En 15 secondes
- A formal way to invite someone to a banquet.
- Implies the host is paying for a high-end meal.
- Commonly used in business, diplomacy, and weddings.
Signification
This is a fancy way to say you are inviting someone to a formal dinner or a feast. It implies you are the host, you are paying, and the occasion is special.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Formal business invitation
公司今晚将宴请重要的合作伙伴。
The company will host a banquet for important partners tonight.
Welcoming a visiting friend from abroad
为了欢迎你，我特地在大酒店宴请你。
To welcome you, I am specially hosting a banquet for you at the grand hotel.
Official government reception
政府代表团宴请了外宾。
The government delegation hosted a banquet for the foreign guests.
Contexte culturel
The concept of 'Yàn' (banquet) dates back thousands of years to royal court rituals. In Chinese culture, sharing a lavish meal is the primary way to build 'Guanxi' (connections) and show hospitality. It became a staple of diplomatic and business etiquette during the reform era.
The 'Who Pays' Rule
If you use the word `宴请`, you are 100% expected to pay the entire bill. Don't suggest splitting it!
Avoid 'Double Verbs'
Don't say `请宴请`. Just say `宴请`. The 'invite' part is already built into the word.
En 15 secondes
- A formal way to invite someone to a banquet.
- Implies the host is paying for a high-end meal.
- Commonly used in business, diplomacy, and weddings.
What It Means
宴请 is more than just grabbing a quick bite.
It is the art of hosting a formal meal.
Think of it as 'wining and dining' someone.
You are the host, and they are the guest.
It usually involves a round table and many dishes.
How To Use It
You use it as a verb for big events.
It often follows the person or group you invite.
For example: 'I want to 宴请 the new partners.'
It sounds polished and very respectful.
Don't use it for a McDonald's run.
That would be very confusing for your friends!
When To Use It
Use it for business deals or weddings.
Use it when welcoming a guest from afar.
It works well in emails and formal invitations.
If you want to show someone high honor, use this.
It signals that the meal will be high quality.
Expect a lot of 'ganbei' (toasts) during these meals.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid it for casual Friday night hangouts.
Don't use it for a quick coffee date.
If you say 宴请 to a close sibling, they might laugh.
It feels too stiff for a 2 AM snack.
Keep it for moments that require a tablecloth.
Cultural Background
In China, the dinner table is the boardroom.
Many big decisions happen over a 宴请.
Food is the ultimate language of respect here.
Hosting a banquet shows your 'mianzi' or social standing.
Historically, these were elaborate affairs with specific seating.
Even today, who sits where matters deeply.
Common Variations
You might hear 设宴 (shè yàn) which means 'set the feast'.
Or 盛宴 (shèng yàn) for a truly massive gala.
请客 is the casual cousin of 宴请.
Use 请客 for friends, but 宴请 for the boss.
Notes d'usage
This is a formal term. Use it in professional writing, formal invitations, or when speaking to superiors. Avoid it in casual slang-heavy conversations.
The 'Who Pays' Rule
If you use the word `宴请`, you are 100% expected to pay the entire bill. Don't suggest splitting it!
Avoid 'Double Verbs'
Don't say `请宴请`. Just say `宴请`. The 'invite' part is already built into the word.
The Seating Secret
In a `宴请`, the most important guest sits facing the door. As the host, you usually sit with your back to the door.
Exemples
6公司今晚将宴请重要的合作伙伴。
The company will host a banquet for important partners tonight.
Standard professional usage for corporate events.
为了欢迎你，我特地在大酒店宴请你。
To welcome you, I am specially hosting a banquet for you at the grand hotel.
Shows high respect and effort for a guest.
政府代表团宴请了外宾。
The government delegation hosted a banquet for the foreign guests.
Very formal, typical of news reports.
明晚我想宴请您，不知您是否有空？
I would like to host a dinner for you tomorrow night; are you available?
Polite and professional way to ask for a meeting.
你帮了我大忙，我必须隆重宴请你一次！
You helped me so much, I must grandly host a banquet for you!
Using a formal word for a friend to show deep gratitude.
今天我们在这里宴请各位亲朋好友。
Today we are hosting this banquet for all our dear friends and family.
Used to acknowledge guests at a major life event.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct word to invite a CEO to a luxury dinner.
我们要在这家五星级饭店___王总。
`宴请` is the most respectful and formal choice for a high-level executive.
Complete the sentence regarding a wedding celebration.
这对新人准备在酒店___宾客。
Weddings involve hosting guests, which is perfectly described by `宴请`.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of Inviting to Eat
Eating together
一起吃饭 (Yìqǐ chīfàn)
Treating someone
请客 (Qǐngkè)
Hosting a banquet
宴请 (Yànqǐng)
When to use 宴请
Business Deal
Closing a contract
Wedding
Celebrating marriage
Diplomacy
Welcoming officials
Gratitude
Big thank you
Banque d exercices
2 exercices我们要在这家五星级饭店___王总。
`宴请` is the most respectful and formal choice for a high-level executive.
这对新人准备在酒店___宾客。
Weddings involve hosting guests, which is perfectly described by `宴请`.
🎉 Score : /2
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsTechnically yes, if it's a very formal business lunch, but it's much more common for dinner.
No, you can 宴请 someone at a high-end French or Italian restaurant too, as long as the vibe is formal.
请客 is casual (like buying a friend a burger), while 宴请 is formal (like a 10-course meal).
It sounds a bit too stiff for family unless it's a huge 70th birthday celebration or anniversary.
You can say 我被宴请了 (Wǒ bèi yànqǐng le), but it's more natural to say 我受邀参加宴请.
In a traditional Chinese context, yes, usually Baijiu or wine is expected unless specified otherwise.
Yes, it can be a noun meaning 'the banquet event' itself, like in 参加宴请 (attend the banquet).
No, it is understood and used in all Mandarin-speaking regions including Taiwan and Singapore.
That would be funny! It sounds like you're pretending your picnic is a royal event.
Usually, yes, but you can 宴请 a single person if they are very important to you or your business.
Expressions liées
请客 (To treat someone)
聚餐 (To have a group meal)
应酬 (Socializing for business/duty)
款待 (To entertain/treat guests)
接风 (To host a welcome meal)
