B2 verb 2 min read

宴请

yànqǐng

When you hear 宴请 (yànqǐng), think of a formal dinner or a banquet where someone is hosting guests.

It’s not just any meal; it implies a special occasion where food and drinks are offered to show respect or hospitality.

For example, a company might 宴请 important clients, or a family might 宴请 relatives for a celebration.

So, if you’re invited to an event described with 宴请, expect something a bit more grand than a casual get-together!

When you hear 宴请 (yàn qǐng), think of a formal dinner or banquet where you are the host. This verb means to invite someone to a meal, usually a somewhat grand one, as a way to show respect or hospitality. It's more than just 'eating together'; it implies a planned event to entertain. For example, a company might 宴请 important clients, or a family might 宴请 relatives for a special celebration. It’s about hosting and treating guests to a significant meal.

When you hear 宴请 (yàn qǐng), think of a formal dinner or banquet where someone is hosting guests. It's more than just inviting people to eat; it implies a host providing a meal, often a substantial one, to show hospitality or for a specific occasion. This word often suggests a degree of formality and expense. You'll typically see it in contexts like a company entertaining clients, or a family hosting a wedding banquet. It's a key term for understanding social and business etiquette involving meals in Chinese culture.

§ What does 宴请 (yànqǐng) mean?

DEFINITION
To entertain guests at a banquet; to host a formal dinner.

Alright, let's talk about 宴请 (yànqǐng). This isn't just about having friends over for a casual meal. Think of it as a more formal, intentional act of hosting, usually involving a banquet or a more significant dinner. It carries a sense of politeness and often, a purpose.

When you see or hear 宴请, it implies a few things:

  • Formality: It's not a quick bite; it's a planned event.
  • Guests: You're the host, and others are your guests.
  • Purpose: There's often a reason behind the banquet – it could be to celebrate, to discuss business, to thank someone, or to welcome someone.

Let's look at some scenarios where 宴请 (yànqǐng) is typically used. You'll hear it in business contexts, diplomatic situations, and sometimes for important family gatherings or celebrations.

公司决定宴请所有合作伙伴。

Here, the company decided to host a banquet for all their partners. This clearly shows a formal business setting and a specific purpose (strengthening partnerships).

为了感谢大家的帮助,他宴请了大家一顿大餐。

In this case, someone is hosting a big meal to thank everyone for their help. Again, there's a clear purpose and a sense of a more elaborate meal than just a casual dinner.

You might also see 宴请 used when discussing diplomatic events or official receptions. It's often about showing respect, building relationships, or marking an important occasion.

国家主席宴请了来访的外国元首。

This sentence describes a head of state hosting a banquet for a visiting foreign leader. This is a classic example of its use in a formal, high-level context.

So, remember: 宴请 (yànqǐng) is about hosting a formal gathering, usually a banquet, with a specific purpose and a certain level of importance. It's not your everyday dinner party invitation.

Fun Fact

In ancient China, banquets were a significant part of social and political life, often used to strengthen relationships, celebrate events, or conduct important discussions.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Two common characters, but 宴 might be new to some.

Writing 3/5

Both characters have multiple strokes and require careful practice.

Speaking 2/5

Tones are straightforward (4th and 3rd tone).

Listening 2/5

Distinct sounds, generally easy to distinguish.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

请 (qǐng) - to invite; please 吃饭 (chī fàn) - to eat a meal 客人 (kèrén) - guest

Learn Next

设宴 (shè yàn) - to host a banquet 款待 (kuǎndài) - to entertain (guests) 招待 (zhāodài) - to receive; to entertain

Advanced

宴会 (yànhuì) - banquet; feast 盛情款待 (shèngqíng kuǎndài) - to entertain with great hospitality 宴席 (yànxí) - banquet; feast

Examples by Level

1

我们宴请客户。

We banquet clients.

2

她喜欢宴请朋友。

She likes to entertain friends at a banquet.

3

公司宴请新员工。

The company hosts a banquet for new employees.

4

他们经常宴请重要的客人。

They often entertain important guests at a banquet.

5

老板今天宴请大家。

The boss is treating everyone to a banquet today.

6

我们准备宴请大使。

We are preparing to entertain the ambassador at a banquet.

7

爸爸宴请了他的老同学。

Dad entertained his old classmates at a banquet.

