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B2 verb 9 min read

作客

zuò kè

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 作客 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 作客 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of '作客' (zuòkè) as a way to say 'being a guest.' You probably won't use it much yourself yet, as you will likely use simpler words like '去我家' (come to my house) or '看朋友' (see a friend). However, if a teacher or a polite person invites you, they might say '欢迎来作客' (Welcome to be a guest). At this stage, just remember that 'kè' means 'guest.' You might see it in simple sentences like '我到朋友家作客' (I go to a friend's house to be a guest). It's a polite way to talk about visiting. Don't worry about the difference between '作' and '做' yet; most people will understand you either way. Just focus on the structure: Subject + Go + Place + Zuòkè. It's like saying 'I go to your house to play,' but a bit more polite.

At the A2 level, you should start using '作客' (zuòkè) to sound more polite when talking about social visits. Instead of just saying 'I go to my friend's house,' saying '我去朋友家作客' (I'm going to my friend's house as a guest) shows that you understand Chinese social manners. You should also recognize the phrase '欢迎来作客' (Welcome to visit as a guest) as a standard invitation. At this level, you might also learn that '客' (kè) appears in words like '客人' (guest). You should be able to use it in basic past tense sentences, like '昨天我到老师家作客了' (Yesterday I was a guest at my teacher's house). Remember, you don't '作客' a person; you '作客' at a place. This is a key grammar point for you to practice.

By B1, you should understand the social implications of '作客' (zuòkè). It's not just about the physical act of visiting; it's about the relationship. You should be able to use it in more complex sentences, such as '他邀请我中秋节去他家作客' (He invited me to be a guest at his house during the Mid-Autumn Festival). You should also begin to notice it in media contexts, like when a guest is invited onto a radio show. At this level, you should start to distinguish between '作客' and more informal terms like '串门' (dropping by). You should also be aware of the basic etiquette expected when you 'zuòkè,' such as bringing a 'shǒulǐ' (hand gift). Your sentences should become more fluid, using '作客' with duration, like '我在叔叔家作客了一个星期' (I was a guest at my uncle's house for a week).

At the B2 level (your current level), you should master the nuances of '作客' (zuòkè) vs. '做客'. You should know that '作客' is often used for sports away games or for 'guesting' on a professional platform, whereas '做客' is the standard for social visits in modern Mainland Chinese, though '作客' remains acceptable and slightly more formal. You should be able to use '作客' in abstract or literary contexts, such as '作客他乡' (living in a strange land). You should also be comfortable using it in professional settings, such as '作客直播间' (guesting in a live stream). You should understand the cultural 'Guest-Host' dynamic and be able to discuss the expectations of a guest in a Chinese household using this vocabulary. Your grammar should be perfect, correctly using prepositions like '到' or '在' with '作客.'

At the C1 level, you should be able to appreciate the literary and historical depth of '作客' (zuòkè). You might encounter it in classical poetry or modern literature to describe the existential feeling of being a 'guest' in the world or a stranger in one's own land. You should understand phrases like '喧宾夺主' (the guest outshines the host) and how they relate to the concept of '作客.' Your usage should be sophisticated, using '作客' to describe complex social maneuvers or professional guest roles in high-level business or academic contexts. You should also be able to explain the historical shift from 'sojourning' to 'visiting' that the word has undergone. You can use it metaphorically, such as '时光如作客' (time is like a passing guest).

At the C2 level, '作客' (zuòkè) becomes a tool for nuanced expression. You can use it to discuss the philosophy of hospitality or the sociology of 'the guest' in Chinese culture. You should be able to use it in all its forms—literary, professional, and social—with perfect register awareness. You might use it in academic writing to describe the role of a visiting scholar ('作客学者') or in high-level journalism to describe international relations. You should be able to distinguish between the most subtle variations of '作客' and '做客' across different Chinese-speaking regions (e.g., Taiwan vs. Mainland China). At this level, you are not just using the word; you are playing with its cultural and historical resonances to add depth to your speech and writing.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

作客 in 30 Seconds

作客 means to be a guest in a home or a professional setting.
It is a polite and formal way to describe visiting someone.
It can also mean living away from home as a traveler or sojourner.
Commonly confused with '做客,' which is used for casual social visits.

