Definition

Verb phrase: - To observe etiquette; to follow proper decorum: To consciously and respectfully adhere to the established rules of polite behavior, social customs, or traditional rites in a given situation.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Trong buổi lễ trang trọng, mọi người đều phải giữ lễ. (In the solemn ceremony, everyone must observe proper etiquette.)
  • Anh ấy là người rất biết giữ lễ với bề trên. (He is a person who knows how to show due respect to his elders.)
  • Dù bất đồng quan điểm, họ vẫn giữ lễ với nhau. (Despite their differing opinions, they still maintained decorum with each other.)

Advanced Usage

• This phrase emphasizes a conscious, often formal, adherence to social or hierarchical norms. It implies a sense of duty, respect, and propriety, often in contexts involving tradition, ceremony, or relationships with elders/superiors.
• It can describe both outward behavior and an inward attitude of respect.

Variants and Related Words

• Lễ độ (n): Politeness, good manners.
  • Cậu bé ấy rất có lễ độ. (That boy is very polite.)
• Lễ phép (adj): Polite, well-mannered (often used for children/younger people).
  • Đứa trẻ lễ phép chào hỏi mọi người. (The well-mannered child greeted everyone.)
• Lễ nghi (n): Rites, ceremonial procedures.
  • Các lễ nghi truyền thống được thực hiện cẩn thận. (The traditional rites were performed carefully.)

Synonyms

• Giữ phép lịch sự: To observe politeness.
• Tuân thủ nghi thức: To comply with formalities/rituals.
• Tôn trọng nghi lễ: To respect ceremonies/protocol.

Related Idioms

• Trên kính dưới nhường: (Lit: Respect those above, yield to those below) To show respect to elders and be considerate to juniors; a key principle behind the concept of .
  • Gia đình ấy sống theo đạo trên kính dưới nhường. (That family lives by the principle of showing respect to elders and consideration to juniors.)

1. Observe etiquette