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A2 noun 11 min read

别客气

bie ke qi

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 别客气 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 别客气 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '别客气' (bié kèqi) is taught as a simple, fixed phrase that means 'You're welcome.' It is one of the first conversational responses students learn after '谢谢' (thank you). At this stage, you don't need to worry about the complex cultural background of the individual characters. Just remember it as a three-syllable response to a thank you. You will mostly use it in very basic interactions, such as when you hand someone a pen or help them find a page in a textbook. It is a polite way to end a small exchange. Think of it as the 'mirror' to '谢谢'. If someone says 'thank you' to you, you say '别客气' back. It is important to practice the tones: 'bié' is second tone (rising), 'kè' is fourth tone (falling), and 'qi' is neutral (light and short). Beginners often make the mistake of making 'qi' too long, so keep it quick. Even at A1, using this phrase makes you sound much more natural than just staying silent after someone thanks you. It shows you have basic manners in Chinese. You might also see '不客气' (bù kèqi), which is almost exactly the same. Both are perfectly fine for A1 students to use. The goal at this level is simply to recognize the sound and know when to say it during a basic dialogue.

At the A2 level, you begin to see '别客气' in more varied contexts, especially in invitations and hospitality. You might learn that '别' means 'don't' and '客气' means 'polite.' This helps you understand why it's used when a host offers you food or a drink. For example, '请喝茶，别客气' (Please drink tea, don't be polite). Here, it isn't just 'you're welcome'; it's an invitation to feel at home and not act like a formal guest. At this level, you should also be able to distinguish '别客气' from '没关系' (méi guānxi). Remember: '别客气' is for thanks, and '没关系' is for apologies. You will also start to see the phrase used with other words, like '对我别客气' (don't be polite with me). This shows a slightly higher level of grammatical control. You are expected to use this phrase in role-plays about visiting a friend's house or shopping. Understanding the 'guest' (客) aspect of the word helps you connect it to other words like '客人' (kèrén - guest). This level is about moving from a robotic response to a more functional use of the phrase to facilitate social interactions and show warmth to your friends and acquaintances.

By the B1 level, you should understand the social dynamics of '别客气.' It is no longer just a vocabulary item but a tool for managing relationships. You will notice that '别客气' is often used to reduce the 'social debt' that occurs when someone does a favor for another. In Chinese culture, a favor often creates an obligation to return it. By saying '别客气,' the person doing the favor is signaling that they don't expect anything in return and that the relationship is close enough that such debts aren't strictly tracked. You might also encounter the phrase '那我就不客气了' (In that case, I won't be polite), which is a crucial phrase for accepting offers. At B1, you should be comfortable using '别客气' in semi-formal situations, such as with colleagues or teachers. You should also be aware of regional variations, like the use of '不用谢' in mainland China or '不会' in Taiwan. You are moving toward a more nuanced understanding of when '别客气' might be too informal. For instance, if you are speaking to a much older person, you might choose '您太客气了' instead to show more respect. This level requires you to think about who you are talking to before you choose which version of 'you're welcome' to use.

At the B2 level, you explore the deeper cultural implications of '客气' (politeness) and how '别客气' acts as a linguistic bridge between 'outsiders' (外人) and 'insiders' (自己人). In Chinese society, there is a clear distinction between how you treat people in your inner circle versus those outside it. Being '客气' is actually a sign that someone is an 'outsider.' Therefore, when someone says '别客气' to you, they are often inviting you into their 'inner circle.' It is a powerful social signal. At this level, you should be able to discuss these concepts in Chinese. You will also see '别客气' used in more complex sentence structures, such as '大家都是老朋友了，就别客气了' (We are all old friends, so stop being so polite). You should also understand the irony sometimes found in the word; for example, if someone is being *too* polite, it can actually make the other person feel uncomfortable or distant. You are expected to handle these social subtleties with grace. You should also be familiar with related idioms or four-character phrases that involve '客' or '气,' and understand how '别客气' fits into the broader landscape of Chinese etiquette (礼仪).

