礼儀正しい
reigitadashii
The English adjective 'respectful' is translated into Japanese as 礼儀正しい (reigitadashii).
礼儀正しい is characterized by respect. To show respect in Japanese, add -san after someone's name.
Meaning: characterized by respect (adj)
Which one should you use?
While 礼儀正しい focuses on having good manners and etiquette, 丁寧 focuses on being polite, careful or thorough in one's actions or speech.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use this adjective as an adverb (e.g., 'to behave respectfully'), change the final -i to -ku, resulting in 礼儀正しく.
How do you pronounce it?
reigitadashii
Did you know?
- The kanji for the first part of 礼儀正しい, 礼, refers to a ceremonial vessel used in ancient rituals. It suggests that being 'respectful' is not just about manners, but about following a sacred or formal ritual.
- The concept of being 礼儀正しい is closely linked to the idea of enryo, which is a form of respectful restraint or modesty that involves declining an offer even if you want it.
- In Japanese culture, being too 礼儀正しい can be interpreted as a way of signaling that you do not wish to become close friends with the other person.
Examples in context
- 彼女の意見に敬意をもって賛成します。I respectfully agree with her opinion.
- 彼の意見に敬意を持って聞くべきだよ。You should listen to his opinion with respect.
- 彼はとても礼儀正しい人です。Kare wa totemo reigitadashii hito desu.He is a very respectful person.
- あの店員さんは礼儀正しいですね。Ano ten'in-san wa reigitadashii desu ne.That shop assistant is respectful, isn't he?
Example conversation
Yui and Ren are talking about a new student in their class.
- 結衣 Yui新しい生徒さんは、とても礼儀正しいね。Atarashii seito-san wa, totemo reigi tadashii ne.The new student is very respectful, isn't he?
- 蓮 Renうん、挨拶もしっかりしているしね。Un, aisatsu mo shikkari shite iru shi ne.Yeah, he greets people properly too.
- 結衣 Yuiいい印象を持つわ。Ii inshō o motsu wa.I have a good impression of him.
- 蓮 Ren僕もそう思うよ。Boku mo sō omou yo.I think so too.
