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What’s “keqi”? |
| Update：2012-09-26 |
Chinese people normally say “bukeqi” instead of “you’re welcome”. Ke means guest and qi means behavior. As used to describe behavior, keqi means politeness, courtesy, modesty, humility, understanding, well-mannered behavior and so on. All of these definitions are natural in the Chinese cultural context.
The importance of keqi also indicates how sensitive Chinese are to any sign of arrogance or haughtiness. Chinese are expected to demonstrate keqi in all of their actions and especially toward foreign guests. As social conditions continue to change, the force of keqi is diminishing, but it is still discernible in the behavior of all Chinese, including overseas Chinese.
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