At the C1 level, you analyze '别客气' through the lens of sociolinguistics and pragmatics. You understand that this phrase is part of a complex system of 'face-work' (面子). Saying '别客气' is a way of 'giving face' to the other person by acknowledging their politeness while simultaneously 'protecting' your own face by appearing humble and generous. You should be able to recognize the phrase in literature, films, and formal speeches, where it might take on more stylized forms. You will also study the historical evolution of the term '客气,' which originally referred to a person's temperament or 'qi' before it became synonymous with politeness. At this level, you can distinguish between the 'sincere' use of '别客气' and the 'performative' use, where both parties know they are engaging in a ritual of politeness. You should be able to use the phrase and its variations (like '客气什么' or '跟我还客气啊') to manipulate the social atmosphere—either to create intimacy, to deflect praise, or to subtly signal that a certain level of formality is no longer required. Your usage should be indistinguishable from a native speaker's, including the perfect timing and intonation that conveys genuine warmth.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly grasp of '别客气' and the entire spectrum of Chinese ritualized politeness. You can conduct a deep dive into the Confucian roots of 'Li' (ritual/etiquette) and how '客气' evolved as a modern manifestation of these ancient values. You understand the philosophical paradox where 'true politeness is no politeness'—the idea that the ultimate goal of a relationship is to reach a state where '别客气' is so deeply understood that it doesn't even need to be said. You can analyze the phrase's role in cross-cultural communication, explaining to others why a literal translation doesn't capture the emotional weight of the term. You are also familiar with how '别客气' is used in different dialects and how those variations reflect regional identities (e.g., the difference between the hearty, direct '别客气' of a Northerner and the softer, more indirect versions in the South). You can use the phrase in high-stakes negotiations to build 'guanxi' (connections) or in creative writing to reveal the depth of a character's relationship. At this level, '别客气' is not just a phrase; it is a window into the soul of Chinese social structure, and you can navigate that structure with total fluency and cultural sensitivity.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

别客气 in 30 Seconds

A versatile Chinese phrase used to respond to thanks, meaning 'you're welcome' or 'don't be polite' in social contexts.
Rooted in the concept of 'guest behavior,' it encourages intimacy and reduces social distance between friends and acquaintances.
Used frequently at meals, gift exchanges, and daily favors to make others feel comfortable and at home.
Essential for A1-A2 learners to master as a fundamental building block of polite Chinese conversation and social etiquette.

The phrase 别客气 (bié kèqi) is one of the most fundamental social lubricants in the Mandarin Chinese language. At its most basic level, it translates to "you are welcome" or "don't be polite." However, to truly understand its usage, one must delve into the deep-seated cultural values of Chinese hospitality and the concept of 'guest-like' behavior. In Chinese culture, being '客气' (kèqi) implies acting like a guest—which means being formal, restrained, and perhaps a bit distant. Therefore, when you tell someone '别客气', you are essentially telling them, 'Don't treat me like a stranger' or 'There is no need for such formality between us.' This phrase is most commonly used as a response to '谢谢' (xièxie - thank you), but its application extends far beyond a simple polite retort. It is a way to bridge the social gap between individuals, signaling that the relationship is close enough that formal thanks are unnecessary or even slightly out of place.

Literal Breakdown: The character '别' (bié) functions as a negative imperative meaning 'don't' or 'do not.' The word '客气' (kèqi) consists of '客' (kè), meaning guest, and '气' (qi), meaning air, breath, or spirit. Together, '客气' refers to the 'air of a guest' or politeness.

A: 谢谢你帮我搬家。 (Thank you for helping me move.)
B: 别客气，这是我应该做的。 (Don't be polite/You're welcome, it's what I should do.)

In social settings, particularly during meals or gatherings, you will hear this phrase frequently. If a host offers you more food and you hesitate, they might say '别客气' to encourage you to eat freely. It serves to lower the social barriers that formal etiquette often reinforces. In business, while a certain level of '客气' is expected, '别客气' can be used by a senior to a junior to create a more comfortable working atmosphere. Understanding this phrase requires recognizing that in China, the closer the relationship, the less '客气' one should be. Using too much '客气' with a best friend can actually be seen as hurtful, as it suggests you are treating them like a stranger rather than family.

到了我家就别客气，随便坐。 (Now that you're at my house, don't be polite; sit anywhere.)

Cultural Nuance: The concept of 'Mianzi' (Face) is tied to this. By saying '别客气', you are giving the other person 'face' by acknowledging their politeness while simultaneously inviting them into a closer inner circle where such formalities are waived.

大家都是朋友，别客气。 (We are all friends, don't be polite.)

Social Frequency: This is a high-frequency phrase. You will hear it in 80% of daily interactions involving favors, gifts, or invitations.

请喝茶，别客气。 (Please have some tea, don't be polite.)

你对我太客气了，以后别客气。 (You are too polite to me; in the future, don't be so polite.)

Using 别客气 (bié kèqi) correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a standalone interjection or as part of a longer sentence. Most often, it is used as a direct response to a 'thank you.' However, it can also be used as a verb phrase within a sentence to set the tone of an interaction. For instance, you can add a subject or a prepositional phrase to specify to whom one should not be polite. The most common structure is 'Subject + 别客气' or '对 + Person + 别客气.' This flexibility allows the speaker to tailor the level of warmth and intimacy. In more formal contexts, you might see it expanded to '您太客气了' (You are too polite), followed by '别客气' as a way to deflect the praise or thanks. It is important to note that '客气' itself functions as an adjective, but in this specific imperative form, '别' transforms the whole phrase into a command—albeit a very friendly one.

Common Pattern 1: Standalone: '别客气！' (You're welcome! / Don't be polite!) This is the most common usage in response to '谢谢'.

