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접대하다

A2 verb 9 min read

접대하다

jeopdaehada

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 접대하다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 접대하다 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use '접대하다' often, as it is quite a formal and complex word. However, it's good to recognize it as a word related to 'meeting guests.' You can think of it as a 'Level 2' version of '만나다' (to meet) or '인사하다' (to greet). At this stage, just remember that when you see '접대', it usually involves a host and a guest, often in a place like a restaurant or an office. You might see it in simple signs at a hotel or a large building. Focus on the '하다' part, which tells you it's an action. Don't worry about the business nuances yet; just associate it with 'hosting a visitor.'

At the A2 level, you should begin to understand the difference between '접대하다' and more common words like '대접하다' or '선물하다'. You might encounter this word in stories about office life or in basic business Korean lessons. You should be able to form simple sentences using the standard [Subject] + [Object] + [접대합니다] structure. For example, '저는 손님을 접대해요' (I entertain the guest). You should also recognize the noun form '접대' (reception/entertainment) and know that it's a formal way to talk about being a host. This is the level where you start to see that Korean has different words for 'hosting' depending on the situation.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '접대하다' in professional contexts. You should understand that this word is the standard term for business entertainment. You can use it to describe your work duties, such as '외국에서 온 손님을 접대하는 것이 제 업무입니다' (My job is to entertain guests from abroad). You should also be aware of the honorific forms, like '접대해 드렸습니다,' and the passive expression '접대를 받다.' You'll start to notice this word in news articles or more detailed K-dramas, and you should understand the social expectations of a 'host' that the word implies in a Korean cultural context.

At the B2 level, you should understand the nuanced social and even political implications of '접대하다'. You should be aware of terms like '접대비' (entertainment expenses) and '과잉 접대' (excessive entertainment). You can participate in discussions about Korean '접대 문화' (entertainment culture) and how it has changed due to laws like the Kim Young-ran Act. You should be able to distinguish '접대하다' from more specialized terms like '향응하다' or '응대하다' and use them correctly in varied contexts. Your ability to use this word correctly in a business meeting will show a high level of cultural and linguistic competence.

At the C1 level, you should have a sophisticated grasp of '접대하다', including its historical and etymological roots. You can use the word in academic or high-level professional writing to discuss corporate strategy, hospitality management, or social ethics. You should be able to analyze the power dynamics involved in '접대'—who is hosting whom and why. You can use related idioms and complex sentence structures involving the word. You should also be able to explain the concept of 'jeopdae' to others, highlighting how it differs from Western concepts of 'business networking' or 'hospitality.'

At the C2 level, your understanding of '접대하다' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You can use the word with perfect precision in any register, from formal legal documents to nuanced literary descriptions. You understand the subtle irony or sarcasm that can be conveyed by using this word in unexpected contexts. You can discuss the evolution of the word from its Hanja origins to its modern socio-economic role in the globalized Korean economy. You are comfortable with all grammatical permutations and can use the word to navigate the most complex social and professional hierarchies in Korea.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

접대하다 in 30 Seconds

Formal verb for hosting and entertaining guests.
Primarily used in business and official contexts.
Involves providing food, drink, and professional hospitality.
Distinct from the warmer, more personal '대접하다'.

The Korean verb 접대하다 (jeopdaehada) is a cornerstone of professional and social etiquette in South Korea. At its most basic level, it means to host, receive, or entertain guests. However, unlike the more general term '대접하다' (daejeophada), which can be used for any kind of hospitality, 접대하다 carries a specific weight often associated with business, official functions, or formal hospitality. It is the act of providing food, drink, and entertainment to ensure a guest feels welcomed and valued, frequently with the underlying goal of building or maintaining a relationship for professional gain. In the context of Korean corporate culture, it is often linked to the concept of 'business entertainment,' which can range from a simple lunch to elaborate multi-course dinners followed by karaoke or golf.

