Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 礼儀 | reigi | [ɾe̞ːɡʲi] (narrow) |
| 礼儀作法 | reigi sahō |
The word 礼儀 refers to the general concept of etiquette and manners. For describing good behavior and etiquette in a more modern or borrowed sense, the loanword マナー (manā) is also used. Other related terms include 行儀 (gyōgi), which refers to manners in everyday life and 作法 (sahō), which refers to proper conduct in specific social situations like dining or tea ceremonies.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 礼儀 is composed of the characters for 'etiquette/ritual' (礼) and 'principle/reason' (儀).
Which one should you use?
While 礼儀 refers to the general concept of manners, 礼儀作法 (reigi sahō) specifically emphasizes the formal procedures and physical movements of etiquette.
How do you pronounce it?
reigi
When do people say it?
The proverb 親しき仲にも礼儀あり (shitashiki naka ni mo reigi ari) is a common Japanese saying used to remind people to maintain respect even in intimate relationships.
Did you know?
- Japanese culture distinguishes between 礼儀 (general etiquette) and the concept of 'reading the air', where the highest form of manners is knowing what not to say.
- The term 礼儀 is derived from Confucian philosophy, where 'ritual' was considered the essential tool for maintaining a stable and moral society.
- The proverb 親しき仲にも礼儀あり suggests that closeness is actually a reason to be more careful with etiquette, rather than a reason to relax it.
Examples in context
- 礼儀正しくて笑顔の素敵なトムは、男性からも女性からもよくもてる。Tom, with his good manners and winning smile, is popular with both men and women.This sentence shows how someone with good manners can be popular.Tatoeba #2686604 by tommy_san, translation #6884534 by tripbeetle
- 親しき仲にも礼儀ありEven friends need to have manners.This sentence uses a proverb about maintaining manners even among friends.
- 礼儀正しくしなさい。Mind your manners.This sentence is a command to mind your manners.Tatoeba #77623 by mookeee, translation #326095 by CK
- 彼はとてもマナーが良い。 (かれはとてもまなーがいい。)He has very good manners.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yui is reminding Yota about behavior at a formal dinner.
- 結衣 Yui食事の時の礼儀を忘れないでね。Shokuji no toki no reigi o wasurenaide ne.Don't forget your table manners.
- 陽太 Yotaわかってるよ。大丈夫。Wakatteru yo. Daijōbu.I know. I'll be fine.
- 結衣 Yui陽太はたまに礼儀を忘れるから心配なの。Yōta wa tamani reigi o wasureru kara shinpai nano.I'm worried because you sometimes forget your manners, Yota.
- 陽太 Yota今日はしっかりするから、信じて。Kyō wa shikkari suru kara, shinjite.I'll be on my best behavior today, so trust me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “manners” translations and entries 礼儀, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
