In 15 Seconds
- Used for hosting or receiving guests and visitors.
- Common in business, travel, and formal social settings.
- Implies taking care of someone's needs during their stay.
Meaning
This is the go-to word for 'hosting' or 'receiving' people. It covers everything from greeting a business partner at the airport to making sure a guest feels welcome in your home.
Key Examples
3 of 6Welcoming a new client at the office
我们要好好接待这位客户。
We need to receive this client well.
A hotel clerk greeting a guest
酒店的接待非常热情。
The hotel's reception was very warm.
Asking who is in charge of a visitor
今天谁负责接待王先生？
Who is responsible for receiving Mr. Wang today?
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Jiedai' is central to Chinese social harmony. It stems from Confucian values where the host is responsible for the guest's total well-being. In modern business, a successful 'Jiedai' can literally seal a multi-million dollar deal.
The 'Warm' Combo
Always pair `接待` with `热情` (rèqíng - warm/enthusiastic) when thanking someone. It makes you sound incredibly polite and culturally fluent.
Not for Packages
Never use `接待` for receiving a delivery. That's `收快递`. `接待` is strictly for humans (and maybe very important pets)!
In 15 Seconds
- Used for hosting or receiving guests and visitors.
- Common in business, travel, and formal social settings.
- Implies taking care of someone's needs during their stay.
What It Means
接待 is about the art of hospitality. It combines 'connecting' with someone and 'treating' them well. It is not just about opening the door. It is about the whole process of looking after a guest. Think of it as being the 'host with the most.'
How To Use It
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.
When To Use It
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.
When NOT To Use It
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.
Cultural Background
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!
Common Variations
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!
Usage Notes
While neutral, it leans slightly towards organized hospitality. Avoid using it for impulsive, casual hangouts with close friends.
The 'Warm' Combo
Always pair `接待` with `热情` (rèqíng - warm/enthusiastic) when thanking someone. It makes you sound incredibly polite and culturally fluent.
Not for Packages
Never use `接待` for receiving a delivery. That's `收快递`. `接待` is strictly for humans (and maybe very important pets)!
The 'Face' Factor
In China, a 'standard' reception often involves a lot of food. If you are `接待`-ing someone, over-ordering slightly is a sign of respect.
Examples
6我们要好好接待这位客户。
We need to receive this client well.
Shows a professional commitment to hospitality.
酒店的接待非常热情。
The hotel's reception was very warm.
Here it describes the quality of the service.
今天谁负责接待王先生？
Who is responsible for receiving Mr. Wang today?
Common way to assign hosting duties in an office.
你在忙着接待你爸妈吗？
Are you busy hosting your parents?
Slightly more formal than 'hanging out,' showing respect for the parents.
我这周接待了五波朋友，累死了！
I've hosted five groups of friends this week, I'm exhausted!
Uses the word to emphasize the 'work' of being a host.
谢谢你们的热情接待。
Thank you for your warm hospitality.
A standard, polite way to end a visit.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence about a business meeting.
公司派我去机场___新来的经理。
You 'receive' (接待) a manager at the airport as part of professional duties.
Which word describes the person sitting at the front desk?
你可以问一下___员，会议室在哪里。
A 'receptionist' is a 接待员 (jiēdàiyuán).
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
How Formal is 接待?
Meeting friends for coffee
见面 (jiànmiàn)
Hosting friends or family at home
接待朋友
Official business or state visits
接待外宾
Where to use 接待
Hotel Lobby
Front desk service
Airport
Picking up a client
Your Home
Hosting relatives
Office
Meeting a partner
Practice Bank
2 exercises公司派我去机场___新来的经理。
You 'receive' (接待) a manager at the airport as part of professional duties.
你可以问一下___员，会议室在哪里。
A 'receptionist' is a 接待员 (jiēdàiyuán).
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
11 questionsNot really. It sounds too formal. Use 约会 (yuēhuì) for a date instead.
It is a receptionist. You will find them in hotels or office buildings.
It can be both! You can say 接待客人 (to receive guests) or 热情的接待 (warm reception).
You should say 谢谢您的接待 (Xièxiè nín de jiēdài).
No. For receiving an award, use 领奖 (lǐngjiǎng).
Not necessarily. It just means taking care of someone's arrival and stay.
Yes, especially if they are visiting from another city. It shows you are being a good host.
欢迎 (huānyíng) means 'welcome' (the greeting), while 接待 is the actual act of hosting them.
Yes, hospitals have 接待处 for patients to check in.
Very often! It's common in business emails to discuss the 接待计划 (reception plan).
It can, but in a polite way. It shows you are organized and respectful.
Related Phrases
招待 (zhāodài) - To entertain/host
欢迎 (huānyíng) - To welcome
客人 (kèrén) - Guest
礼貌 (lǐmào) - Polite/Politeness
服务 (fúwù) - Service
