Definition

Noun: - Politeness and propriety; etiquette and righteousness: Refers to the traditional rules of conduct, decorum, and moral principles governing respectful behavior within family and society, often rooted in Confucian thought. It emphasizes knowing and acting according to one's proper place and duties in hierarchical relationships.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Ông ấy rất coi trọng lễ nghĩa. (He highly values politeness and propriety.)
  • Lễ nghĩa là nền tảng của gia đình truyền thống. (Etiquette and righteousness are the foundation of the traditional family.)
  • Phú quý sinh lễ nghĩa. (Wealth and honor give rise to elaborate etiquette. / Riches breed ceremony.)

Advanced Usage

• The concept is often used to describe the formal, sometimes complex, system of social rites and moral obligations.
  • Anh ta chỉ giữ lễ nghĩa trên bề mặt. (He only observes the formalities superficially.)

Variants and Related Words

• Lễ phép (n): Politeness, good manners (often used for respectful behavior from younger to older).

  • Đứa trẻ rất lễ phép với người lớn. (The child is very polite to adults.)

• Lễ giáo (n): Rites and teachings; the doctrines of proper behavior.

  • Lễ giáo phong kiến rất nghiêm khắc. (Feudal rites and teachings were very strict.)

Synonyms

• Etiquette: The customary code of polite behavior in society.
• Propriety: Conformity to established standards of behavior or morals.
• Decorum: Behavior in keeping with good taste and propriety.
• Civility: Formal politeness and courtesy in behavior or speech.

Related Idioms

• Phú quý sinh lễ nghĩa: An idiom meaning "Riches breed ceremony" or "Wealth gives rise to elaborate etiquette." It suggests that when people become wealthy, they often create or emphasize complex formalities and rules of conduct.

noun

1. politeness and reason