Business Context: In a corporate setting, '접대하다' refers to the formal entertainment of clients or partners. This is not just about eating; it is a strategic social ritual intended to smooth over negotiations or show gratitude for a contract.

거래처 직원을 정중하게 접대하다. (To politely entertain the employees of a client company.)

The word is composed of the Hanja characters 接 (jeop) meaning 'to meet' or 'to connect' and 待 (dae) meaning 'to treat' or 'to wait upon.' Combined, they evoke the image of meeting someone and attending to their needs. While the word is neutral in its dictionary definition, its usage in modern Korean society can sometimes carry a nuanced connotation depending on the intensity of the entertainment. For instance, '과도한 접대' (excessive entertainment) is often a topic of discussion in legal or ethical contexts regarding corporate transparency. However, in daily professional life, it remains the standard term for the necessary hospitality required to keep the wheels of industry turning. Understanding this word requires an appreciation for the 'uri' (we/our) culture in Korea, where sharing a meal is the primary way to solidify a bond.

Formal Reception: Used when government officials receive foreign dignitaries. It implies a high level of protocol and prepared service.

외국 사절단을 접대하기 위해 만찬을 준비했습니다. (We prepared a banquet to entertain the foreign delegation.)

In summary, '접대하다' is about the active management of a guest's experience. It involves a host taking full responsibility for the guest's comfort. Whether you are a businessperson taking a client to a fancy 'Han-jeongsik' (Korean full-course meal) restaurant or a diplomat hosting a gala, you are '접대'-ing. The word encompasses the preparation, the service, and the social interaction itself. It is a vital verb for anyone looking to navigate the professional landscape of Korea, as it encapsulates the deep-seated value placed on hospitality and relationship management.

Using 접대하다 correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a '하다' verb and its typical object-verb relationship. Since it is a transitive verb, it almost always requires an object—the person or group being entertained—marked by the particles -을/를. Because of its formal nature, it is frequently used in the honorific form 접대해 드리다 when the speaker is the one doing the hosting for someone of higher status, or 접대하시다 when describing someone else's action of hosting.

Standard Usage: The most common structure is [Host] + [Guest]-을/를 + 접대하다. This is used in reports, news, and formal conversations.

우리 회사는 매년 주요 고객들을 접대합니다. (Our company entertains major clients every year.)

When you want to emphasize the purpose or the method of the entertainment, you can add adverbial phrases. For example, '정성껏 접대하다' (to entertain with all one's heart) or '비즈니스 차원에서 접대하다' (to entertain from a business perspective). The verb also frequently appears in the passive or noun-derived form, '접대를 받다' (to be entertained/received as a guest). In a sentence like '그는 극진한 접대를 받았다' (He received hospitable treatment), the focus shifts to the experience of the guest.

Passive/Receiving Form: Using '받다' instead of '하다' changes the perspective to the guest receiving the hospitality.

손님으로서 극진한 접대를 받아서 기분이 좋았습니다. (I felt good because I received such hospitable treatment as a guest.)

In more complex sentences, you might see it used with causative or intentional endings like '-기 위해' (in order to). '고객을 접대하기 위해 식당을 예약했습니다' (I reserved a restaurant to entertain the client). It's also important to note the register. In a casual setting, even if you are hosting, you might say '한턱내다' (to treat someone/buy a round), but in a business report or a formal speech, 접대하다 is the only appropriate choice. It elevates the action from a simple meal to a professional responsibility.

You will encounter 접대하다 in various professional and media contexts in Korea. It is a staple of 'Office Dramas' (오피스 드라마), where the struggle of junior employees having to '접대' difficult clients is a frequent plot point. In these scenarios, the word often highlights the labor-intensive side of Korean business culture—staying out late, drinking, and ensuring the client is happy at all costs. It provides a window into the social hierarchies and the 'service' aspect of corporate life.

In the Office: Managers often instruct their subordinates to plan for '접대' when a new partner visits. It involves logistics, venue selection, and menu planning.

