle hidden in silk.
Literary/Idiomatic description.
这种客气已经异化为一种僵化的社交仪式。
This politeness has alienated into a rigid social ritual.
Sociological critique.
他深谙客气之道，总能化干戈为玉帛。
He is well-versed in the way of politeness and can always turn conflict into harmony.
High-level idiomatic usage.
作者通过这种客气的笔调，讽刺了当时社会的虚伪。
Through this polite tone, the author satirizes the hypocrisy of society at the time.
Literary analysis.
在极度的愤怒下，他反而变得异常客气，这更让人胆战心惊。
Under extreme anger, he instead became unusually polite, which was even more terrifying.
Psychological depth.
这种客气超越了简单的礼仪，上升到了一种处世哲学。
This politeness transcends simple etiquette and rises to a philosophy of life.
Philosophical elevation.
他客气地谢绝了所有的荣宠，选择了归隐山林。
He politely declined all honors and chose to live in seclusion in the mountains.
Classical narrative theme.
这种不着痕迹的客气，才是最高境界的社交艺术。
This trace-less politeness is the highest realm of social art.
Aesthetic evaluation.
सामान्य शब्द संयोजन
सामान्य वाक्यांश
不客气
别客气
不用客气
太客气了
客气话
客客气气
对他不客气
你太客气了
客气一点
没必要客气
अक्सर इससे भ्रम होता है
礼貌 is about rules; 客气 is about the guest-host dynamic.
谦虚 is about being humble about skills; 客气 is about social behavior.
周到 is about being thorough/attentive; 客气 is about being polite.
मुहावरे और अभिव्यक्तियाँ
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आसानी से भ्रमित होने वाले
वाक्य संरचनाएँ
इसे कैसे इस्तेमाल करें
Can be used sarcastically to mean someone is being fake.
Being too polite with family is weird.
Always respond to '谢谢' with '不客气' or '不用谢'.
- Using '有客气' instead of '很客气'.
- Being too '客气' with family members.
- Pronouncing 'qi' with a 4th tone instead of neutral.
- Confusing '客气' (behavior) with '礼貌' (rules).
- Using '客气' to describe your own good behavior.
सुझाव
The Art of Refusal
When offered something, it's '客气' to refuse once or twice. This shows you aren't greedy. The host will usually insist, and then you can accept. This 'dance' is a key part of Chinese social interaction.
Neutral Tone
Always remember the neutral tone on 'qi'. Pronouncing it as 'kèqì' (4th tone) sounds like you are saying 'guest anger,' which is definitely not what you want! Keep it light and quick.
Don't be 'Too' Polite
With close friends, drop the '客气'. If you are too formal, they might think you are mad at them or that you don't consider them close friends. Use '别客气' to signal that you are comfortable.
Polite but Firm
In negotiations, you can be '客气' in your tone while remaining firm in your position. Using '客气' language helps to keep the atmosphere positive even when discussing difficult topics.
Listen for the 'Threat'
If someone says '我对你不客气了' with a serious face, watch out! This is a common way to say 'I'm going to stop being nice and start taking action.' Context is your best guide here.
Reduplication
Use '客客气气' to describe a long-term relationship. '他们两家人一直客客气气的' means the two families have always maintained a very polite and harmonious relationship. It sounds more descriptive and native.
Describing Manners
When writing a story, use '客气' to show a character's upbringing. A character who is '不客气' might be a hero who is honest and direct, or a villain who is rude and arrogant. It's a great character-building word.
Responding to Praise
Instead of just saying 'Thank you' (谢谢) to a compliment, try '你太客气了'. It sounds much more humble and native. It shows you understand the value of modesty in Chinese culture.
Guest Manner
Always remember the literal meaning: 'Guest Manner.' If you act like a guest—respectful, not too loud, waiting to be invited—you are being '客气'. This mental image helps you use the word correctly.
Don't use with 'Have'
In English, we say 'He has good manners.' In Chinese, don't say '他有客气'. Use '很' instead: '他很客气'. '客气' is an adjective, not a noun in this context.
याद करें
शब्द की उत्पत्ति
From '客' (guest) + '气' (air/manner). It originally referred to the behavior one should adopt when visiting someone else's home.
सांस्कृतिक संदर्भ
Deflecting compliments is a standard '客气' behavior.
The host must be '客气' to ensure the guest feels honored.
Politeness is a way to preserve the dignity of both parties.
असल ज़िंदगी में अभ्यास करें
वास्तविक संदर्भ
बातचीत की शुरुआत
"你觉得中国人是不是太客气了？"
"在你的国家，人们怎么表现客气？"
"如果你去中国朋友家，你会怎么客气？"
"你喜欢说话客气的人吗？"
"你什么时候会觉得别人太客气了？"
डायरी विषय
Describe a time when someone was very客气 to you.
Write about the difference between being polite in your culture and in China.
How do you feel when a close friend is too客气 with you?
Is it possible to be 'too'客气? Why or why not?
Describe the '客气' rituals you have observed in Chinese restaurants.
