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How to Say ‘Polite; courteous’ in Simplified Chinese

客气

kè qì

[kuh-chee]

💬 Usage Tip: In 别客气, 客气 does not just mean "polite" in a dictionary sense; it often means "ceremonious" or "too formal between us." So 别客气 is really "don't stand on ceremony."

Phrase Breakdown

客气

kè qì

[kuh-chee]

polite; ceremonious

Often used in phrases like 别客气 to tell someone there is no need to be overly formal or polite.

Example

大家都是同行,不用这么客气。

We are all in the same profession, so there is no need to be so formal.

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