courtesy

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 礼 has 5 strokes and concerns a courteous greeting or gratitude.
• Basic usage: 礼 is read れい, and お礼 is read おれい.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Bowing and expressing thanks
  • 相手にきちんと礼をする means to bow properly to one's opponent. It is a courteous action before and after a match.
  • お礼を言った means expressed thanks.
  • 手伝ってもらったお礼に means in return for the help received. お礼 can refer to spoken thanks or a return gesture.