courtesy phrase; no need to show formal courtesy
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 4 examplesverb
to politely decline or waive formal courtesies; no need to bow or salute
formalA polite phrase used by a superior or host to tell a subordinate or guest not to perform a formal greeting, such as a bow, salute, or other ritual courtesy. It signals informality and respect in social interactions. Often used in historical or formal modern contexts.
Jiāng将
jūn军
duì对
shì士
bīng兵
shuō说
：
“
Miǎn免
lǐ礼
，
huì汇
bào报
qíng情
kuàng况
ba吧
。
”
The general said to the soldier, "At ease, report the situation."
Lǎo老
xiān先
sheng生
bǎi摆
bǎi摆
shǒu手
：
“
Miǎn免
lǐ礼
，
miǎn免
lǐ礼
，
dōu都
shì是
zì自
jǐ己
rén人
。
”
The old gentleman waved his hand, saying, "No need for formalities, we're all family here."
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Huáng皇
shang上
dào道
：
“
Zhòng众
qīng卿
miǎn免
lǐ礼
，
píng平
shēn身
。
”
The emperor said, "My ministers, you may rise; there is no need to bow."
Kàn看
dào到
kè客
rén人
yào要
jū鞠
gōng躬
，
zhǔ主
rén人
gǎn赶
jǐn紧
shuō说
：
“
Miǎn免
lǐ礼
，
qǐng请
zuò坐
。
”
Seeing the guest about to bow, the host quickly said, "No need for that, please have a seat."