The word '客人' represents either a guest in a social setting or a customer in a business setting.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A person visiting someone else's home.
- A customer receiving service at a business.
- A term used to show hospitality.
常见语境：在家庭中，指来访的亲戚朋友；在餐厅或酒店，指消费的顾客。在商务会议中，指受邀出席的合作伙伴或外宾。
- 1近义词辨析：与“客户”相比，“客人”更侧重于服务关系或到访状态，而“客户”特指商业交易中的购买方或业务往来对象。与“访客”相比，“客人”带有更强的礼貌色彩和人际互动感，而“访客”通常用于登记或正式的到访场合。
Examples
家里来了客人，我要去倒茶。
everydayGuests have arrived at home, I need to pour tea.
服务员正在热情地接待客人。
formalThe waiter is warmly serving the customer.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
请慢用
Enjoy your meal (to a customer).
欢迎光临
Welcome (to a customer).
Often Confused With
Refers specifically to clients or business customers, whereas '客人' is broader and includes social guests.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word is neutral and very common. Use it when referring to people visiting your home or dining at your establishment. It is polite and appropriate in almost all social and business settings.
Common Mistakes
Beginners sometimes use '客户' when they mean 'guest' in a home setting. Remember that '客户' is strictly for business, while '客人' is for both.
Tips
Use with polite verbs
Always pair '客人' with verbs like '招待' (to host) or '欢迎' (to welcome) to sound natural.
Don't confuse with visitor
Use '访客' for someone signing in at an office, but use '客人' for social guests.
Chinese hospitality culture
Treating guests well is a core Chinese value. Preparing extra food for guests is a common sign of respect.
Word Origin
The character '客' combines '宀' (roof) and '各' (every/each). It originally referred to a person arriving from elsewhere to stay under a roof.
Cultural Context
In China, hospitality is highly valued. It is customary to offer tea or food immediately upon a guest's arrival.
Memory Tip
Think of the first character '客' as a person under a roof, which is exactly what a guest is. This visual helps lock the meaning in place.
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questions“客人”多用于生活、餐饮或酒店服务，侧重于接待关系。而“客户”主要用于商业贸易，指购买产品或服务的商业伙伴。
在正式场合，可以使用“贵宾”来表示尊敬。在普通社交中，直接称呼其姓名加“先生/女士”或“客人”即可。
可以。当你去别人家做客或在餐厅消费时，你可以说“我是这里的客人”。
Test Yourself
今天家里来了很多___，妈妈准备了丰盛的晚餐。
在家里接待的是客人。
Score: /1
Summary
The word '客人' represents either a guest in a social setting or a customer in a business setting.
- A person visiting someone else's home.
- A customer receiving service at a business.
- A term used to show hospitality.
Use with polite verbs
Always pair '客人' with verbs like '招待' (to host) or '欢迎' (to welcome) to sound natural.
Don't confuse with visitor
Use '访客' for someone signing in at an office, but use '客人' for social guests.
Chinese hospitality culture
Treating guests well is a core Chinese value. Preparing extra food for guests is a common sign of respect.
Examples
2 of 2家里来了客人，我要去倒茶。
Guests have arrived at home, I need to pour tea.
服务员正在热情地接待客人。
The waiter is warmly serving the customer.
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