8

我很高兴能宴请你们。

I am happy to be able to entertain you at a banquet.

1

公司老板经常宴请重要的客户。

The company boss often entertains important clients at banquets.

2

我们计划今晚宴请一位远道而来的朋友。

We plan to entertain a friend who came from afar tonight.

3

学校每年都会宴请退休的老师。

The school entertains retired teachers every year.

4

市长亲自宴请了外国代表团。

The mayor personally entertained the foreign delegation.

5

他们为新来的同事举办了一场宴请。

They held a banquet to entertain the new colleague.

6

这次晚宴是为了宴请所有合作方。

This dinner was to entertain all the partners.

7

我很高兴能被邀请去宴请。

I am very happy to be invited to the banquet.

8

宴请客人是表达尊重的方式之一。

Entertaining guests is one way to show respect.

1

公司老板经常宴请重要的客户。

The company boss often entertains important clients at banquets.

2

我们决定在家宴请远道而来的朋友。

We decided to entertain our friends who traveled a long way at a home banquet.

3

他慷慨地宴请了所有帮助过他的人。

He generously entertained everyone who had helped him.

4

这次年会,公司将宴请所有员工。

At this annual meeting, the company will host a banquet for all employees.

5

为了表示感谢,我们想宴请你一顿。

To show our gratitude, we would like to treat you to a banquet.

6

市政府今天宴请了外国代表团。

The city government hosted a banquet for the foreign delegation today.

7

我父母喜欢在节日里宴请亲戚朋友。

My parents like to entertain relatives and friends during festivals.

8

他答应会宴请我们品尝当地特色菜。

He promised to treat us to a banquet to taste local specialty dishes.

Often Confused With

宴请 vs 接待 (jiēdài)

Similar to '招待', meaning to receive or host guests, often in a professional or formal context. It doesn't necessarily involve a banquet.

宴请 vs 招待会 (zhāodàihuì)

This is a noun meaning 'reception' or 'press conference', which is a type of gathering but not necessarily a full banquet like '宴请' implies.

宴请 vs 聚餐 (jùcān)

Means 'to have a meal together' or 'a potluck'. This is usually a casual group meal, much less formal than '宴请'.

Easily Confused

宴请 vs 款待 (kuǎndài)

Both '款待' and '宴请' involve hosting guests. However, '款待' is a broader term for general hospitality, which can include providing food, lodging, or entertainment, and it doesn't necessarily imply a formal banquet setting. '宴请' specifically refers to hosting a banquet.

'款待' is general hospitality; '宴请' is specifically hosting a banquet.

他热情地款待了远道而来的朋友们。 (He warmly entertained his friends who came from afar.)

宴请 vs 招待 (zhāodài)

Similar to '款待', '招待' also means to entertain or host guests. The difference is subtle: '招待' often implies a more formal or business-related reception, or simply receiving guests, which might not be as elaborate as a banquet.

'招待' is often a more formal reception or receiving guests; '宴请' is specifically hosting a banquet.

公司今天招待了重要的客户。 (The company hosted important clients today.)

宴请 vs 请客 (qǐngkè)

'请客' means to treat someone (to a meal, drinks, etc.) or to host. It's more informal than '宴请' and can refer to a simple meal or drink, not necessarily a grand banquet. '宴请' implies a more formal and significant event.

'请客' is an informal treat or host; '宴请' is a formal banquet.

今天我请客,大家随便吃。 (Today I'm treating, everyone can eat whatever they like.)

宴请 vs 宴会 (yànhuì)

'宴会' is the noun for 'banquet' or 'feast'. While '宴请' is the verb 'to entertain at a banquet', '宴会' is the event itself. The confusion arises because both relate to banquets, but one is the action and the other is the event.

'宴会' is the noun (the banquet itself); '宴请' is the verb (the act of hosting a banquet).

昨晚的宴会非常成功。 (Last night's banquet was very successful.)

宴请 vs 设宴 (shèyàn)

'设宴' also means 'to set up a banquet' or 'to give a banquet'. It is very close in meaning to '宴请' and can often be used interchangeably, but '宴请' sometimes carries a slightly stronger nuance of inviting specific guests to that banquet.

Very similar to '宴请', often interchangeable, but '宴请' emphasizes the invitation aspect slightly more.

他设宴款待了远道而来的贵宾。 (He set up a banquet to entertain the distinguished guests who came from afar.)