The term 作客 (zuòkè) is a verb that fundamentally translates to 'to be a guest' or 'to visit as a guest.' While its surface meaning is straightforward, its cultural weight in Chinese society is significant. In a culture where hospitality and social harmony (guānxì) are paramount, 'zuòkè' represents the formal or semi-formal act of entering someone else's private space or social circle. Unlike a casual 'hang out,' which might be described as wánr (玩儿), 作客 implies a level of etiquette, respect, and mutual recognition of roles between the host (zhǔrén) and the guest (kèrén).

Linguistic Nuance: Traditionally, '作客' specifically referred to staying in a foreign land or being a traveler (sojourning). However, in modern usage, it is frequently used interchangeably with its homophone '做客,' though some purists still distinguish the two. '作客' is often preferred in formal writing and literature to describe the state of being a visitor in a broader sense, such as being a guest on a television program or a guest in a foreign country.

我很高兴能来到您的家乡作客。(Wǒ hěn gāoxìng néng láidào nín de jiāxiāng zuòkè.) - I am very happy to be a guest in your hometown.

When you are 'zuòkè,' you are stepping into a defined social script. This includes the 'Guest's Tao'—bringing a small gift (shǒulǐ), refusing the first offer of food or drink out of politeness (tuīrán), and showing appreciation for the host's efforts. The term is used in invitations, such as '欢迎你到我家作客' (Welcome to be a guest at my home), which sounds more formal and warmer than just 'come over.'

Furthermore, the word is often used in media contexts. A celebrity might '作客' a talk show, or an expert might '作客' a news program to provide commentary. In these instances, it elevates the status of the individual from a mere participant to an invited guest of honor. This distinction is crucial for B2 learners to master, as it shifts the tone from casual to respectful.

著名导演张先生受邀作客电影频道。(Zhùmíng dǎoyǎn Zhāng xiānshēng shòuyāo zuòkè diànyǐng píndào.) - The famous director Mr. Zhang was invited to be a guest on the Movie Channel.

Cultural Etiquette: When you are 'zuòkè' in a Chinese household, expect to be treated with 're qing' (warm enthusiasm). The host will likely offer more food than you can eat. Declining too quickly can be seen as cold, while accepting with too much eagerness can be seen as lacking 'shūyǎng' (upbringing). '作客' is the dance between these two extremes.

Grammatically, 作客 functions as an intransitive verb. This means it does not take a direct object. You cannot '作客 someone.' Instead, you use a prepositional phrase or a locative construction to indicate where you are being a guest. The most common structure is [Subject] + [到/去] + [Place] + 作客.

Standard Structure: Subject + (Time) + [到/去/在] + Place + 作客. For example: '我明天去他家作客' (I am going to his house to be a guest tomorrow).

他在北京的朋友家作客了三天。(Tā zài Běijīng de péngyǒu jiā zuòkè le sān tiān.) - He was a guest at his friend's house in Beijing for three days.

Another common usage is as a modifier for the type of guest one is. For example, '作客异乡' (zuòkè yìxiāng) means to live as a stranger in a foreign land. This is a more literary use that stems from the word's historical roots. In this context, it isn't about a dinner party, but about the experience of not being 'at home.'

When inviting someone, use the phrase '欢迎来作客' (Huānyíng lái zuòkè). This is a very standard and polite way to extend an invitation. It can be used for friends, colleagues, or even distant acquaintances to show hospitality. Using '作客' instead of '玩儿' makes the invitation feel more sincere and significant.

有空请一定来我们新家作客。(Yǒukòng qǐng yīdìng lái wǒmen xīnjiā zuòkè.) - Please definitely come to be a guest at our new home when you are free.

Negative Usage: In negative sentences, you might say '我不方便去作客' (It's not convenient for me to go as a guest), often used as a polite refusal. It implies that the social requirements of being a guest cannot be met at that time.

