克己复礼 kè jǐ fù lǐ

to restrain oneself; return to proper rules

Word data

HSK Not in HSK
Frequency Unknown

Definitions

  1. 1. restrain yourself and return to the rites (idiom, from Analects); to subdue self and observe proprieties
  2. 2. (any number of possible translations)

Characters

Character Meaning
克 kè HSK 4
to restrain; to subdue; to overthrow
己 jǐ HSK 3
self; oneself
复 fù HSK 3
again; to repeat; to reply
礼 lǐ HSK 3
etiquette; courtesy; gift