Word Family

Nouns

宴会 banquet; feast
宴席 banquet; feast
请柬 invitation card

How to Use It

宴请 (yàn qǐng) is a formal verb that specifically means to invite and host someone at a banquet or a formal meal. It implies a degree of hospitality and often an occasion for celebration or an official gathering. You wouldn't use this for a casual meal with friends. It's often used in business contexts or for inviting important guests. For example, if a company is hosting a VIP, they would 宴请 them.

Common Mistakes

A common mistake is using 宴请 for any kind of meal. Remember, it's about a banquet or a formal meal. For a general invitation to eat, use 请吃饭 (qǐng chī fàn) or 招待 (zhāo dài - to entertain/receive guests, which is broader than 宴请). Don't use 宴请 if you're just inviting a friend for a quick dinner at home. Another mistake is forgetting the 'guest' aspect. You 宴请 someone, you don't just 宴请 a meal.

Word Origin

The term '宴请' (yànqǐng) is composed of two characters: '宴' (yàn), meaning 'feast' or 'banquet,' and '请' (qǐng), meaning 'to invite' or 'to request.'

Original meaning: The original meaning directly reflects the act of inviting someone to a feast or banquet.

Sino-Tibetan, Sinitic branch (Chinese)

Cultural Context

In Chinese culture, 宴请 (yànqǐng) is a very important social activity. It's a way to show respect, build relationships, and conduct business. Guests are often treated with great generosity, and refusing an invitation without a very good reason can be seen as impolite.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

宴请 (yàn qǐng) specifically means to entertain guests with a banquet or a meal. It implies providing food and hospitality. 邀请 (yāo qǐng) is a more general term for inviting someone to an event, a place, or to do something, which may or may not involve a meal. For example, you can 邀请 someone to a party (宴请 is suitable here if there's food), but you can also 邀请 someone to your office for a meeting (where 宴请 would not be appropriate).

Generally, no. 宴请 (yàn qǐng) carries a more formal and significant tone, often implying a somewhat grander occasion or a more important guest. For a casual dinner with a friend, you'd typically use expressions like 请客 (qǐng kè - to treat someone to a meal) or 吃饭 (chī fàn - to eat a meal). For example, 咱们一起吃饭吧 (Let's eat together) or 我请你吃饭 (I'll treat you to a meal).

While 宴请 (yàn qǐng) often brings to mind a dinner banquet, it can certainly refer to a formal lunch as well, especially in a business or official context. The key is the 'banquet' or 'formal meal' aspect, rather than the specific time of day.

You would typically 宴请 (yàn qǐng) important guests such as business partners, VIPs, government officials, honored relatives, or foreign dignitaries. It's for people you want to show significant respect and hospitality to. For example, 宴请外国客户 (to entertain foreign clients) or 宴请领导 (to entertain the leader).

Yes, 宴请 (yàn qǐng) inherently carries the meaning of showing respect, honor, and hospitality to the guests. It's a way of acknowledging their importance and making them feel welcome and valued. It's not usually used in a casual or indifferent manner.

Yes, 宴请 (yàn qǐng) can be used in the passive voice. You would typically use 被 (bèi) to indicate the passive action. For example: 他被宴请了 (Tā bèi yàn qǐng le - He was entertained at a banquet) or 贵宾们被热情的宴请了 (Guì bīn men bèi rè qíng de yàn qǐng le - The distinguished guests were warmly entertained).

While 宴请 (yàn qǐng) is often used directly, you might hear it in contexts like 设宴款待 (shè yàn kuǎn dài - to set up a banquet to entertain), which emphasizes the preparation of the banquet. Or 盛情宴请 (shèng qíng yàn qǐng - to warmly and generously entertain), highlighting the enthusiasm of the host.

宴请 (yàn qǐng) is quite formal. It suggests a structured and often elaborate meal, as opposed to a casual get-together. It's commonly used in official, business, or formal social settings where protocol and etiquette are important. For informal situations, use words like 请客 (qǐng kè) or 吃饭 (chī fàn).

Yes, you can use 宴请 (yàn qǐng) in that context, usually in the passive form. For example, 我们被宴请了 (Wǒ men bèi yàn qǐng le - We were entertained/invited to a banquet). Or, more directly, 我们参加了一个宴请 (Wǒ men cān jiā le yí ge yàn qǐng - We attended a banquet/entertainment).