In modern China, you will encounter 作客 in several specific environments. The most frequent is in formal social invitations. If a Chinese colleague invites you to their home for Chinese New Year, they will likely use this term to emphasize the importance of your presence. It is also a staple of lifestyle and talk-show television.

Media and Journalism: In news headlines, you'll see: '著名作家作客直播间' (Famous author guests in the live streaming room). This usage frames the person as a respected visitor, adding a layer of professional courtesy to the interaction.

今天我们请到了李教授作客我们的节目。(Jīntiān wǒmen qǐng dàole Lǐ jiàoshòu zuòkè wǒmen de jiémù.) - Today we have invited Professor Li to be a guest on our program.

You will also hear it in literature and poetry. Because '作客' carries a historical sense of 'sojourning' or 'living away from home,' it often appears in contexts involving nostalgia or the feeling of being an outsider. For instance, '作客他乡' (being a guest in a strange land) is a common literary trope used to describe the melancholy of a traveler.

In sports commentary, '作客' is the standard term for a team playing an away game. Commentators will say, '曼联将作客安菲尔德球场' (Manchester United will play away at Anfield Stadium). Here, the stadium is the 'host,' and the visiting team is the 'guest.' This usage is very common in sports news and broadcasts.

这支球队在作客比赛中表现出色。(Zhè zhī qiúduì zài zuòkè bǐsài zhōng biǎoxiàn chūsè.) - This team performed excellently in the away match.

Social Media: On platforms like Weibo or Xiaohongshu, users might post photos of a beautiful dinner at a friend's house with the caption '去好朋友家作客，太开心了！' (Being a guest at a good friend's house, so happy!). It adds a touch of class to the social post.

The most frequent mistake learners make with 作客 is confusing it with its homophone 做客. In modern Mainland Chinese, '做客' is actually more common for the simple act of visiting someone's home. '作客' is often reserved for the more literary 'sojourning' or for specific professional 'guesting' roles. However, because they sound identical, many native speakers use them interchangeably in digital communication.

Confusing '作' and '做': Rule of thumb: Use '做客' for social visits to friends. Use '作客' for sports 'away games,' being a 'guest' on a TV show, or living in a foreign land. If you use '作客' for a dinner party, it's not strictly 'wrong,' but it might feel slightly more formal or old-fashioned.

Wrong: 我作客他。(Wǒ zuòkè tā.)
Correct: 我去他家作客。(Wǒ qù tā jiā zuòkè.)

Another mistake is treating it as a transitive verb. You cannot say 'I guest him.' You must say 'I go to his house to be a guest.' The preposition '去' (to) or '到' (to) is almost always required when specifying the location. Learners often omit the location or try to put the person directly after the verb.

Finally, don't confuse '作客' with '乘客' (chéngkè). '乘客' specifically refers to a passenger on a bus, train, or plane. While both contain the character '客' (guest/visitor), '作客' is about social interaction, while '乘客' is about transportation. Using '作客' to mean you are a passenger on a bus would be a confusing error.

Wrong: 我在公共汽车上作客。(I am guesting on the bus.)
Correct: 我是公共汽车上的乘客。(I am a passenger on the bus.)

Register Errors: Using '作客' in a very casual setting, like going to a college dorm to play video games, might sound a bit too stiff. In those cases, '串门' (chuànmén - to drop by) or '玩儿' (wánr - to play/hang out) is more appropriate.

To truly master 作客, you need to understand where it fits among other 'visiting' verbs. Each has a different level of formality and context. Understanding these nuances will help you sound more like a native speaker and avoid awkward social situations.

做客 (zuòkè): The most direct synonym. Modern dictionaries often treat them as the same for 'visiting a home.' However, '做客' is more common for casual social visits, while '作客' retains its literary and professional 'guest speaker' or 'away team' connotations.
拜访 (bàifǎng): Much more formal. Used when visiting a teacher, a superior, or an elder. It implies deep respect and usually has a specific purpose, such as asking for advice or paying respects during a holiday. You wouldn't '拜访' a close friend to watch a movie.
串门 (chuànmén): Very informal. Literally 'to go through doors.' It means dropping by a neighbor's or a close friend's house without much prior planning. It is casual and common in traditional neighborhood settings.