이번 주말에는 바이어를 접대해야 해서 쉴 수가 없어요. (I can't rest this weekend because I have to entertain a buyer.)

Another common place is the news, specifically business or political news. You might hear about '접대 문화' (entertainment culture) and how it is evolving. With the introduction of the 'Kim Young-ran Act' (an anti-graft law), the way people '접대하다' has changed significantly, moving away from extravagant nighttime entertainment toward more modest lunches or cultural activities like watching a play together. This shift is a major topic in contemporary Korean society, making the word highly relevant to discussions about ethics and social change.

In Hospitality Industries: Hotels and high-end restaurants often use this word in their marketing to indicate they are the perfect venue for receiving important guests.

저희 호텔은 귀빈을 접대하기에 최적의 장소입니다. (Our hotel is the optimal place for entertaining VIP guests.)

Lastly, you'll hear it in historical dramas (Saeguk). Kings and nobles '접대' envoys from neighboring countries. In this context, the word takes on a very grand, ceremonial meaning, involving traditional music, dance, and elaborate feasts. Whether in a modern skyscraper or a Joseon-era palace, '접대하다' remains the primary verb for the serious business of making a guest feel honored.

The most frequent mistake learners make with 접대하다 is confusing it with its close relative, 대접하다 (daejeophada). While both involve hosting, '대접하다' is a much broader and warmer term. You can '대접' your parents, your friends, or even yourself. '접대하다' is more transactional and formal. If you tell a close friend '내가 오늘 너를 접대할게' (I will entertain you today using *jeopdae*), it sounds like you are treating them like a business client, which can feel cold or ironically funny.

Confusion with 대접하다: Use '대접하다' for general hospitality and '접대하다' for formal or business-related reception.

❌ 친구를 접대했다. (Wrong register for a friend.)
✅ 친구를 대접했다. (Correct: I treated my friend.)

Another common error is failing to recognize the potential negative nuance in certain contexts. In English, 'entertaining' is almost always positive. In Korean, if someone says '그는 접대로 성공했다' (He succeeded through *jeopdae*), it often implies he didn't succeed through skill, but through excessive wining and dining of influential people. Learners should be careful not to use '접대' in a way that accidentally implies bribery or sycophancy when they simply mean they were being a good host.

Misusing the Particle: Sometimes learners use the dative particle '-에게' (to) because they think of 'giving' entertainment. However, you entertain the *person* (direct object), so '-을/를' is correct.

❌ 손님에게 접대하다.
✅ 손님을 접대하다.

Finally, don't confuse it with '응대하다' (eungdaehada). '응대하다' means to respond to or deal with a customer (like a clerk at a desk), whereas '접대하다' involves the more active, hospitality-focused role of hosting. Using '접대하다' when you just mean 'answering a customer's question' would be an overstatement of the service provided.

To truly master 접대하다, you need to know where it sits in the hierarchy of Korean hospitality verbs. Korean has a rich vocabulary for 'treating' others, and choosing the right one depends entirely on the relationship between the host and the guest, as well as the setting of the encounter. Below is a breakdown of the most common alternatives and how they differ from '접대하다'.

대접하다 (Daejeophada): The most versatile term. It means to treat someone to a meal or show hospitality. It is warm, personal, and can be used for family, friends, or guests. Unlike '접대', it doesn't necessarily imply a business motive.
환대하다 (Hwandaehada): Meaning 'to welcome warmly,' this word focuses on the emotional quality of the reception. It is often used for receiving visitors from afar or international guests where the host wants to show great kindness.
향응하다 (Hyangeunghada): A more formal and often legalistic term for providing food and drink. This is frequently seen in news reports about 'illegal entertainment' (향응 제공).

Comparison: '손님을 접대하다' (Formal/Business) vs '손님을 환대하다' (Warm/Emotional).