A: 谢谢你的帮助。
B: 别客气。

Another common usage is when you are inviting someone to do something, like eating or entering a room. Here, it acts as an encouragement. You might say, '想吃什么就吃什么，别客气' (Eat whatever you want, don't be polite). This tells the listener that they should ignore the standard social rules of waiting to be served or taking only small portions. It is a way of saying, 'Make yourself at home.' Grammatically, '别客气' usually comes at the end of the invitation to reinforce the sincerity of the offer. If you are the one receiving the offer, you might respond with '那我就不客气了' (In that case, I won't be polite), which is a common way to accept a favor or a gift while acknowledging the host's generosity.

Common Pattern 2: Specific Target: '跟我别客气' (Don't be polite with me) or '对他别客气' (Don't be polite with him).

既然我们是好朋友，你就跟我别客气。 (Since we are good friends, don't be polite with me.)

Common Pattern 3: Accepting an offer: '那我就不客气了' (Then I won't be polite/I'll accept your offer).

主人：再吃一点吧！
客人：那我就不客气了。

有什么需要帮忙的，尽管说，别客气。 (If you need any help, just say so; don't be polite.)

你总是这么客气，下次真的别客气了。 (You are always so polite; next time, truly don't be so polite.)

In the real world, 别客气 (bié kèqi) is the heartbeat of Chinese social interaction. You will hear it in various settings, ranging from the very casual to the semi-formal. One of the most common places is at the dinner table. Chinese dining culture revolves around the host constantly offering food and drinks. When a host puts a piece of choice meat into your bowl, they will almost certainly say '别客气, 多吃点' (Don't be polite, eat more). In this context, the phrase is used to overcome the guest's 'polite refusal' (which is also a cultural expectation). If you don't hear '别客气' at a Chinese dinner, the atmosphere might be considered cold or overly formal. It is the verbal signal that the 'guest' status is being waived in favor of 'family' status.

At the Office: In a professional environment, colleagues use it when sharing resources. If you borrow a stapler or a pen, and you say '谢谢', the response '别客气' helps maintain a friendly, collaborative vibe without the stiffness of formal business etiquette.

同事：这张报纸你看吧。
你：谢谢。
同事：别客气。

In retail or service industries, you might hear a more formal version, but in small neighborhood shops, the shopkeeper will often use '别客气' to build rapport with regular customers. It makes the transaction feel less like a cold business deal and more like a neighborly interaction. Furthermore, when receiving a gift, the giver will often say '一点小意思，别客气' (It's just a small token, don't be polite). This is a humble way to present a gift, downplaying its value so the receiver doesn't feel burdened by the favor, and the '别客气' encourages them to accept it without the ritualistic three-fold refusal that is common in traditional Chinese culture.

Public Transportation: If you give up your seat to someone on the bus and they thank you, '别客气' is the perfect, brief response to acknowledge their thanks while signaling that your act was just common courtesy.

老奶奶：谢谢你给我让座。
年轻人：别客气，您坐。

这是我从老家带特产，给你尝尝，别客气。

如果你需要用我的电脑，尽管用，别客气。

One of the most common mistakes for English speakers learning 别客气 (bié kèqi) is using it in contexts where the power dynamic or social distance makes it inappropriate. While it is generally a safe phrase, using it with someone of much higher status, like a high-ranking government official or a very elderly person you've just met, might sound slightly too informal. In those cases, '不客气' (bù kèqi) or the more formal '您太客气了' (Nín tài kèqi le) is safer. Another mistake is forgetting the neutral tone on the 'qi' in 'kèqi.' If you pronounce it with a full fourth tone, it can sound robotic or like you are emphasizing the 'air' part of the word too much, which distracts from the idiomatic meaning. In natural speech, the 'qi' is very short and light.

Mistake 1: Over-using '别' with strangers: Using '别客气' can sometimes sound like a command. With a complete stranger, '不客气' (It's not polite/No need for politeness) is a more neutral statement of fact, whereas '别客气' (Don't be polite) can sound slightly more forceful if not said with a warm tone.

Incorrect (Too blunt): [To a CEO] 别客气！ (Better: 您太客气了。)

A second common error is confusing '别客气' with '没关系' (méi guānxi). '没关系' means 'it doesn't matter' or 'it's okay' and is the correct response to an apology ('对不起'). Using '别客气' to respond to an apology is a frequent slip-up for beginners. If someone says 'Sorry I'm late,' and you say '别客气,' it sounds like you are saying 'You're welcome for being late,' which makes no sense. Always remember: '谢谢' gets '别客气' or '不客气'; '对不起' gets '没关系' or '没事'. Additionally, some learners try to translate 'You're welcome' literally using the word '欢迎' (huānyíng). This is a major mistake. '欢迎' means 'Welcome' as in 'Welcome to our city,' and it cannot be used as a response to 'Thank you.'

Mistake 2: Mixing responses: Using '别客气' for apologies or '没关系' for thanks. This is the most common category of error for A1-A2 students.

