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Translation and Meaning of: 礼 - rei

On this page, we will study the meaning of the Japanese word 礼 (rei) and its translation into English. Let's see their different meanings, example phrases, explanations, etymology and the similar words.

Romaji: rei

Kana: れい

Type: noun

L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: expression of gratitude

Meaning in English: expression of gratitude

Definition: A word that expresses respect and gratitude.

Sumário
- Etymology
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Phrases

Explanation and Etymology - (礼) rei

The Japanese word 「礼」 (rei) is a multifaceted term that plays an important role in Japanese culture. Its etymology dates back to ancient times, with 「礼」 often associated with meanings such as "etiquette," "courtesy," and "greeting." In various forms of writing, the Kanji is composed of the radicals 示 (which means "altar" or "deity") and 豊, a composition that has different interpretations over time.

In Japanese tradition, 「礼」 dates back to Confucianism, where it represented not just simple rules of etiquette, but a complex system of social codes that guided behaviors. Thus, 「礼」 was fundamental not only for individual interaction but also for cohesion and harmony in society. This idea is central in Eastern culture, where respect and good manners are highly valued.

The word 「礼」 is currently used in various contexts, emphasizing gestures of respect and consideration towards others. Examples include formal greetings, thanks, and demonstrations of deference in ceremonies. Additionally, the concept of 「礼儀」 (reigi) expands this idea to "good manners" or "decorum," showing how integral the theme is in Japanese life and education. In this sense, the learning of 「礼」 and its practical applications is often incorporated from an early age in children's lives, reflecting in school education and daily socialization.

Synonyms and similar words

  • お辞儀 (Ojigi) - Bow, a gesture commonly used as a form of greeting or respect.
  • お礼 (Orei) - Thank you for a kindness or favor.
  • 敬意 (Keii) - Respect and honor for someone or something.
  • お詫び (Owabi) - Apologies, usually expressing remorse for a mistake.
  • お礼参り (Orei-mairi) - Visit a shrine or temple to express gratitude.
  • 謝礼 (Sharei) - Compensation or reward given for a favor or service.
  • 感謝 (Kansha) - Gratitude, the acknowledgment of something received, is often deeper than お礼.
  • お礼状 (Orei-jou) - Thank you card or letter.
  • お詣り (Omairi) - Visit a shrine or temple, usually for prayers or gratitude.
  • お詫び状 (Owabi-jou) - Apology card or letter.
  • お礼品 (Orei-hin) - Gift given as a form of thanks.
  • お礼の言葉 (Orei no kotoba) - Words of gratitude, expressions used to say thank you.
  • お詫びの言葉 (Owabi no kotoba) - Words of apology, expressions used to apologize.
  • お礼を言う (Orei o iu) - Saying thank you, expressing gratitude verbally.
  • お詫びをする (Owabi o suru) - Make an apology, express regret.
  • お礼を述べる (Orei o noberu) - To declare or express gratitude formally.
  • お詫びを述べる (Owabi o noberu) - To declare or express apologies formally.

SEARCH FOR MORE WORDS WITH THE SAME MEANING

Words related

礼儀

reigi

ways; courtesy; tag

無礼

burei

indelicate; rude

失礼

shitsurei

dyscourtesy; import; pardon me; goodbye

失礼しました

shitsureishimashita

Excuse me, I'm sorry.

セレモニー

seremoni-

ceremony

有難う

arigatou

Required to

厚かましい

atsukamashii

insolent; shameless; impudent

asa

morning

握手

akushu

handshake

スーツ

su-tsu

Tuxedo

Words with the same pronunciation: れい rei

零点

reiten

zero; no marks

冷凍

reitou

freezing; cold storage; refrigeration

冷房

reibou

cooling; air conditioning

rei

zero; anything

例外

reigai

exception

礼儀

reigi

ways; courtesy; tag

冷酷

reikoku

cruelty; cold heart; relentless; relentless

冷静

reisei

calm; composure; coldness; serenity

冷蔵

reizou

cold storage; refrigeration

冷蔵庫

reizouko

fridge

How to Write in Japanese - (礼) rei

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese (礼) rei:

Example Sentences - (礼) rei

Below are some example sentences:

無礼な態度は許されない。

Burei na taido wa yurusarenai

Rude behavior is not allowed.

Unrivaled attitude is not allowed.

  • 無礼な態度 - musabori na taido- rude behavior
  • は - wa- topic particle
  • 許されない - untranslatable- not allowed, not tolerated
お先に失礼します

Osakini shitsurei shimasu

Excuse me

Forgive me, I have to go now

  • お先に - "before you"
  • 失礼 - "excuse me"
  • します - "to do" (verb)
チップを払うのは礼儀正しいです。

Chippu wo harau no wa reigi tadashii desu

It is polite to pay the tip.

Paying chips is polite.

  • チップ - means "tip" in Japanese.
  • を - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
  • 払う - verb meaning "to pay".
  • のは - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
  • 礼儀正しい - adjective meaning "polite" or "polished".
  • です - verb "to be" in the present tense.
割り込むのは失礼です。

Warikomu no wa shitsurei desu

It's rude to cut.

  • 割り込む - verb meaning "to intrude" or "to interrupt"
  • の - particle indicating possession or relationship
  • は - particle that indicates the main theme of the sentence
  • 失礼 - noun meaning "discourtesy" or "rudeness"
  • です - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite or formal form of the sentence
牧師は教会で礼拝を導く役割を持っています。

Bokushi wa kyoukai de raihai o michibiku yakuwari o motte imasu

The pastor has the role of leading the cult in the church.

The pastor has the role of guiding the cult in the church.

  • 牧師 - pastor
  • は - topic particle
  • 教会 - church
  • で - location particle
  • 礼拝 - cult
  • を - direct object particle
  • 導く - lead, guide
  • 役割 - role, function
  • を - direct object particle
  • 持っています - have, possess
礼儀正しい人は尊敬される。

Reigi tadashii hito wa sonkei sareru

An educated and courteous person is respected.

Educated people are respected.

  • 礼儀正しい - respectful, courteous
  • 人 - person
  • は - topic particle
  • 尊敬される - ser respeitado, ser admirado

Other words of the same type: noun

See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun

礼