先礼后兵
xiān lǐ hòu bīng
courtesy first, force after; try persuasion before taking tough measures
Character by character
先xiān
first
first
礼lǐ
courtesy
courtesy
后hòu
then
then
兵bīng
force
force
Example
我们先礼后兵：先写信提醒他还钱，他再不理，就只能起诉了。
Courtesy first, then the hard line: we will write to remind him to repay, and if he still ignores us we will have to sue.
Tone: neutral.
Usage and origin
Originally of war: send envoys before sending troops. Today of any dispute, often said to warn the other side that firmer steps will follow. A speaker can use it of himself: 我这个人先礼后兵.
Learn this in Lesson 204 · HSK 7–9: 雅克萨与尼布楚 (Albazin and Nerchinsk)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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