system; decorum; propriety
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 4 examplesnoun
system and order; decorum; propriety; proper form
formalRefers to the established order, dignity, or proper form of conduct, especially in social or institutional contexts. Often used in negative constructions to indicate impropriety.
Nǐ你
zhè这
yàng样
yī衣
shān衫
bù不
zhěng整
de地
chū出
xí席
huì会
yì议
，
shí实
zài在
bù不
chéng成
tǐ体
tǒng统
。
It's completely improper for you to attend the meeting in such a disheveled state.
Zhè这
jiā家
cān餐
tīng厅
suī虽
rán然
zhuāng装
xiū修
jiǎn简
dān单
，
dàn但
fú服
wù务
hěn很
yǒu有
tǐ体
tǒng统
。
Although simply decorated, this restaurant maintains proper service etiquette.
Show 2 more examplesShow fewer examples
Zài在
gǔ古
dài代
，
jūn君
chén臣
zhī之
jiān间
bì必
xū须
yán严
shǒu守
tǐ体
tǒng统
。
In ancient times, the proper hierarchy between ruler and subject had to be strictly maintained.
Tā他
shuō说
huà话
méi没
dà大
méi没
xiǎo小
，
háo毫
wú无
tǐ体
tǒng统
kě可
yán言
。
He speaks without respect for rank, showing no sense of propriety whatsoever.