While 宴请 (yàn qǐng) is primarily a verb, it can also function as a noun, referring to 'a banquet' or 'an entertainment.' For instance, 这是一次重要的宴请 (Zhè shì yí cì zhòng yào de yàn qǐng - This is an important banquet/entertainment). However, you'll also hear 宴会 (yàn huì) as a common noun for 'banquet.'

Test Yourself 30 questions

writing A1

Write a short sentence saying you want to invite a friend to eat dinner. (Focus on simple sentence structure, not necessarily using '宴请')

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

我请朋友吃饭。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing A1

Write a sentence asking if someone wants to eat together.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

你想一起吃饭吗?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing A1

Write a sentence saying 'I will treat you to dinner.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

我请客。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
reading A1

小明要去哪里?

Read this passage:

小明要去饭店。他想吃面条。他的朋友小华也想吃面条。

小明要去哪里?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 饭店

Passage says '小明要去饭店' (Xiao Ming is going to the restaurant).

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 饭店

Passage says '小明要去饭店' (Xiao Ming is going to the restaurant).

reading A1

说话的人喜欢吃什么?

Read this passage:

我喜欢吃米饭和菜。你不喜欢吃米饭吗?

说话的人喜欢吃什么?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 米饭和菜

Passage says '我喜欢吃米饭和菜' (I like to eat rice and dishes).

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 米饭和菜

Passage says '我喜欢吃米饭和菜' (I like to eat rice and dishes).

reading A1

他们晚上做什么?

Read this passage:

明天是周末。我和朋友去看电影。晚上我们一起吃饭。

他们晚上做什么?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 吃饭

Passage says '晚上我们一起吃饭' (In the evening, we eat together).

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 吃饭

Passage says '晚上我们一起吃饭' (In the evening, we eat together).

sentence order B1

Tap words below to build the sentence
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 他 宴请 了 客人

This sentence structure follows Subject + Verb + Object. '他' (he) is the subject, '宴请' (to entertain) is the verb, and '客人' (guests) is the object, with '了' indicating completion.

sentence order B1

Tap words below to build the sentence
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 公司 宴请 重要 的 客户

Here, '公司' (company) is the subject. '宴请' (to entertain) is the verb. '重要 的 客户' (important clients) acts as the object. The '的' connects '重要' (important) to '客户' (clients).

sentence order B1

Tap words below to build the sentence
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 她 今晚 宴请 老 朋友

'她' (she) is the subject, '今晚' (tonight) specifies the time, '宴请' (to entertain) is the verb, and '老 朋友' (old friends) is the object.

sentence order B2

Tap words below to build the sentence
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 公司 宴请 贵宾

The correct order is '公司 (company) 宴请 (entertain) 贵宾 (VIPs)', meaning 'The company entertains VIPs'.

sentence order B2

Tap words below to build the sentence
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 他 今晚 宴请 朋友

The correct order is '他 (he) 今晚 (tonight) 宴请 (entertain) 朋友 (friends)', meaning 'He is entertaining friends tonight'.

sentence order B2

Tap words below to build the sentence
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 我们 在酒店 宴请 客户

The correct order is '我们 (we) 在酒店 (at the hotel) 宴请 (entertain) 客户 (clients)', meaning 'We entertain clients at the hotel'.

fill blank C2

公司为了庆祝项目成功,特地在五星级酒店___了所有参与人员。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 宴请

‘宴请’特指以宴席形式款待宾客,常用于正式场合,符合公司庆祝项目的语境。

fill blank C2

在重要的国际会议期间,外交部会___各国使节,以增进相互了解。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 宴请

‘宴请’在此语境中强调正式的宴席款待,符合外交场合的礼仪。

fill blank C2

他因为获得了年度杰出贡献奖,校长决定亲自___他及家人。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 宴请

‘宴请’在此表示以正式宴席款待,表达对获奖者的尊重和肯定。

fill blank C2

为了感谢客户一直以来的支持,销售经理特意安排了一场盛大的___。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 宴请

‘宴请’指为款待客户而设的正式宴席,体现了对客户的重视。

fill blank C2

古时候,皇帝常常___有功之臣,以示恩宠。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 宴请

‘宴请’在此表示皇帝设宴款待有功之臣,是古代一种常见的恩宠方式。

fill blank C2

这家餐厅以其独特的菜品和高品质的服务,成为许多商务___的首选之地。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 宴请

