Category: PhilosophyPart of speech: nounDifficulty: Intermediate

//Roman

English meaning: Li (Ritual Propriety / Etiquette)

Chinese (Trad.) Definition

(繁體中文)

禮是儒家倫理中維護社會秩序的行為規範,臺灣社會以禮貌謙遜、尊重長輩著稱,是儒家禮道在現代社會的活態展現。

English Definition

The Confucian concept of ritual propriety, social norms, and proper conduct. Taiwan's social culture is noted for its courtesy and respect for elders — direct expressions of Li. Formal etiquette, including proper forms of address, gift-giving rituals, and dining customs, remain important in Taiwanese business and social life. Taiwan's educational system continues to teach Confucian social ethics as part of civic education.

Example

臺灣社會禮貌謙遜的文化氛圍,正是儒家禮教傳統在現代生活中的生動體現。

In English: Taiwan's social culture of courtesy and modesty is a vivid embodiment of the Confucian tradition of propriety in modern life.

Synonyms

  • 禮儀
  • 禮節

Antonyms / Opposites

  • 無禮

Literary Heritage

知人者智,自知者明。勝人者有力,自勝者強。

/Zhī rén zhě zhì, zì zhī zhě míng. Shèng rén zhě yǒu lì, zì shèng zhě qiáng./

Knowing others is wisdom; knowing oneself is enlightenment. Overcoming others requires force; overcoming oneself requires strength.

老子 (Laozi) · 哲學家 · 6th century BCE

道德經

道德經, Chapter 33

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