接待

You use it as a verb. You can 接待 a person, a group, or even a foreign delegation. It often pairs with words like 热情 (warmly). For example, you can say you 'warmly received' someone. It sounds organized and polite. It implies you have a plan for their comfort.

Use it when you are the one in charge of the visit. Are you picking up a friend? You are 接待-ing them. Is your company hosting a client? That is a 接待 task. It works perfectly in hotels, restaurants, and offices. Even at home, it shows you are taking your hosting duties seriously. If you want to sound like a pro, use it for business trips.

Do not use it for a casual 'hang out' at a cafe. That is just 见面 (meeting up). 接待 implies a bit of effort or a formal role. If you just bump into someone on the street, do not use it. It would sound like you are treating them like a government official! Also, do not use it for receiving mail or packages. Use 收到 for that.

In China, hospitality is a huge deal. How you 接待 someone reflects your character and your company’s face. Historically, guests were treated with extreme care to show respect. Today, '接待 culture' in business involves fancy dinners and organized tours. It is all about making the guest feel like royalty. Sometimes, it can even feel a bit competitive!

You will often see 接待员 (receptionist). This is the person at the front desk. Another one is 接待处 (reception desk). If a visit was great, you might say the 接待 was very 周到 (thoughtful). It means you didn't miss a single detail. Even the tea was the perfect temperature!