‘商务宴请’是一个常用搭配,指商务场合的宴席款待。

writing C2

Imagine you are hosting an important client from overseas. Describe how you would prepare to 宴请 them, including the type of venue, food, and entertainment.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

为了宴请重要的海外客户,我会选择一家环境优雅、菜品地道的餐厅,比如一家有历史的粤菜馆。我会提前和餐厅沟通,定制一份能展现中国饮食文化特色又兼顾客户口味的菜单。在娱乐方面,可以安排一些传统的中国音乐或茶艺表演,以营造轻松愉快的氛围。最重要的是,我会确保有翻译在场,以便更好地沟通和交流。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing C2

You are a CEO and need to write an email to your team announcing a banquet to celebrate a successful project. Use 宴请 in your announcement. What details would you include?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

主题:成功项目庆功宴通知 各位同事: 我很高兴地宣布,我们最近的项目取得了圆满成功!为了感谢大家在此项目中的辛勤付出和卓越贡献,公司决定在下周五晚上举行一场盛大的宴请。届时,我们将一同庆祝这一里程碑式的成就,并对表现突出的团队和个人进行表彰。具体时间、地点和议程将稍后通知。期待与大家共度一个愉快的夜晚! 此致, [您的名字] CEO

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing C2

Describe a time when you were 宴请ed or 宴请ed others, and what made that experience memorable.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Sample answer

我印象最深刻的一次被宴请,是几年前去北京出差时,当地的合作伙伴特意安排了一场富有京味儿的晚宴。他们不仅点了许多地道的北京菜,还请来了民间艺人表演京剧,让整个晚宴充满文化气息。我们边品尝美食边欣赏表演,谈笑风生。这次宴请不仅加深了我们之间的合作关系,也让我对北京的文化有了更深的了解,至今难忘。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
reading C2

根据这段文字,王氏集团举办晚宴的主要目的是什么?

Read this passage:

近日,王氏集团为感谢长期以来支持其发展的客户和合作伙伴,特意举办了一场盛大的周年庆典晚宴。集团高层亲自出面宴请重要宾客,并表示未来将继续深化合作,共同迎接新的挑战和机遇。

根据这段文字,王氏集团举办晚宴的主要目的是什么?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 感谢客户和合作伙伴

文章明确提到“为感谢长期以来支持其发展的客户和合作伙伴”是举办晚宴的原因。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 感谢客户和合作伙伴

文章明确提到“为感谢长期以来支持其发展的客户和合作伙伴”是举办晚宴的原因。

reading C2

根据这段文字,关于中国的宴请文化,下列哪项描述是正确的?

Read this passage:

在中国的传统文化中,宴请不仅仅是简单的吃饭,它承载着深厚的社交意义。从选择菜品到安排座位,每一个环节都可能体现出主人的诚意和对客人的尊重。特别是在重要的商务场合,一场成功的宴请往往能为未来的合作奠定良好的基础。

根据这段文字,关于中国的宴请文化,下列哪项描述是正确的?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 宴请的每一个环节都可能体现主人的诚意和尊重。

文章提到“从选择菜品到安排座位,每一个环节都可能体现出主人的诚意和对客人的尊重。”

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 宴请的每一个环节都可能体现主人的诚意和尊重。

文章提到“从选择菜品到安排座位,每一个环节都可能体现出主人的诚意和对客人的尊重。”

reading C2

这段文字主要说明了什么?

Read this passage:

面对日益激烈的市场竞争,许多企业开始意识到,除了优质的产品和服务,有效的客户关系维护也至关重要。定期宴请重要客户,不仅能增进彼此的了解,也能巩固合作关系,为企业的长期发展提供有力支持。这已成为企业发展战略中不可或缺的一部分。

这段文字主要说明了什么?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 宴请客户是维护客户关系的重要方式。

文章强调“定期宴请重要客户,不仅能增进彼此的了解,也能巩固合作关系,为企业的长期发展提供有力支持。”

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 宴请客户是维护客户关系的重要方式。

文章强调“定期宴请重要客户,不仅能增进彼此的了解,也能巩固合作关系,为企业的长期发展提供有力支持。”

/ 30 correct

Perfect score!

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!