The Chinese word **礼仪** (lǐyí) is a compound term formed by combining two semantically related characters: **礼** (lǐ), which fundamentally means "ritual," "propriety," or the social norms and rites of conduct; and **仪** (yí), which means "ceremony," "formality," "demeanor," or the external expression and procedure of those norms. Together, they create a holistic concept where **礼** provides the inner philosophical and moral foundation (the "why" and principles of respect), and **仪** provides the outer, tangible forms and behaviors (the "how" and specific actions). Thus, **礼仪** encapsulates the entire system of civilized etiquette, encompassing both the spirit of respect and the specific ceremonial practices that manifest it in social and ceremonial contexts.