In 15 Seconds
- Active welcoming involving preparation or physical movement.
- Used for people, holidays, challenges, or new beginnings.
- Shows more effort and respect than a simple 'hello'.
Meaning
This phrase is all about going out of your way to greet someone or something. It’s the act of physically or mentally preparing to receive a guest, a new year, or even a challenge.
Key Examples
3 of 6Waiting for a friend at the train station
我去车站迎接我的好朋友。
I am going to the station to welcome my best friend.
A company preparing for a big client
公司准备好了迎接重要的客户。
The company is ready to welcome the important client.
New Year's Eve celebration
我们一起迎接新年吧！
Let's welcome the New Year together!
Cultural Background
The character `迎` depicts a person walking toward another. Historically, the distance one traveled to '迎接' a guest indicated the level of respect. In modern times, it's a key part of the 'Spring Festival' culture, where families '迎接' the Kitchen God or the New Year.
The 'Action' Verb
Think of 迎接 as an action verb. If you are sitting on the couch and just say 'hi,' that's not 迎接. If you stand up and walk to the door, that is!
Not for 'You're Welcome'
Never use this to respond to 'Thank you.' It will sound like you are waiting for a guest to arrive inside the conversation.
In 15 Seconds
- Active welcoming involving preparation or physical movement.
- Used for people, holidays, challenges, or new beginnings.
- Shows more effort and respect than a simple 'hello'.
What It Means
迎接 (yíngjiē) is more than just saying 'hi.' It implies movement and preparation. Imagine standing at the airport gate waiting for a friend. You aren't just there; you are actively ready to pull them into your world. It combines 'meeting' with 'receiving.'
How To Use It
Put the person or event you are waiting for right after the phrase. You can 迎接 a person, like a 客人 (guest). You can also 迎接 a time, like 新年 (New Year). It’s a verb that shows you are ready and waiting. Don't use it for small things like receiving a text message. Use it for people or big moments.
When To Use It
Use it when someone important is arriving at your house. Use it when your company is hosting a big delegation. It’s perfect for holiday captions like 'welcoming the spring.' If you are standing at the door waiting for your food delivery, you are technically 迎接 the driver. Though, maybe don't be that intense with the pizza guy.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use 迎接 for inanimate objects you just bought. You don't 迎接 a new pair of shoes. Also, don't use it for 'welcome' as in 'you're welcome.' That’s 不客气. If you use 迎接 there, people will think you are waiting for them to say thank you again. It’s for arrivals, not politeness.
Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, being a good host is a huge deal. 迎接 reflects the traditional 'hospitality' (待客之道). Historically, officials would travel miles to 迎接 an important guest. It shows respect and high status. Even today, showing up at the station to 迎接 someone is a sign of deep friendship. It says, 'You are worth my time.'
Common Variations
欢迎 (huānyíng) is the most common cousin. 欢迎 is what you see on doormats or hear in shops. 迎接 is the action of going to get them. You might also hear 迎新, which is specifically for welcoming new students or employees. It’s like the 'orientation' version of the word.
Usage Notes
迎接 is a neutral-to-formal verb. It requires an object (the person or event being welcomed) and implies an active effort by the subject.
The 'Action' Verb
Think of 迎接 as an action verb. If you are sitting on the couch and just say 'hi,' that's not 迎接. If you stand up and walk to the door, that is!
Not for 'You're Welcome'
Never use this to respond to 'Thank you.' It will sound like you are waiting for a guest to arrive inside the conversation.
The Airport Test
In China, going to the airport to 迎接 a friend is considered a 'Gold Standard' of friendship. It shows you really value them.
Examples
6我去车站迎接我的好朋友。
I am going to the station to welcome my best friend.
Shows the physical action of going to meet someone.
公司准备好了迎接重要的客户。
The company is ready to welcome the important client.
Professional and shows preparation.
我们一起迎接新年吧！
Let's welcome the New Year together!
Commonly used for festivals and time milestones.
我在门口迎接你回家。
I'm at the door welcoming you home.
Sweet and indicates you are waiting right there.
我的小狗总是热情地迎接我。
My puppy always welcomes me enthusiastically.
Humorous and cute way to describe a pet's greeting.
我们要勇敢地迎接挑战。
We must bravely meet the challenge.
Abstract use meaning to face or confront something.
Test Yourself
Choose the best word to describe waiting for a guest at the airport.
爸爸去机场___王教授了。
迎接 implies the physical act of going to the airport to meet and receive the professor.
Which phrase fits a New Year's context?
大家都在准备___ 2024年。
迎接 is the standard verb for welcoming a new year or time period.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Welcome'
Greeting a friend at your door.
来啦！ (You're here!)
Going to meet someone at a station.
迎接朋友
Official ceremony for a president.
隆重迎接
When to use 迎接
Festivals
迎接春节
Guests
迎接客人
Challenges
迎接挑战
New Beginnings
迎接未来
Practice Bank
2 exercises爸爸去机场___王教授了。
迎接 implies the physical act of going to the airport to meet and receive the professor.
大家都在准备___ 2024年。
迎接 is the standard verb for welcoming a new year or time period.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questions‘欢迎’ (huānyíng) is a general 'welcome' used in signs or greetings. ‘迎接’ (yíngjiē) is the physical act of going to meet someone or preparing for them.
Yes! You can say 迎接新工作 to mean you are ready to start and embrace your new role.
Absolutely. If they are visiting, saying 我去火车站迎接爸妈 sounds very respectful and caring.
Generally, no. You don't 迎接 a pizza. But you can 迎接 a new era or a new season.
It is neutral. You can use it with friends, but it's also used in very formal diplomatic news reports.
You say 迎接挑战 (yíngjiē tiǎozhàn). It’s a very common inspirational phrase in schools and offices.
It means 'Welcoming the New Year.' It implies the celebrations and preparations done as the clock strikes midnight.
It is primarily a verb. For the noun 'a welcome,' you would usually use 欢迎 or 接待.
In some contexts, like 'welcoming new students,' it is shortened to 迎新 (yíng xīn).
Yes, the groom often goes to 迎接 the bride at her home in traditional Chinese wedding ceremonies.
Usually, yes. It has a positive, proactive connotation. You are 'ready' for what's coming.
Using it for 'You're welcome.' Remember, for that, use 不客气 (bú kèqì).
Related Phrases
欢迎 (Welcome)
接待 (To receive/host)
迎新 (Welcome new people)
面对 (To face/confront)
等候 (To wait for)