In a casual setting, Koreans use phrases like '한턱내다' (to treat/pay for everyone) or '쏘다' (slang: to 'shoot' or pay for a meal). For example, if you win the lottery, you might say '내가 오늘 쏠게!' (I'm paying today!). You would never use '접대하다' in that context. On the other hand, if you are working in a hotel, you might use '응접하다' (to receive/meet guests), which focuses more on the act of meeting the guest at the door or in a parlor.

Understanding these nuances allows you to navigate social situations with more precision. Choosing 접대하다 signals that you recognize the professional or formal importance of the event, while choosing 대접하다 signals a more personal and sincere connection. Both are forms of 'treating,' but they paint very different pictures of the relationship.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

While 'jeopdae' is a formal word today, in ancient times, the 'dae' (待) character also implied 'waiting' for a guest to arrive with great patience and preparation.

Pronunciation Guide

UK tɕʌp.tɛ.ɦa.da

US tɕʌp.te.hɑ.dɑ

Stress is generally even across syllables in Korean, but a slight emphasis may be placed on the first syllable 'jeop'.

Rhymes With

학대하다 (hakdaehada) 반대하다 (bandaehada) 우대하다 (udaehada) 환대하다 (hwandaehada) 막대하다 (makdaehada) 관대하다 (gwandaehada) 기대하다 (gidaehada) 교대하다 (gyodaehada)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'jeop' like 'job' (the vowel is different).
Making the 'p' in 'jeop' too explosive (it should be an unreleased stop).
Confusing 'dae' with 'de' (though they have merged for many modern speakers).
Over-emphasizing the 'h' in 'hada' so it sounds like two separate words.
Vocalizing the 'p' so it sounds like 'jeob-dae' (keep it voiceless).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in business texts but requires context for nuance.

Writing 4/5

Must be careful not to confuse with '대접하다'.

Speaking 4/5

Requires correct honorific usage depending on the guest.

Listening 3/5

Common in dramas and news, easy to pick up.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

손님 만나다 음식 회사 하다

Learn Next

환대하다 응대하다 비즈니스 매너 대접하다 모시다

Advanced

부정청탁 김영란법 의전 향응 상명하복

Grammar to Know

-기 위해 (In order to)

고객을 접대하기 위해 식당을 예약했습니다.

-느라 (Because of doing)

손님을 접대하느라 쉴 시간이 없었어요.

-어 드리다 (Honorific help)

제가 손님을 접대해 드리겠습니다.

-을 때 (When)

손님을 접대할 때 웃는 얼굴이 중요해요.

-아/어지다 (Passive/Become)

접대 문화가 많이 변해졌어요.

Examples by Level

손님을 접대해요.

I entertain the guest.

Simple present tense with -해요.

우리는 접대를 해요.

We are hosting.

Noun + object particle + verb.

어디에서 접대해요?

Where do you host?

Interrogative sentence.

식당에서 접대해요.

I host at a restaurant.

Location particle -에서.

정성껏 접대해요.

I host with sincerity.

Adverb + verb.

누구를 접대해요?

Who are you entertaining?

Interrogative pronoun 누구.

선생님을 접대해요.

I entertain the teacher.

Honorific noun used as object.

오늘 접대해요.

I host today.

Time adverb 오늘.

회사에서 손님을 접대했어요.

I entertained a guest at the company.

Past tense -했어요.

맛있는 음식으로 접대해요.

I entertain with delicious food.

Instrumental particle -으로.

손님을 접대하고 싶어요.

I want to entertain the guest.

Desiderative -고 싶다.

어제는 바이어를 접대했습니다.

Yesterday, I entertained a buyer.

Formal polite past tense -했습니다.

접대하는 것은 힘들어요.

Hosting is difficult.

Gerund form -하는 것.

손님을 접대하러 가요.

I am going to entertain a guest.

Purpose particle -러 가다.

친절하게 접대해 주세요.

Please host them kindly.

Request form -해 주세요.

접대 준비를 다 했어요.

I finished all the hosting preparations.

Noun phrase '접대 준비'.