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल
10 सवालNo, it is the most common meaning, but it can also mean 'not polite' or 'rude' depending on the context. For example, '他不客气' means 'He is rude.' In a threatening context, '我不客气了' means 'I will show no mercy.' Always look at the situation to be sure.
Someone is 'too'客气 when their politeness creates an uncomfortable distance. For example, if your best friend of 10 years insists on bowing and using formal titles, they are being 'too'客气. In Chinese, this is called '见外' (treating someone like an outsider). It can make the other person feel like the friendship is not as close as they thought.
It is grammatically correct but culturally awkward. In Chinese culture, describing yourself as 'polite' can actually seem a bit arrogant or lacking in humility. It's better to let others describe you that way. If you want to say you are trying to be polite, you could say '我尽量表现得客气一点' (I try to act a bit more polite).
'客气话' (kèqi huà) refers to polite remarks or social pleasantries. These are things people say to be nice, but they don't always mean them literally. For example, 'We must have lunch sometime!' is often just a '客气话.' It's important to recognize these so you don't get disappointed when the lunch date doesn't happen immediately.
Yes, absolutely. In business, being '客气' is essential for building rapport and trust. It involves using respectful language, offering hospitality, and avoiding direct confrontation. A business person who is '客气' is seen as professional and well-bred. However, you must also be careful not to let '客气' get in the way of clear communication.
'礼貌' (lǐmào) is a noun for 'manners' or an adjective for 'polite' in a formal sense. It's about following the rules of etiquette. '客气' (kèqi) is more about the specific feeling of being a guest or treating someone like one. You can have '礼貌' but not be '客气' (e.g., being cold but following all the rules).
It is pronounced 'kèqi.' The first syllable 'kè' is the 4th tone (falling). The second syllable 'qi' is the neutral tone (short and light). Many learners make the mistake of pronouncing 'qi' with a full tone, which sounds a bit stiff. Try to let the 'qi' drop off quickly.
While the core meaning is the same, the *level* of expected '客气' can vary. Generally, people in northern China might be seen as more direct, while people in the south might place more emphasis on the rituals of '客气.' However, this is a broad generalization, and '客气' remains a universal value across the Chinese-speaking world.
Yes, you can say a child is '很客气' if they are very well-behaved and polite to guests. However, usually, people use '懂礼貌' (dǒng lǐmào - understands manners) to describe children. '客气' is more often used for adults who are navigating social relationships.
This is a standard polite response. By saying 'You are too polite,' they are acknowledging your generosity and expressing that they feel they haven't done enough to deserve such a nice gift. It's a way of being humble. You should just smile and say '一点小意思' (just a small token of my appreciation).
खुद को परखो 180 सवाल
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Mastering '客气' is about more than just learning a word; it's about understanding the Chinese art of social distance. It allows you to show respect, deflect praise humbly, and warn others when they've crossed a line, all while maintaining the 'guest-like' grace that defines traditional Chinese manners.
- 客气 (kèqi) is the essential Chinese word for politeness, literally meaning 'guest air.' It covers everything from 'you're welcome' to describing a courteous personality.
- It is used to maintain social harmony and 'face.' While being polite is good, being too '客气' with close friends can actually create unwanted distance.
- Common phrases include '不客气' (you're welcome), '别客气' (don't be formal), and '太客气了' (you are too kind/generous).
- Grammatically, it functions as an adjective or adverb. It is vital for navigating restaurants, homes, and business meetings in Chinese culture.
The Art of Refusal
When offered something, it's '客气' to refuse once or twice. This shows you aren't greedy. The host will usually insist, and then you can accept. This 'dance' is a key part of Chinese social interaction.
Neutral Tone
Always remember the neutral tone on 'qi'. Pronouncing it as 'kèqì' (4th tone) sounds like you are saying 'guest anger,' which is definitely not what you want! Keep it light and quick.
Don't be 'Too' Polite
With close friends, drop the '客气'. If you are too formal, they might think you are mad at them or that you don't consider them close friends. Use '别客气' to signal that you are comfortable.
Polite but Firm
In negotiations, you can be '客气' in your tone while remaining firm in your position. Using '客气' language helps to keep the atmosphere positive even when discussing difficult topics.
उदाहरण
你太客气了，不用谢。
संबंधित सामग्री
यह शब्द अन्य भाषाओं में
communication के और शब्द
承认
A2उसने इसे स्वीकार करने से इनकार कर दिया। हमें इस तथ्य को स्वीकार करना चाहिए।
恐怕
B1I'm afraid that...; perhaps; probably. Used to express concern, uncertainty, or to soften a polite refusal.
同意
A1किसी विचार से सहमत होना या अनुमति देना। राजी होना।
虽然...但是...
A2यद्यपि... लेकिन... यह संरचना विरोध व्यक्त करने के लिए उपयोग की जाती है। हालाँकि बारिश हो रही है, लेकिन मैं बाहर जा रहा हूँ।
公告
B1announcement
回答
A1to answer; to reply
接听
B2To answer (a phone call).
致歉
B2To express an apology formally. This is a critical term for IELTS letters of apology.
提问
A1To ask a question; to pose an inquiry.
广播
A2Broadcast.
