客
气

About

The word "客气" is formed by combining the character "客", meaning "guest", constructed from the radical "宀" (roof) over "各" (each), denoting an outsider under a roof, with the character "气", meaning "air" or "energy", derived from a pictograph of vapor. This compound literally translates to "guest air", metaphorically representing the polite and restrained behavior associated with a guest, hence conveying the sense of politeness or courtesy.

Example Sentences Hide

您别客气，多吃一点。

nín bié kèqi, duō chī yīdiǎn.

Please don't be polite, have some more.

您太客气了，还带了礼物。

nín tài kèqi le, hái dài le lǐwù.

You are too kind, you even brought a gift.

他客气地拒绝了我们的帮助。

tā kèqi de jùjué le wǒmen de bāngzhù.

He politely declined our offer of help.

朋友之间不必说客气话。

péngyou zhī jiān bùbì shuō kèqihuà.

There's no need for polite formalities between friends.

他对同事总是很客气，但保持着距离。

tā duì tóngshì zǒng shì hěn kèqi, dàn bǎochízhe jùlí.

He is always very polite to his colleagues but keeps a distance.

Word Definition - 客气

kè qi polite; courteous; formal; modest

Individual Character Details

客 kè
气 qì