Holding the door open

Neutral Polite

What it really means

Holding a door for the person behind you is standard good manners in the UK, for any gender. If someone holds a door for you, say "Thanks" — walking through without a word is considered rude. The awkward classic: they hold it when you're still far away, and you feel you must do a little jog.

Chinese explanation
在英国,为身后的人扶住门是基本礼貌,不分性别。别人为你扶门时要说声"Thanks"——一言不发地走过去会被认为无礼。经典尴尬场面:你离门还很远对方就扶着门等你,你只好小跑几步。

Example conversation

A: (holding the door) There you go. B: Oh, thanks very much! A: No worries.
A:(扶着门)请进。 B:哦,非常感谢! A:不客气。

What you could say back

“Thanks very much!”

Related phrases

All Customs & Etiquette
Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team · Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake