礼物 — meaning in English: gift

lǐwù · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for gift

创业

chuàngyè

皇帝

huángdì

礼物

lǐwù

小镇

xiǎo zhèn

目标

mùbiāo

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neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 礼物 (lǐwù) when discussing special occasions such as birthdays, weddings, or holidays. It can be heard in both casual conversations among friends and more formal settings, such as during a company gift exchange or a family celebration.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym of 礼物 (lǐwù) is 赠品 (zèngpǐn), which specifically refers to a gift given for promotional purposes, like a free sample. While 礼物 can be an everyday gift, 赠品 is more transactional and often lacks the personal touch associated with 礼物.

Culture

The term 礼物 (lǐwù) combines the characters 礼 (lǐ), meaning 'ritual' or 'courtesy', and 物 (wù), meaning 'thing' or 'object'. This reflects the cultural significance of giving gifts as a symbol of respect and connection in Chinese society. Traditionally, the act of gift-giving is tied to the concept of reciprocity, where a gift is not just an object but a way to strengthen relationships.

FAQ

Q.What does 礼物 mean in English?

The word 礼物 (lǐwù) translates to 'gift' in English, referring to something given voluntarily without payment in return. It's commonly used in a variety of gifting situations.

Q.How do you use 礼物 in a sentence?

You can say, '我给你买了一个礼物' (Wǒ gěi nǐ mǎile yīgè lǐwù), which means 'I bought you a gift'. This demonstrates how to use it in everyday conversation.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 礼物?

A common mistake is confusing 礼物 (lǐwù) with 礼节 (lǐjié), which refers to etiquette or manners. Remember that 礼物 specifically signifies the act of gifting, whereas 礼节 is about the social rules surrounding behavior.

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