A: 对不起，我忘了带你的书。
B (Wrong): 别客气。 (Should be: 没关系。)

A: 欢迎你来我家。
B: 谢谢。
A: 别客气。 (Correct usage here!)

Don't say '别客气' with a frown; it's a warm phrase that requires a friendly facial expression.

Mandarin offers a rich variety of ways to say 'you're welcome,' and choosing the right one depends on the level of formality and the nature of the favor. 不客气 (bù kèqi) is the most direct sibling to '别客气.' While '别' is a command ('don't be'), '不' is a negation ('is not'). '不客气' is slightly more standard and is the first version most textbooks teach. It is safe in almost any situation. Another common alternative is 不用谢 (bù yòng xiè), which literally means 'no need to thank.' This is very common in mainland China and feels slightly more casual than '不客气.' It focuses on the act of thanking itself rather than the attitude of the person.

Comparison Table

别客气: Warm, proactive, often used by hosts.
不客气: Standard, neutral, universally applicable.
不用谢: Casual, direct, common in daily life.

A: 谢谢你帮我。
B: 不用谢，小事一桩。 (No need for thanks, it's a small thing.)

For very close friends or minor favors, people often say 没事 (méi shì) or 没事儿 (méi shìr). This literally means 'it's nothing' or 'no problem.' It is the equivalent of the English 'no worries.' It downplays the effort you put in, making the other person feel less indebted. In Southern regions like Guangdong or in Taiwan, 不会 (bù huì) is extremely common. It literally means 'it won't [happen],' implying 'it won't be a bother' or 'don't mention it.' If you are in a very formal setting, such as a business meeting or speaking to an elder, you might use 您太客气了 (nín tài kèqi le), which translates to 'you are too polite.' This acknowledges their high status while politely deflecting their thanks.

Summary of Alternatives

哪里哪里 (nǎlǐ nǎlǐ): Used specifically when someone praises you.
应该的 (yīnggāi de): 'It's what I should do.' Very humble.
客气了 (kèqi le): A shortened version of 'you are being polite.'

A: 你的中文真好！
B: 哪里哪里，还要多学习。 (Not at all, I still need to learn more.)

朋友之间不用这么客气，别客气了。 (No need to be so polite between friends; stop being polite.)

A: 感谢你的款待。
B: 客气了，欢迎下次再来。

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient times, '客气' could also mean 'impulsiveness' or 'external spirit' that wasn't part of one's true nature. Today's meaning of 'politeness' only became dominant in the last few hundred years.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /bjɛ̂ kʰɤ̂.tɕʰi/

US /bjɛ̂ kʌ̂.tʃi/

The primary stress is on the first two syllables 'bié' and 'kè', with the final syllable being very light.

Rhymes With

气 (qì) 力 (lì) 记 (jì) 戏 (xì) 地 (dì) 意 (yì) 利 (lì) 细 (xì)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'qi' with a full fourth tone (kè-qì), which sounds unnatural.
Failing to make 'bié' rise enough, making it sound like 'biē' (flat tone).
Over-emphasizing the 'k' sound in 'kè', it should be a soft unaspirated or slightly aspirated velar plosive.
Mixing up the tones of 'bié' and 'bù' (as in bù kèqi).
Speaking the phrase too slowly; it is usually delivered as a quick, rhythmic unit.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The characters are relatively simple and common for beginners.

Writing 3/5

Writing '客' and '气' requires attention to stroke order and proportions.

Speaking 2/5

Easy to pronounce, but mastering the neutral tone takes practice.

Listening 1/5

Very easy to recognize in daily conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

谢谢别客气请

Learn Next

没关系对不起没问题不用谢哪里

Advanced

面子人情礼尚往来寒暄应酬

Grammar to Know

The Imperative '别' (bié)

别说话 (Don't talk); 别客气 (Don't be polite).

Neutral Tone in Disyllabic Words

客气 (kèqi); 谢谢 (xièxie); 衣服 (yīfu).

Prepositional Phrase with '对'

你对他太客气了 (You are too polite to him).

The use of '就' for emphasis

你就别客气了 (Just don't be polite).

Reduplication of Adjectives

客客气气 (Very polite).

Examples by Level

A: 谢谢你。 B: 别客气。

A: Thank you. B: You're welcome.

A standalone response to 'thank you'.

别客气，请坐。

Don't be polite, please sit down.

Used as an invitation to make the guest feel comfortable.

不谢，别客气。

No thanks needed, you're welcome.

Combining 'no thanks' with 'you're welcome'.

别客气，喝水吧。

Don't be polite, have some water.

Common phrase used when offering basic hospitality.

A: 谢谢老师。 B: 别客气。

A: Thank you, teacher. B: You're welcome.

Appropriate for student-teacher interactions.

大家别客气。

Everyone, don't be polite.

Addressing a group to encourage them to relax.

别客气，这是我的书。

You're welcome, this is my book (that I'm lending you).

Clarifying the ownership while being polite.

别客气，再见！

You're welcome, goodbye!