Comparison:
1. 欢迎来我家作客。(Formal/Polite Invitation)
2. 我去邻居家串门。(Casual dropping by)
3. 明天我去拜访教授。(Respectful visit)

Another word to consider is 探望 (tànwàng), which means 'to visit and look after.' This is used when visiting someone who is ill, in the hospital, or an elderly relative you haven't seen in a long time. It conveys care and concern, whereas '作客' is more about social enjoyment and hospitality.

Finally, 访问 (fǎngwèn) is used for official visits, such as a president visiting another country or a journalist interviewing someone. It is much too formal for personal relationships. In summary, '作客' sits in the middle—polite enough for new friends and formal enough for professional 'guest' roles.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In the Tang Dynasty, many poets wrote about '作客' because they were often traveling to far-off provinces for government jobs, leading to a whole genre of 'homesick' poetry.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tswɔː kʰɤ/

US /tswɔ kʰʌ/

Equal stress on both syllables.

Rhymes With

做客 (zuòkè) 乘客 (chéngkè) 博客 (bókè) 政客 (zhèngkè) 说客 (shuōkè) 侠客 (xiákè) 刺客 (cìkè) 游客 (yóukè)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'zuo' as 'zoo'. It should be a 'ts' sound.
Pronouncing 'ke' as 'key'. It is a neutral 'uh' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize, but must distinguish from '做客'.

Writing 4/5

The character '作' is easy, but remembering the intransitive structure is harder.

Speaking 3/5

Sounds exactly like '做客', so pronunciation is easy, but usage context matters.

Listening 2/5

Context usually makes it very clear what is being discussed.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

客人家去到邀请

Learn Next

拜访招待款待礼节应酬

Advanced

喧宾夺主客居宾至如归相敬如宾

Grammar to Know

Directional Verbs

去/到 + Place + Action (作客)

Duration of Action

作客 + 了 + Time Duration

Passive with 受邀

受邀 + 作客 + [Organization]

Prepositional '在'

在 + Place + 作客

Modifying Nouns

作客的经历 (The experience of being a guest)

Examples by Level

我去朋友家作客。

I go to a friend's house to be a guest.

Subject + Go + Place + Zuòkè

欢迎来我家作客！

Welcome to my home as a guest!

Standard invitation phrase.

他在我家作客。

He is a guest at my house.

Subject + at + Place + Zuòkè

明天我要去作客。

I am going to be a guest tomorrow.

Future intent with 'yào'.

你不来作客吗？

Aren't you coming to visit?

Question form.

老师请我们去作客。

The teacher invited us to be guests.

Verb 'qǐng' (invite) + Object + Action.

我喜欢去作客。

I like being a guest.

Using 'xǐhuān' (like).

她来中国作客。

She came to China as a guest.

Place can be a country.

我带了水果去作客。

I brought fruit to be a guest.

Action 1 (bring) then Action 2 (visit).

去年我在北京作客。

Last year I was a guest in Beijing.

Past time placement.

谢谢你邀请我来作客。

Thank you for inviting me to be a guest.

Polite expression.

我们去邻居家作客了两个小时。

We were guests at the neighbor's for two hours.

Duration after the verb.

他第一次到中国人家里作客。

It's his first time being a guest in a Chinese home.

Ordinal numbers.

明天下午我有朋友来作客。

I have friends coming to visit tomorrow afternoon.

Using 'yǒu' to show guests are coming.

作客的时候要礼貌。

You should be polite when being a guest.

...de shíhòu (when...).

我不常去别人家作客。

I don't often go to other people's houses as a guest.

Adverb 'cháng' (often) negation.

他邀请我中秋节去他家作客。

He invited me to his house for the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Specific holiday context.

在朋友家作客，感觉很温馨。

Being a guest at a friend's house feels very warm.

Gerund-like usage at the start of a sentence.

