euphemism; tactful refusal
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
2 senses · 5 examplesnoun
euphemism; mild or indirect expression
formalA mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing. Variant form of 婉辞.
Tā他
yòng用
wǎn婉
cí词
biǎo表
dá达
le了
bù不
mǎn满
。
He expressed his dissatisfaction using euphemisms.
“
qù去
shì世
”
shì是
“
sǐ死
”
de的
wǎn婉
cí词
。
"Passed away" is a euphemism for "died".
Show 1 more exampleShow fewer examples
Zài在
zhèng正
shì式
chǎng场
hé合
，
shǐ使
yòng用
wǎn婉
cí词
kě可
yǐ以
xiǎn显
de得
gèng更
yǒu有
lǐ礼
mào貌
。
Using euphemisms in formal settings can appear more polite.
noun
tactful refusal; polite decline
formalPolite words used to decline an offer, invitation, or request without causing offense. Often used in formal correspondence or social etiquette. Variant form of 婉辞.
Tā她
wǎn婉
cí词
xiè谢
jué绝
le了
yāo邀
qǐng请
。
She politely declined the invitation.
Yóu由
yú于
shí时
jiān间
chōng冲
tū突
，
tā他
fā发
lái来
le了
wǎn婉
cí词
。
Due to a scheduling conflict, he sent a polite refusal.