Ending a polite exchange.

既然你喜欢，就别客气，拿去吧。

Since you like it, don't be polite, take it.

Using '既然' (since) to justify the offer.

到了我家，就跟在自己家一样，别客气。

When you're at my house, it's just like your own house, don't be polite.

Linking '别客气' to the concept of 'home'.

你想吃什么就点什么，别客气。

Order whatever you want to eat, don't be polite.

Encouraging a guest to order freely.

别客气，这只是件小事。

You're welcome, this is just a small matter.

Downplaying the favor done.

以后有什么需要，尽管跟我说，别客气。

In the future, if you need anything, just tell me, don't be polite.

Offering future help.

你对我太客气了，真的别客气。

You are too polite to me; truly, don't be polite.

Responding to excessive politeness.

大家坐下吃吧，别客气。

Everyone sit down and eat, don't be polite.

A common command at the start of a meal.

别客气，我有两支笔，给你一支。

You're welcome, I have two pens, I'll give you one.

Providing a reason for the generosity.

我们已经是老朋友了，这种小事就别客气了。

We are already old friends, don't be polite about such a small thing.

Using friendship to waive formality.

如果你觉得不好意思，那才是真的客气了，快收下吧，别客气。

If you feel embarrassed, then that's being truly polite; quickly accept it, don't be polite.

Persuading someone to accept a gift.

别客气，你能来参加我的婚礼就是我最大的荣幸。

You're welcome; your coming to my wedding is my greatest honor.

Elevating the guest's presence over the favor.

既然你这么客气，那我就不客气了，谢谢你的礼物。

Since you are so polite, then I won't be polite; thank you for the gift.

The standard way to accept a gift after a polite refusal.

别客气，互相帮助是应该的。

You're welcome, helping each other is what we should do.

Emphasizing mutual assistance.

你总是这么客气，弄得我也得跟着客气，以后别客气了。

You're always so polite, it makes me have to be polite too; don't be polite in the future.

Discussing the 'contagious' nature of politeness.

别客气，有什么困难随时找我。

You're welcome, find me anytime you have difficulties.

Expressing long-term support.

这顿饭我请客，你就别客气了。

This meal is on me, so don't be polite (don't try to pay).

Used when insisting on paying the bill.

中国人在社交场合往往很讲究客气，但过分客气反而会显得生分，所以适当的时候要说‘别客气’。

Chinese people are often very particular about politeness in social situations, but being overly polite can seem distant, so at appropriate times one should say 'don't be polite'.

Explaining the social logic behind the phrase.

别客气，你的支持对我来说意义非凡，我做这点事算不了什么。

You're welcome; your support means a lot to me, what I did is nothing in comparison.

Comparing the scale of favors.

他虽然嘴上说着别客气，但你还是应该表现出基本的礼貌。

Although he says 'don't be polite,' you should still show basic manners.

Understanding the 'performative' nature of the phrase.

别客气，大家出门在外都不容易，能帮一把就帮一把。

You're welcome; it's not easy for everyone away from home, so we help when we can.

Using a common proverb about life away from home.

别客气，这只是举手之劳，不足挂齿。

You're welcome; this is just a small effort, not worth mentioning.

Using the idiom '举手之劳' (a hand's lift effort).

既然你一定要谢，那我就收下了，不过下次真的别客气了。

Since you insist on thanking me, I'll accept it, but next time truly don't be so polite.

Accepting thanks after a 'push-and-pull' interaction.

别客气，我们合作愉快才是最重要的。

You're welcome; our happy cooperation is the most important thing.

Focusing on the professional relationship.

别客气，我正好顺路，送你一程也是顺便的事。

You're welcome; I'm going that way anyway, giving you a ride is just on the way.

Using '顺便' (conveniently/on the way) to minimize the favor.

别客气，这种繁文缛节在咱们这儿就免了吧，直接进入正题。

Don't be polite; let's skip these red tapes/formalities here and get straight to the point.

Using '繁文缛节' (red tape) to dismiss excessive politeness.

虽然‘别客气’是客套话，但它承载了中华民族深厚的待客之道。

Although 'don't be polite' is a polite formula, it carries the deep hospitality traditions of the Chinese nation.

Academic reflection on the phrase.

别客气，我这人向来快人快语，不喜欢那些虚伪的客气。

Don't be polite; I've always been a straightforward person and don't like those hypocritical formalities.

Linking the phrase to a specific personality type.

别客气，你能赏光来参加敝社的年会，已是万分感激。

You're welcome; the fact that you graced our company's annual meeting with your presence is already deeply appreciated.

High-level formal language combined with '别客气'.

别客气，这点薄礼不成敬意，还请笑纳。

You're welcome; this humble gift is just a small token of respect, please kindly accept it.

Using '薄礼' (humble gift) and '笑纳' (kindly accept).

别客气，咱们之间若是还这么客气，那可就太见外了。

Don't be polite; if we are still this polite with each other, it would be treating each other like strangers.