我不太习惯去不熟的人家作客。

I'm not used to being a guest at a stranger's house.

'习惯' (used to) + action.

他经常作客各大电视台的节目。

He often appears as a guest on major TV stations.

Professional guesting context.

去作客前，最好先打个电话。

Before going as a guest, it's best to call first.

Advice with '最好'.

他在异国他乡作客多年。

He has lived as a guest/traveler in a foreign land for years.

Literary 'sojourning' meaning.

作为客人，在人家作客不能太随便。

As a guest, you shouldn't be too casual when visiting.

'作为' (as) + role.

欢迎各位专家作客我们的论坛。

Welcome all experts to be guests at our forum.

Formal address.

今晚，著名影星将作客我们的直播间。

Tonight, a famous movie star will guest in our live stream.

Future marker 'jiāng'.

他这辈子大半时间都在外地作客。

He spent most of his life living away from home.

Duration 'dàbàn shíjiān'.

作客他乡的人，难免会有思乡之情。

People living away from home inevitably feel homesick.

Idiomatic 'nánmiǎn' (inevitable).

客场作战时，球员们就像在作客。

When playing away, players are like guests.

Metaphorical sports usage.

他受邀作客清华大学，发表了演讲。

He was invited to be a guest at Tsinghua University and gave a speech.

Passive 'shòuyāo' (invited).

在别人家作客，最忌讳的是乱动东西。

The biggest taboo when being a guest is touching things randomly.

'最忌讳的是' (the most taboo is).

他经常被请去作客，社交生活很丰富。

He is often invited to be a guest; his social life is rich.

Passive 'bèi qǐng'.

我们要学会如何得体地去作客。

We need to learn how to be a guest gracefully.

Adverb 'détǐ de' (gracefully).

他以访问学者的身份作客该研究机构。

He is guesting at the research institution as a visiting scholar.

'以...身份' (in the capacity of).

作客异域，文化的碰撞让他感触颇深。

Being a guest in a foreign land, the cultural clash moved him deeply.

Resultative '感触颇深'.

这首诗表达了诗人作客他乡的孤寂。

This poem expresses the poet's loneliness while living abroad.

Literary analysis.

在豪门作客，他感到一种无形的压力。

Being a guest in a wealthy family, he felt an invisible pressure.

Abstract noun '压力'.

主方诚挚邀请中方代表团作客京城。

The host sincerely invited the Chinese delegation to be guests in the capital.

Formal diplomatic language.

他作客该地多年，早已视其为第二故乡。

He has been a guest there for years and already views it as his second home.

'视...为' (view as).

作客之道，在于主客尽欢。

The way of being a guest lies in both host and guest being happy.

Philosophical 'zhīdào' (the way of).

他不仅是常客，更像是作客于此的家人。

He is not just a regular; he is more like a family member guesting here.

'不仅...更' (not only... but even).

人生如逆旅，我亦是作客。

Life is like a journey; I too am a passing guest.

Philosophical/Poetic Su Shi reference.

他在多国作客的经历，造就了他的国际视野。

His experience of living in many countries shaped his international perspective.

Causal '造就' (shaped/created).

即便只是作客，他也力求为当地社区做贡献。

Even if he is just a guest, he strives to contribute to the local community.

'即便...也' (even if... still).

这种作客心态，使他能以旁观者的清醒审视社会。

This guest mentality allows him to examine society with a bystander's clarity.

Metaphorical '作客心态'.

他在艺术的殿堂里，永远是一个虔诚的作客者。

In the hall of art, he is forever a devout guest.

Noun-form '作客者'.

作客于此的岁月，成了他笔下最动人的篇章。

The years spent guesting here became the most moving chapters of his writing.

Nominalized phrase '作客于此的岁月'.

他拒绝了定居的邀请，宁愿一辈子四处作客。

He refused the invitation to settle down, preferring to be a guest everywhere for life.

'宁愿' (would rather).

在喧嚣的都市中，他仿佛只是一个匆匆作客的灵魂。

In the noisy city, he seems like a soul just passing through as a guest.

Simile '仿佛'.

