厚礼

厚禮
hòulǐ
noun #32,669

Measure Word

Meanings

  1. 1 generous gift; lavish present
  2. 2 ample courtesy; handsome treatment

Examples

Tā sònglái yī fèn hòulǐ biǎoshì gǎnxiè.
He sent a generous gift to express his thanks.
Wú gōng bù shòu hòulǐ.
Without merit, one shouldn't accept lavish gifts.

Tips

culture
('thick, weighty') + ('gift, ritual') — a gift of substantial value or extraordinary courtesy. The phrase 厚礼相赠 ('to bestow a generous gift') sets a formal tone in business and diplomatic contexts. Compare 薄礼 ('modest gift') — the polite-self-deprecating term you use when YOU give a present.
register
Slightly formal / written. In casual speech you'd say 大礼 for a 'big gift' or just 很贵的礼物. Common collocations: 送厚礼 (give a generous gift), 收厚礼 (receive a generous gift), 重金厚礼 ('heavy money and lavish gifts' — bribery overtones).

Stroke Order

hòu