Using '见外' (to treat like an outsider).

别客气，我向来敬佩您的为人，能为您效劳是我的荣幸。

You're welcome; I have always admired your character, it is my honor to serve you.

Using '效劳' (to serve) in a respectful context.

别客气，大家都是同道中人，理应互相照应。

You're welcome; we are all people of the same path, it's only natural to look after one another.

Using '同道中人' (people with common goals).

别客气，这种礼尚往来的传统，虽在现代社会有所简化，其核心精神依然是人情味的体现。

Don't be polite; this tradition of reciprocity, though simplified in modern society, remains a core manifestation of human warmth.

Philosophical analysis of '礼尚往来' (reciprocity).

别客气，若执意于这些口头上的谦让，反倒显得矫情了。

Don't be polite; if one insists on these verbal modesties, it actually ends up looking pretentious.

Using '矫情' (pretentious/affectedly emotional).

别客气，古人云‘君子之交淡如水’，咱们这份情谊无需繁琐的客气来维系。

Don't be polite; the ancients said 'the friendship of gentlemen is as plain as water,' our bond doesn't need cumbersome politeness to maintain.

Quoting a famous proverb to contextualize the phrase.

别客气，在学术探讨中，唯有摒弃那些客气的寒暄，才能直击问题的本质。

Don't be polite; in academic discussions, only by discarding those polite pleasantries can we strike at the essence of the problem.

Using '寒暄' (pleasantries/small talk).

别客气，您这番慷慨陈词已让在座各位受益匪浅，区区小事何足挂齿。

You're welcome; your eloquent speech has already benefited everyone here immensely, so this small matter is not worth mentioning.

High-register praise combined with the phrase.

别客气，正所谓‘大恩不言谢’，咱们的情分自在心中。

Don't be polite; as the saying goes, 'great kindness transcends words of thanks,' our bond is understood in our hearts.

Using '大恩不言谢' (great favors need no thanks).

别客气，我不过是借花献佛，将旁人的好意转达给您罢。

Don't be polite; I am merely 'presenting the Buddha with borrowed flowers,' passing on someone else's kindness to you.

Using the idiom '借花献佛'.

别客气，倘若事事都要客气一番，这人际关系岂不成了沉重的负担？

Don't be polite; if every single thing required a round of politeness, wouldn't interpersonal relationships become a heavy burden?

Rhetorical question regarding social fatigue.

Common Collocations

对他别客气

千万别客气

真的别客气

大家别客气

尽管别客气

从来不客气

不用太客气

显得客气

别那么客气

跟我别客气

Common Phrases

客气话

— Polite remarks or pleasantries. Words said just for the sake of being polite.

别当真，那只是他的客气话。

你太客气了

— You are too polite. Often said when receiving a gift or a major favor.

哎呀，你还带了这么多礼物，你太客气了！

不客气地说

— To put it bluntly; to speak without being polite.

不客气地说，你的计划有很多漏洞。

客气客气

— To engage in polite formalities. Often used as a verb.

他只是跟你客气客气，你别真的不去。

那我就不客气了

— In that case, I won't be polite. The standard way to accept an offer.

主人：再喝一杯吧。客人：那我就不客气了。

别客气，随便坐

— Don't be polite, sit anywhere. A common welcoming phrase.

欢迎来到我的新家，别客气，随便坐。

客客气气

— Very polite and courteous. Often describes a manner of behavior.

他对待每一个客人都客客气气的。

有什么好客气的

— What is there to be polite about? Used to dismiss formality among friends.

咱们这么多年关系了，有什么好客气的？

过于客气

— Excessively polite. Often implies a negative sense of distance.

她对我总是过于客气，让我感觉很难接近。

虚伪的客气

— Hypocritical politeness. Politeness that isn't sincere.

我不喜欢那种虚伪的客气，大家真诚一点多好。

Often Confused With

别客气 vs 没关系 (méi guānxi)

Used for apologies, not thanks. Saying this after 'thank you' is a common beginner mistake.

别客气 vs 欢迎 (huānyíng)

Means 'welcome' as in 'welcome to a place'. It cannot be used as 'you're welcome'.

别客气 vs 对不起 (duìbuqǐ)

Means 'sorry'. Some learners mix up the responses to 'sorry' and 'thank you'.

Idioms & Expressions

"礼多人不怪"

— No one complains about too much politeness. It justifies being '客气'.

虽然他说别客气，但礼多人不怪，还是带点礼物吧。

Common Proverb

"客随主便"

— A guest should suit the convenience of the host. The opposite of being '客气'.

既然你让我点菜，那我就客随主便，不客气了。

Formal/Idiomatic

"宾至如归"

— Guests feel at home. The goal of saying '别客气'.

这家旅馆的服务非常好，让人有宾至如归的感觉。

Literary/Formal

"毕恭毕敬"

— Extremely respectful and polite. A very high level of '客气'.

