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N3

Kanji 礼: meanings, readings, and example words.

2 min read

Kanji 礼: salute, bow, ceremony, thanks, remuneration

Key takeaways

Kanji 礼: salute, bow, ceremony, thanks, remuneration. Readings and core meaning.

See vocabulary and examples below.

Kanji at a glance

礼
N3

Meaning

salutebowceremonythanksremuneration

On reading

レイライ

Radical

示

Core meaning / core image

Core meaning: 礼

salute, bow, ceremony, thanks, remuneration

Kanji structure breakdown

礼

Structure breakdown

礻 + 乙

Mnemonic story

Mnemonic story

This character combines the ritual radical (礻) with a curved shape (乙) representing a person bowing. It depicts the act of bowing during a ceremony to show respect. Think of it as the etiquette and manners used when expressing thanks or performing a formal salute.

On'yomi and kun'yomi

On reading

レイ
  • 無礼ぶれい

    rude / impolite behavior

  • 礼れい

    thanks / gratitude / courtesy

  • 礼儀れいぎ

    manners / etiquette / courtesy

  • お礼おれい

    expression of gratitude

Commonly used words

  • 無礼
    ぶれい

    rude / impolite behavior

  • 礼
    れい

    thanks / gratitude / courtesy

  • 礼儀
    れいぎ

    manners / etiquette / courtesy

  • お礼
    おれい

    expression of gratitude

Example sentences

Example 1

無礼な言葉を使ってはいけません。

Translation

You should not use rude language.

Example 2

彼の無礼な態度に驚いた。

Translation

I was surprised by his rude attitude.

Example 3

礼を言うのは大切です。

Translation

It is important to say thanks.

Example 4

礼をわすれないでください。

Translation

Please do not forget your manners.

Kanji 礼: salute, bow, ceremony, thanks, remuneration | Daily Nihongo