Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Ceremonious; overly polite; formal in an affected or insincere way: Refers to behavior that is excessively polite, formal, or standoffish, often implying a lack of genuine warmth or naturalness. It suggests putting on airs or keeping an unnecessary distance, especially in relationships where familiarity is expected.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Bà con họ hàng với nhau không nên khách khí. (Relatives should not be ceremonious with each other.)
  • Giữa bạn bè thân thiết, đừng khách khí làm gì. (Between close friends, don't be so overly polite.)
  • Cô ấy cứ khách khí mãi, khiến tôi cảm thấy không thoải mái. (She kept being so ceremonious, making me feel uncomfortable.)

Advanced Usage

• The term often carries a slightly negative connotation, criticizing behavior that creates an artificial barrier. It is commonly used in the negative imperative ("đừng khách khí") to encourage someone to relax, be themselves, and act more naturally.

Variants and Related Words

• Khách sáo (adj): Similar to "khách khí," meaning hypocritically polite, insincerely formal.
  • Lời nói khách sáo (A hypocritically polite remark).

Synonyms

• Ceremonious: Adhering to formalities.
• Standoffish: Not friendly; cool and distant.
• Affected: Behaving in an artificial way to impress.

Related Idioms

• Khách khí qua loa: To be perfunctorily polite; to go through the motions of politeness without sincerity.
  • Anh ta chỉ khách khí qua loa rồi về ngay. (He was just perfunctorily polite and then left immediately.)

1. Ceremonious
   • Bà con họ hàng với nhau không nên tránh khí
     One should not be ceremonious between relatives, there should not be any ceremony between ralatives