他对待老师总是毕恭毕敬的。

Literary

"谦虚谨慎"

— Modest and prudent. Traits associated with '客气'.

虽然取得了成绩，但他依然保持着谦虚谨慎的态度。

Formal

"彬彬有礼"

— Refined and courteous. A positive description of being '客气'.

那个年轻人谈吐大方，彬彬有礼。

Literary

"虚左以待"

— To leave the seat of honor vacant for a guest. A very '客气' gesture.

我们一直虚左以待，希望您能加入我们的团队。

Archaic/Formal

"礼尚往来"

— Courtesy demands reciprocity. The logic behind the back-and-forth of '客气'.

中国是礼仪之邦，讲究礼尚往来。

Formal

"投桃报李"

— To return a favor with a favor. Related to the cycle of gratitude.

你帮了我这么大忙，我理应投桃报李。

Literary

"相敬如宾"

— To treat each other with the respect due to a guest (usually of a married couple).

他们夫妻俩结婚多年，依然相敬如宾。

Literary

Easily Confused

别客气 vs 不客气

They mean the same thing.

'别' is a command ('don't be'), '不' is a negation ('is not'). '别' sounds slightly warmer and more personal.

不客气 is the standard textbook version.

别客气 vs 不用谢

Both respond to thanks.

'不用谢' focuses on the act of thanking, while '别客气' focuses on the attitude of the person.

Use '不用谢' for very quick, minor favors.

别客气 vs 没事

Both are casual responses.

'没事' is much more informal and literally means 'it's no big deal'.

Use '没事' with your best friends.

别客气 vs 客气

It's the root word.

'客气' is an adjective (polite). '别客气' is the phrase (don't be polite).

他很客气 (He is very polite).

别客气 vs 哪里

Both are polite responses.

'哪里' is specifically for compliments, '别客气' is for favors or gifts.

If someone says 'You are beautiful,' say '哪里哪里'.

Sentence Patterns

A: 谢谢。 B: 别客气。

A: 谢谢你的水。 B: 别客气。

别客气，请 [Verb]。

别客气，请喝茶。

既然 [Reason]，就别客气了。

既然你喜欢，就别客气了，拿走吧。

对 [Person] 别客气。

你跟我别客气，有什么事尽管说。

[Verb] 是应该的，别客气。

帮你搬家是应该的，别客气。

咱们之间不用这么客气，别客气了。

咱们可是老同学，不用这么客气，别客气了。

别客气，[Sentence]。

别客气，大家都是朋友。

那我就不客气了。

既然你请客，那我就不客气了。

Word Family

Nouns

客人 (kèrén) - Guest

客房 (kèfáng) - Guest room

客厅 (kètīng) - Living room

客气话 (kèqi huà) - Polite talk

Verbs

请客 (qǐngkè) - To treat someone (to a meal, etc.)

做客 (zuòkè) - To be a guest

Adjectives

客气 (kèqi) - Polite

客观 (kèguān) - Objective

谢 (xiè) - To thank

礼 (lǐ) - Ritual/Etiquette

情 (qíng) - Feeling/Sentiment

面 (miàn) - Face/Honor

友 (yǒu) - Friend

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily spoken Mandarin.

Common Mistakes

Using '别客气' for apologies. → 没关系 (méi guānxi)
'别客气' is only for responding to 'thank you'. If someone says 'sorry', use '没关系'.
Using '欢迎' as 'you're welcome'. → 不客气 / 别客气
'欢迎' means 'welcome to a place'. It is not a response to gratitude.
Pronouncing 'qi' with a 4th tone. → Neutral tone 'qi'
A full 4th tone on 'qi' sounds unnatural and non-idiomatic.
Being too '客气' with family. → Actions over words.
In close Chinese families, saying 'thank you' and 'you're welcome' too often can feel cold or distant.
Forgetting the '别' and just saying '客气'. → 别客气
Just saying '客气' means 'polite' (adjective), not 'you're welcome'.

Tips

Master the Neutral Tone

To sound like a native, make the 'qi' in 'kèqi' as short as possible. Imagine it's just a light puff of air at the end of the word.

Don't Be Too Polite!

In China, being too '客气' with close friends can actually be considered rude because it creates distance. Use '别客气' to break that ice.

Respond to '谢谢'

Always have '别客气' or '不客气' ready in your mind. Silence after a 'thank you' can be perceived as cold in Chinese culture.

Imperative '别'

Remember that '别' is a very useful word. You can use it in other phrases like '别担心' (don't worry) or '别走' (don't go).

Gift Acceptance

When someone gives you a gift, it's polite to say 'You're too polite' (你太客气了) before they tell you '别客气' and you finally accept it.

Southern Variations

If you travel to Taiwan or Fujian, don't be confused if people say '不会' instead of '别客气'. It means the same thing!

Dinner Table Manners

Use '大家别客气' to signal the start of a meal. It's the Chinese equivalent of 'Bon appétit' or 'Dig in!'

