Meaning
客气 describes polite, courteous behavior that shows respect and consideration for others. It can also mean being overly formal or standing on ceremony with someone, creating social distance. The word literally combines 'guest' (客) and 'air/manner' (气), suggesting the respectful manner one shows to guests.
Usage
Native speakers commonly use 客气 to describe someone's polite behavior or to tell someone not to be so formal with them. The phrase '不用客气' or '别客气' (don't be polite/you're welcome) is extremely common in daily conversation when someone thanks you or apologizes. Used too much, 客气 can imply emotional distance rather than warmth.
Examples
- 01谢谢你的帮助！不客气，这是我应该做的。! , .Thank you for your help! You're welcome, it's what I should do.
- 02他对每个人都很客气，从来不发脾气。, .He is very polite to everyone and never loses his temper.
Characters
Common collocations
- 不客气you're welcome; impolite
- 别客气don't be polite, make yourself at home
- 太客气了you're too polite
- 客气话polite words, mere courtesy
Antonyms
Origin
The compound combines 客 (guest) with 气 (air, manner), originally referring to the respectful manner one adopts when treating guests, which extended to general politeness.