이번 행사는 귀빈을 접대하기 위한 것입니다.

This event is for entertaining VIPs.

Purpose structure -하기 위한 것.

고객을 접대할 때 주의할 점이 있나요?

Are there things to be careful about when entertaining clients?

Temporal clause -을 때.

그분은 손님을 접대하는 매너가 아주 좋습니다.

He has very good manners when entertaining guests.

Noun modifying clause -하는.

외국인 투자자들을 정중히 접대했습니다.

We politely entertained the foreign investors.

Adverb 정중히 (politely).

접대를 받기만 해서 미안해요.

I feel sorry because I only received entertainment.

Passive form 접대를 받다 + -기만 해서.

성공적인 계약을 위해 바이어를 접대해야 합니다.

We must entertain the buyer for a successful contract.

Obligation -해야 합니다.

어떤 식당이 접대하기에 좋을까요?

Which restaurant would be good for entertaining?

Evaluation structure -하기에 좋다.

접대 비용이 생각보다 많이 나왔어요.

The entertainment expenses came out more than expected.

Comparative -보다.

과도한 접대는 오히려 비즈니스에 독이 될 수 있습니다.

Excessive entertainment can actually be poison to business.

Potentiality -을 수 있다.

한국의 접대 문화는 예전보다 많이 간소화되었습니다.

Korea's entertainment culture has become much simpler than before.

Passive/Resultative -어지다.

그는 거래처 사람들을 접대하느라 밤늦게 귀가했다.

He returned home late at night because he was entertaining clients.

Reason/Cause -느라.

접대 업무도 직장 생활의 중요한 일부분입니다.

Entertainment duties are also an important part of work life.

Topic marker -도 (also).

회사는 접대비 사용 내역을 투명하게 공개해야 한다.

The company must transparently disclose the details of entertainment expense usage.

Plain style -해야 한다.

손님을 접대할 장소를 선정하는 것이 쉽지 않네요.

Selecting a place to entertain guests is not easy.

Gerund phrase with -는 것.

그 식당은 조용해서 비즈니스 손님을 접대하기 딱이다.

That restaurant is quiet, so it's perfect for entertaining business guests.

Slang-ish expression '딱이다' (to be perfect).

접대를 잘하는 것도 하나의 전략입니다.

Entertaining well is also a strategy.

Noun phrase as subject.

공직자에게 금품이나 접대를 제공하는 것은 법으로 금지되어 있다.

Providing money, goods, or entertainment to public officials is prohibited by law.

Passive state -어 있다.

그는 탁월한 접대 기술을 발휘하여 큰 계약을 성사시켰다.

He used his excellent entertainment skills to finalize a large contract.

Participle clause -하여.

접대의 본질은 상대방을 존중하고 배려하는 마음에 있다.

The essence of entertainment lies in the heart of respecting and caring for the other party.

Abstract subject with -에 있다.

문화적 차이를 고려하지 않은 접대는 오해를 불러일으킬 수 있다.

Entertainment that does not consider cultural differences can cause misunderstandings.

Complex noun modifier.

기업들은 접대비 지출을 줄이고 실질적인 마케팅에 집중하고 있다.

Companies are reducing entertainment expenses and focusing on practical marketing.

Progressive -고 있다.

그는 접대 자리에서 실수를 하지 않으려고 각별히 신경을 썼다.

He took extra care not to make a mistake during the entertainment session.

Intention -지 않으려고.

전통적인 접대 방식이 현대 사회에서는 통하지 않을 수도 있다.

Traditional ways of entertaining might not work in modern society.

Probability -을 수도 있다.

접대를 통해 형성된 인맥이 때로는 강력한 힘을 발휘한다.

Connections formed through entertainment sometimes exert powerful influence.

Causality through -를 통해.

접대라는 미명 하에 자행되는 뇌물 수수는 반드시 근절되어야 한다.

The acceptance of bribes carried out under the pretext of entertainment must be eradicated.