Office Etiquette

Using '别客气' with colleagues builds a friendly 'team' atmosphere rather than a stiff 'business' one.

Listen for the Host

When visiting a Chinese home, listen for the host to say '别客气'. This is your cue that you can relax and be yourself.

Related Words

Learning '客' (guest) helps you learn words like '客气', '客人', and '请客' all at once. They are all linked by the concept of hospitality.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'GUEST' (客) who is taking up too much 'AIR' (气) by being too formal. Tell them 'DON'T' (别) do that—just relax!

Visual Association

Imagine a host opening a door wide and smiling, waving a guest into a comfortable armchair.

Word Web

谢谢不客气不用谢客人客气礼貌朋友面子

Challenge

Try saying '别客气' to three different people today after they thank you for something small, like holding a door or passing a salt shaker.

Word Origin

The phrase is a combination of '别' (don't) and '客气' (politeness). '客气' dates back to ancient texts where it referred to a person's temperament or the 'vital energy' (qi) of a guest. Over centuries, it evolved to describe the specific behavior expected of a guest—humility, restraint, and formality.

Original meaning: Acting with the spirit or air of a guest.

Sino-Tibetan (Mandarin Chinese)

Cultural Context

Be careful not to say '别客气' in a sarcastic tone, as it can sound like you are actually telling someone they are being annoying.

In English, 'You're welcome' is neutral. 'Don't be polite' sounds much more like a command in English, but in Chinese, it is a warm invitation to intimacy.

Commonly heard in many CCTV Spring Festival Gala sketches (Xiao Pin) depicting family reunions. A staple phrase in the 'Ip Man' movies when the master interacts with his students. Often used in the lyrics of Chinese pop songs about friendship and hospitality.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Dining

别客气，多吃点
别客气，再喝一杯
大家别客气，动筷子吧
这顿我请，别客气

Gift Giving

一点小意思，别客气
别客气，快收下吧
给你买的，别客气
真的别客气，拿着吧

Assisting

别客气，小事而已
以后有事尽管说，别客气
别客气，互相帮忙嘛
不用谢，别客气

Visiting

随便坐，别客气
当自己家一样，别客气
喝茶还是咖啡？别客气
别客气，请进

Workplace

别客气，这份资料你拿去用
别客气，下次我也需要你帮忙
您太客气了，这是我的工作
别客气，大家都是同事

Conversation Starters

"谢谢你帮我拿快递！ (Response: 别客气，顺便的事。)"

"你做的菜太好吃了，谢谢你的款待。 (Response: 别客气，喜欢就多吃点。)"

"真不好意思，又麻烦你了。 (Response: 跟我还客气什么？别客气。)"

"这是我从国外带回来的巧克力，送给你。 (Response: 哎呀，你太客气了！)"

"今天真是太感谢你了，下次我请你吃饭。 (Response: 别客气，咱们谁跟谁啊。)"

Journal Prompts

Write about a time you felt someone was being too '客气' with you. How did it make you feel?

Describe a dinner party where the host kept saying '别客气'. What was the atmosphere like?

In your culture, do you have a phrase like '别客气'? How is it different from the Chinese usage?

Why is it important to stop being '客气' as a friendship grows closer?

Translate a short dialogue between a teacher and a student using '别客气' correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

In spoken conversation, they are both very common. '不客气' is slightly more formal and standard, while '别客气' feels a bit more warm and proactive, especially in hospitality contexts. You can use either and be perfectly understood.

Yes, you can, but it depends on your relationship. If the boss is thanking you for a small task, '别客气' is fine. However, if it's a very formal setting, '不客气' or '这是我应该做的' (it's what I should do) might be more professional.

It literally translates to 'guest air.' In Chinese culture, guests are expected to act with a certain level of restraint and formality. Therefore, having the 'air of a guest' became synonymous with being polite.

'别客气' is 'don't be polite,' while '不用客气' is 'no need to be polite.' They are virtually interchangeable, though '别客气' is shorter and more common in rapid speech.

No! This is a common mistake. If someone says 'sorry' (对不起), you should say '没关系' (méi guānxi) or '没事' (méi shì). '别客气' is only for responding to 'thank you' or offering something.

Usually, you don't need to say anything else. The interaction is complete. You can just smile or nod. If they said it while offering food, you can start eating!

Yes, it is a universal Mandarin phrase. However, in some southern regions or Taiwan, you might hear '不会' (bù huì) used more frequently in the same context.

In standard Mandarin, yes. Pronouncing it with a full fourth tone (qì) sounds like you are emphasizing the word 'air' or 'energy,' which makes the phrase sound non-idiomatic.

Like any phrase, tone of voice matters. If said with a sharp, biting tone, it could imply that someone is being fake, but this is quite rare. Usually, it is a very positive phrase.

It means 'Then I won't be polite.' It's the polite way to stop refusing an offer and finally accept it, such as when someone offers you a second helping of food or a gift.