礼尚往来 meaning and pronunciation

礼尚往来
Simplified word
禮尚往來
Traditional word

礼尚往来 English definition

lǐ shàng wǎng lái

  • lit. proper behavior is based on reciprocity (idiom)
  • fig. to return politeness for politeness

HSK level

Characters

  • 礼 (lǐ): gift; rite; ceremony; CL:份[fen4]; propriety; etiquette; courtesy;
  • 尚 (shàng): still; yet; to value; to esteem;
  • 往 (wǎng): to go (in a direction); to; towards; (of a train) bound for; past; previous;
  • 来 (lái): to come; to arrive; to come round; ever since; next;