Complex formal expression '미명 하에'.

그의 접대는 단순한 호의를 넘어 고도의 심리전과 같았다.

His entertainment was beyond simple goodwill; it was like a high-level psychological war.

Simile -과 같다.

외교적 접대는 국가 간의 우호 관계를 다지는 중요한 수단이다.

Diplomatic reception is an important means of strengthening friendly relations between countries.

Formal definition-style sentence.

접대 문화의 변천사는 한국 경제의 성장 과정과 궤를 같이한다.

The history of changes in entertainment culture is in line with the growth process of the Korean economy.

Idiomatic expression '궤를 같이하다'.

접대 시 발생하는 사소한 결례가 돌이킬 수 없는 결과를 초래하기도 한다.

A minor discourtesy occurring during entertainment sometimes leads to irreversible consequences.

Causative verb 초래하다.

진정한 접대란 물질적인 풍요보다 정신적인 교감을 우선시해야 한다.

True entertainment should prioritize spiritual communion over material abundance.

Definition with '란'.

그는 접대 업무의 피로감을 호소하며 부서 이동을 신청했다.

He applied for a department transfer, complaining of the fatigue from entertainment duties.

Participial phrase -하며.

접대의 형식이 격식에서 실용으로 옮겨가는 추세다.

The format of entertainment is trending from formality to practicality.

Noun '추세' (trend).

Common Collocations

손님을 접대하다

거래처를 접대하다

정성껏 접대하다

접대 비용

접대 문화

접대를 받다

골프 접대

술 접대

접대 자리

극진히 접대하다

Common Phrases

접대비

— Entertainment expenses. Money spent on hosting clients.

접대비 한도를 초과했습니다.

접대실

— Reception room. A room designated for meeting guests.

손님을 접대실로 안내해라.

접대용

— For entertainment use. Something reserved for guests.

이 차는 접대용으로 준비한 것입니다.

접대원

— Receptionist or host. A person whose job is to receive guests.

친절한 접대원이 우리를 반겼다.

접대 공세

— Entertainment offensive. Using massive hospitality to win someone over.

상대 회사는 파격적인 접대 공세를 펼쳤다.

접대 하느라

— Because of entertaining. Used to explain being busy or tired.

접대 하느라 잠을 못 잤어요.

접대 차원에서

— From the perspective of entertainment/hospitality.

접대 차원에서 식사를 준비했습니다.

접대 매너

— Entertainment manners/etiquette.

접대 매너를 배우는 것도 업무의 연장이다.

접대 장소

— The place where entertainment happens.

조용한 접대 장소를 물색 중입니다.

접대 스케줄

— Entertainment schedule.

이번 주 접대 스케줄이 꽉 찼다.

Often Confused With

접대하다 vs 대접하다

Daejeophada is warmer and personal; Jeopdaehada is professional and formal.

접대하다 vs 응대하다

Eungdaehada is responding to a customer's presence; Jeopdaehada is hosting them with food/entertainment.

접대하다 vs 환대하다

Hwandaehada focuses on the warmth of the welcome; Jeopdaehada focuses on the act of hosting.

Idioms & Expressions

"입에 혀처럼 굴다"

— To act like a tongue in someone's mouth. To be extremely subservient or sycophantic during entertainment.

그는 접대할 때 입에 혀처럼 굴어서 비위를 맞춘다.

Informal/Negative

"간이라도 빼줄 듯이"

— As if one would even take out their liver for someone. To be excessively hospitable.

손님에게 간이라도 빼줄 듯이 접대했다.

Colloquial

"융숭한 대접"

— Very grand and generous hospitality. Often used with 접대.

그는 어디를 가나 융숭한 접대를 받는다.

Formal

"발 벗고 나서다"

— To step forward with bare feet. To take initiative in hosting someone actively.

그는 손님 접대에 발 벗고 나섰다.

Neutral

"비위를 맞추다"

— To humor someone or cater to their tastes during entertainment.

