The word 礼貌 (lǐmào), meaning "politeness" or "courtesy", is formed by combining two ancient, deeply cultural concepts: 礼 (lǐ), which originally referred to religious ritual, ceremony, and the established rules of proper social conduct; and 貌 (mào), which means outward appearance, demeanor, or expression. Together, they create a concept where the inner principles of ritual and social propriety (礼) are given visible form and are actively demonstrated through one's outward behavior and respectful bearing (貌). Thus, the word encapsulates the idea that true politeness is the visible manifestation of a respectful and socially-aware heart.