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敬礼 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
敬礼jìnglǐto saluteHSK 7, nr, 17 strokes, rank #7306, Very Hard
敬礼jìnglǐsaluteHSK 7, nr, 17 strokes, rank #7306, Very Hard
jìnglǐ(jing4li3)jing li T4
  1. 1to salute
  2. 2salute
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March 24, 2026

敬礼(敬禮)jìnglǐ(jing4li3)

敬礼 (jìnglǐ) means to salute or to show respect through a gesture, often used in formal or military contexts. It conveys a sense of honor and recognition, typically when greeting someone of higher status or during ceremonies. In everyday usage, it can also refer to the act of showing respect in various social situations.

Strokes17Frequency#7306DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, showing respect through gestures like 敬礼 is deeply ingrained, especially in formal ceremonies, military practices, and even during traditional festivals. It reflects the Confucian value of respect for hierarchy and authority.

Memory Tip

Think of 敬 (jìng) as 'to respect' and 礼 (lǐ) as 'ritual' or 'ceremony'. Imagine a soldier standing at attention, saluting a dignitary—this visual connects the form of the characters to the meaning of respect and ceremonial gesture.

Meanings of 敬礼

jìnglǐ(jing4li3)
1to salute
2salute
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 敬礼

敬礼Simplified
敬禮Traditional
17Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#7306Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 敬礼

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Podcast: 敬礼

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AI Study Notes for 敬礼

Usage Notes

敬礼 is often used in formal contexts, so it's essential to match the tone appropriately. A common mistake is to use it casually, which can sound insincere. Be mindful of the setting, as it’s not suitable for informal conversations.

HSK Study Tips

At HSK Level 6, focus on recognizing 敬礼 in various contexts, such as military, formal events, or respectful greetings. Connecting it with other HSK Level 6 words like 尊敬 (zūn jìng - to respect) can deepen understanding.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 敬礼 with informal greetings like 你好, using it in casual contexts. Instead, remember to reserve 敬礼 for formal situations where respect is paramount.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 敬礼

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Component Characters

敬jìngto respect
HSK 712 strokes攵
View full entry
礼lǐgift
HSK 55 strokes礻
View full entry

How to say to salute in Chinese

“to salute” in Chinese is敬礼jìnglǐ

敬礼 (jìnglǐ) means to salute or to show respect through a gesture, often used in formal or military contexts. It conveys a sense of honor and recognition, typically when greeting someone of higher status or during ceremonies. In everyday usage, it can also refer to the act of showing respect in various social situations.

When to use 敬礼

敬礼 is often used in formal contexts, so it's essential to match the tone appropriately. A common mistake is to use it casually, which can sound insincere. Be mindful of the setting, as it’s not suitable for informal conversations.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 敬礼 with informal greetings like 你好, using it in casual contexts. Instead, remember to reserve 敬礼 for formal situations where respect is paramount.

Write 敬礼

敬
礼

Practice writing 敬礼 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 敬礼

敬礼 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 3

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

身为少尉,他几乎是逢人便得____。

As a second lieutenant, he had to salute damned near everybody.

Example Sentences for 敬礼 (2)

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1
身为少尉,他几乎是逢人便得敬礼。

shēn wéi shǎo wèi, , tā jī hū shì féng rén biàn dé jìng。

As a second lieutenant, he had to salute damned near everybody.
2
人群中走出一人向将军敬礼。

rén qún zhōng zǒu chū yī rén xiàng jiāng jūn jìng lǐ。

One of the company stepped out and saluted the General.

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Cultural Notes for 敬礼

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

While saluting is common in military contexts in both China and Western cultures, the nuances of respect and the occasions for saluting differ; in China, it may be more formalized in everyday social interactions.

Frequently Asked Questions about 敬礼

Use 敬礼 in formal situations, such as during military ceremonies or when addressing someone of higher status.

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