거래처 사람들의 비위를 맞추며 접대하는 게 쉽지 않다.

Neutral

"코가 삐뚤어지게 마시다"

— To drink until one's nose is crooked. Often happens during '술 접대'.

접대 자리에서 코가 삐뚤어지게 마셨다.

Slang

"상다리가 부러지다"

— The table legs break. To provide a feast so large the table might collapse.

접대 음식이 상다리가 부러지게 차려졌다.

Idiomatic

"칙사 대접"

— Treating someone like a royal envoy. Extreme hospitality.

그는 이번 방문에서 칙사 대접을 받았다.

Formal/Idiomatic

"눈치 코치 다 보다"

— To use all one's senses to read the guest's mood.

접대하는 내내 손님의 눈치 코치를 다 보느라 힘들었다.

Colloquial

"한턱 쏘다"

— To treat everyone to a meal. A casual version of hosting.

승진 기념으로 내가 한턱 쏠게!

Slang

Easily Confused

접대하다 vs 접대부

Similar root.

Usually refers to workers in adult entertainment venues. Use with extreme caution.

그곳에는 접대부가 있었다. (Sensitive context)

접대하다 vs 응접

Similar Hanja.

Eungjeop is the act of receiving a guest at the door or in a parlor.

응접실에서 기다리세요.

접대하다 vs 대우

Both involve treatment.

Dae-u is about the status or social treatment one receives.

특별 대우를 받다.

접대하다 vs 치하

Both involve hospitality.

Chi-ha is specifically to praise or reward someone's effort.

노고를 치하하다.

접대하다 vs 선사

Both involve giving.

Seonsa is a formal word for giving a gift.

꽃을 선사하다.

Sentence Patterns

[Object]을/를 접대해요.

손님을 접대해요.

[Object]을/를 접대하러 가요.

바이어를 접대하러 가요.

[Object]에게 접대를 받아요.

사장님에게 접대를 받아요.

[Object]을/를 접대하기 위해 [Action].

고객을 접대하기 위해 선물을 샀어요.

접대하는 도중에 [Action].

접대하는 도중에 전화가 왔어요.

접대라는 명목으로 [Action].

접대라는 명목으로 돈을 썼어요.

접대에 소요되는 비용.

접대에 소요되는 비용이 상당하다.

[Object]을/를 극진히 접대하다.

국빈을 극진히 접대하다.

Word Family

Nouns

접대 (Reception/Entertainment)

접대원 (Host/Receptionist)

접대비 (Expenses)

접대실 (Reception Room)

Verbs

접대받다 (To be entertained)

접대해드리다 (Honorific host)

Adjectives

접대적인 (Hospitable/Reception-oriented)

대접

환대

응대

응접

배려

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in business and news; rare in personal family talk.

Common Mistakes

Using 접대하다 for family. → 대접하다
접대하다 sounds too professional and cold for family members.
Using the particle -에게. → -을/를
The person being entertained is the direct object of the verb.
Confusing 접대하다 with 응대하다. → 접대하다 (for hosting)
응대하다 is just responding to a person; 접대하다 is the full act of hosting.
Assuming it only means 'bribery'. → Hosting/Entertaining
While it can be used in scandals, its primary meaning is neutral and professional.
Spelling it as '접태하다'. → 접대하다
The second syllable is '대' (待), not '태'.

Tips

Tea First

When you 접대 someone in an office, always offer tea or coffee immediately upon their arrival. It's the first step of the process.

Table Manners

During a 접대 meal, wait for the guest to pick up their chopsticks first before you start eating.

Hanja Roots

Remembering 接 (Meet) and 待 (Treat) will help you distinguish it from other 'Dae' words.

Expense Tracking

In Korea, keep all receipts for 접대비; companies are very strict about documenting these for tax purposes.

Building Trust

The goal of 접대 is not just food, but building 'Shin-roe' (trust). Focus on the conversation as much as the meal.

