儀礼

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 儀礼 is read as ぎれい and is a noun that can denote a prescribed ritual or a merely formal act lacking further substance.
• Basic usage: It contrasts a solemn traditional ceremony with a greeting that remains only a formality.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Actual ritual
  • 伝統的な儀礼が行われる refers to a ritual performed according to established form.
• Mere formality
  • In 単なる儀礼で終わる, 単なる makes it a formality that fails to lead to real dialogue.