Common Collocations

去我家作客

作客直播间

作客他乡

作客挑战

受邀作客

经常作客

作客期间

远道作客

作客异国

作客教授

Common Phrases

作客异乡

— To live in a strange land far from home. Used to describe the feeling of being a traveler.

作客异乡的游子最怕过节。

欢迎作客

— A standard way to invite someone. It sounds warmer than just 'come over.'

新房装修好了，欢迎作客。

作客之道

— The etiquette or 'way' of being a guest. Refers to how one should behave.

他很懂作客之道，从不空手而去。

作客比赛

— In sports, playing an away game. The team is the 'guest' of the home team.

这场作客比赛对他们很重要。

作客访谈

— To be a guest on a talk show or interview program.

他刚参加完一个作客访谈。

作客学者

— A visiting scholar at a university or institution.

她是该校聘请的作客学者。

作客他处

— To be a guest elsewhere. Often used when explaining an absence.

他今天作客他处，不在家里。

作客岁月

— The time spent living as a guest or away from home.

回想起作客岁月的艰辛，他感慨万千。

作客之礼

— The gifts or manners required when visiting someone.

这是我准备的作客之礼，请收下。

匆匆作客

— To visit briefly or to feel like a temporary presence.

他只是匆匆作客，没待多久就走了。

Often Confused With

作客 vs 做客

Homophone. '做客' is more for casual home visits, '作客' is for professional or literary contexts.

作客 vs 乘客

Refers to a passenger on transport, not a social guest.

作客 vs 博客

Means 'blog,' sounds like 'zuòkè' but unrelated.

Idioms & Expressions

"喧宾夺主"

— The guest outshines the host. Used when a guest takes over the conversation or event.

你在人家家里作客，千万别喧宾夺主。

Literary/Common

"宾至如归"

— Guests feel as if they are at home. The ultimate goal of a host.

他待客非常热情，让人有宾至如归的感觉。

Polite

"不速之客"

— An uninvited guest. Someone who shows up without being asked.

他这个不速之客让主人感到很尴尬。

Neutral

"举案齐眉"

— Mutual respect between husband and wife, often shown in how they treat each other as guests.

他们夫妻俩相敬如宾，举案齐眉。

Literary

"相敬如宾"

— To treat each other with the respect shown to a guest (usually for couples).

结婚多年，他们依然相敬如宾。

Formal

"门可罗雀"

— So few guests that you could catch sparrows at the door. Means lonely or unpopular.

自从他下台后，家里变得门可罗雀。

Literary

"高朋满座"

— A house full of distinguished guests.

今天他过生日，家里高朋满座。

Formal

"反客为主"

— A guest turns into the host. Similar to '喧宾夺主' but often implies taking control.

他在这场会议上反客为主，控制了局面。

Neutral

"闭门谢客"

— To close the door and refuse guests. Used for privacy or mourning.

他最近心情不好，闭门谢客。

Formal

"主客易位"

— The roles of host and guest are swapped.

在这次谈判中，主客易位的情况发生了。

Academic

Easily Confused

作客 vs 做客

They sound exactly the same (zuòkè).

In Mainland China, '做客' is the standard for visiting a home. '作客' is for 'sojourning' or being a guest on a TV show/away game. However, many people mix them up.

我今天去他家做客。/ 他受邀作客电视台。

作客 vs 访客

Both involve visiting.

作客 is a verb (to be a guest). 访客 is a noun (visitor/caller).

公司今天有很多访客。

作客 vs 过客

Both use '客'.

作客 is the act of visiting. 过客 is a noun meaning a 'passer-by' or someone who stays very briefly.

我只是你生命中的一个过客。

作客 vs 客串

Sounds like 'zuòkè' reverse-ish.

客串 (kèchuàn) means to make a cameo appearance or play a role you don't usually play.

他在那部电影里客串了一个医生。

作客 vs 待客

Both involve the guest-host relationship.

作客 is what the guest does. 待客 is what the host does (hosting/treating guests).