Synonym Choice

Use '환대' if you want to emphasize how happy you are to see the guest.

Object Particle

Always use '을/를' with the person you are entertaining. '손님을 접대하다' is the gold standard.

Honorifics

If the guest is much older, use '접대해 올리다' in very formal writing, though '접대해 드리다' is usually sufficient.

Avoid Slang

Never use slang like '쏘다' in a formal 접대 situation. It's disrespectful.

Context Clues

If you hear '접대' in a drama, look at the setting. Is it a fancy restaurant? Then it's about business hospitality.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Jeop' as 'Joining' a guest and 'Dae' as 'Dining' with them. You join them for dining to entertain them.

Visual Association

Imagine a professional businessman in a suit bowing and handing a business card, then gesturing toward a beautifully set dinner table.

Word Web

Business Guest Restaurant Hospitality Client Formal Meeting Service

Challenge

Try to use '접대하다' in a sentence about hosting a famous celebrity at your home.

Word Origin

Derived from the Hanja 接待. 接 (jeop) means 'to meet, connect, or receive' and 待 (dae) means 'to treat, wait upon, or entertain'.

Original meaning: To receive and treat a guest who has arrived.

Sino-Korean

Cultural Context

Be careful with the word; in some contexts, it can imply 'buying influence' or unethical bribery.

Westerners might see this as 'networking' or 'client entertainment,' but 'jeopdae' often involves a higher level of personal service and longer hours.

The drama 'Misaeng' (Incomplete Life) frequently depicts the stress of 'jeopdae'. The 'Kim Young-ran Act' (Anti-Graft Law) is the most famous legal reference to 'jeopdae'. Korean news often discusses 'Golf Jeopdae' as a specific social phenomenon.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Business Trip

바이어 접대
식사 예약
선물 준비
통역 서비스

Hotel/Hospitality

귀빈 접대
체크인 응대
룸 서비스
VIP 라운지

Government/Diplomacy

국빈 접대
만찬 행사
의전 절차
공식 방문

Accounting

접대비 영수증
법인 카드
지출 결의서
한도 초과

Daily Office Life

접대 장소 추천
메뉴 선정
술자리 예절
대리 운전

Conversation Starters

"오늘 접대 장소는 어디로 정했나요?"

"외국 손님을 접대할 때 가장 인기 있는 메뉴가 뭐예요?"

"접대비 한도가 얼마인지 아세요?"

"어제 접대는 잘 끝났나요?"

"손님을 접대하기 좋은 조용한 식당을 추천해 주세요."

Journal Prompts

오늘 누군가를 접대했다면 그 경험에 대해 써 보세요. (If you hosted someone today, write about it.)

한국의 접대 문화에 대해 어떻게 생각하나요? (What do you think about Korean entertainment culture?)

가장 기억에 남는 접대를 받았던 적이 있나요? (Have you ever received memorable entertainment?)

성공적인 접대를 위해 가장 중요한 것은 무엇이라고 생각하나요? (What do you think is most important for successful entertainment?)

접대와 뇌물의 차이는 무엇일까요? (What is the difference between entertainment and bribery?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It's not recommended. It sounds too business-like. Use '대접하다' or '효도하다' (filial piety) instead.

No, it can be a meal, golf, or a cultural event. However, in the past, it was strongly associated with drinking.

It is usually translated as 'entertainment expenses' or 'representation expenses' in accounting.

Yes, it is a formal and respectful word, but be aware of the business context it implies.

Use the passive form '접대를 받았습니다'.

Yes, '접대' is the noun meaning 'reception' or 'entertainment'.

'서비스' is more about the general quality of work in a shop, while '접대' is the specific act of hosting a guest.

Socially, it's '냉대하다' (to treat coldly) or '무시하다' (to ignore).

Yes, it is used in official contexts there as well, often for foreign delegations.

You can say '거래처와 골프 접대가 있어요' (I have a golf entertainment session with a client).