他待客非常周到。

Sentence Patterns

我去 [Place] 作客。

我去他家作客。

欢迎到 [Place] 作客。

欢迎到北京作客。

他邀请我 [Time] 去作客。

他邀请我周末去作客。

受邀作客 [Media/Event]。

受邀作客访谈节目。

以 [Identity] 身份作客 [Place]。

以专家身份作客论坛。

作客 [Location] 的岁月。

作客他乡的岁月。

在 [Place] 作客了 [Duration]。

在朋友家作客了三天。

难得有机会去作客。

难得有机会去王老师家作客。

Word Family

Nouns

客人 (guest)

客房 (guest room)

客厅 (living room)

客套 (polite remarks)

Verbs

待客 (to host)

请客 (to treat someone)

谢客 (to refuse guests)

Adjectives

客气 (polite)

客观 (objective)

主 (host)

礼 (etiquette)

家 (home)

访 (visit)

友 (friend)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in formal speech, media, and literature.

Common Mistakes

我作客朋友家。 → 我去朋友家作客。
You need a directional verb like '去' or '到' before the place.
他作客我。 → 他来我家作客。
You cannot use a person as a direct object for '作客'.
我在公共汽车上作客。 → 我是公共汽车上的乘客。
'作客' is for social guests, '乘客' is for passengers.
Using '作客' for a quick 5-minute drop-by. → 我过去串个门。
'作客' implies a more formal or significant visit than '串门'.
Confusion between '作客' and '客气'. → 他在我家作客。/ 他很客气。
'作客' is the action; '客气' is the adjective meaning polite.

Tips

Verb-Object Structure

Remember that 'zuòkè' is technically a 'verb-object' compound where 'kè' is the object. This is why it doesn't take another object directly.

The First Refusal

When your host offers snacks or tea while you are 'zuòkè', it is polite to initially decline or hesitate before accepting.

Literary Flair

Use '作客他乡' in your writing to show a higher level of Chinese proficiency (B2/C1).

Shoes Off

Most Chinese homes require you to remove your shoes. Your host will usually provide slippers for you as a 'zuòkè'.

TV Guests

When you see '嘉宾' (guest) on a TV show, they are 'zuòkè' that program.

Away Games

In football news, '作客' is the standard way to say a team is playing away from home.

Formal Invitations

Use '欢迎来我家作客' to make your invitation sound sincere and respectful.

Guanxi

Being a good 'zuòkè' is a key way to build and maintain 'guanxi' (relationships) in China.

Seating

Wait for the host to tell you where to sit. The 'zuòkè' usually doesn't choose their own seat at a formal dinner.

Polite No

If you are too tired to be a guest, say '改天再登门拜访' (I will visit another day) to be extra polite.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Zuo' (Do) + 'Ke' (Guest). You are 'doing' the role of a 'guest'.

Visual Association

Imagine a person standing at a door with a box of tea (the gift) and a polite smile.

Word Web

礼貌 (Polite) 送礼 (Give gift) 客厅 (Living room) 主人 (Host) 邀请 (Invite) 喝茶 (Drink tea) 聊天 (Chat) 吃饭 (Eat)

Challenge

Try to use '作客' in a sentence today when you talk about visiting someone, even if you normally say '去看朋友'.

Word Origin

The character '作' (zuò) means to do, to make, or to act as. The character '客' (kè) means guest or visitor. Together, they literally mean 'to act as a guest.'

Original meaning: In ancient texts, '作客' specifically referred to people leaving their hometown to live or work elsewhere, emphasizing the status of being a 'stranger' or 'outsider.'

Sino-Tibetan, Sinitic.

Cultural Context

Be careful not to overstay your welcome. In Chinese culture, hosts may be too polite to ask you to leave, so as a 'zuòkè,' you must read the room.

In Western culture, 'being a guest' is often more casual, especially among friends. The Chinese '作客' implies a slightly higher level of formality and mutual obligation.

Su Shi's poem: '人生如逆旅，我亦是作客' (Life is a journey, I too am a guest). The classic novel 'Dream of the Red Chamber' features many elaborate '作客' scenes. The phrase '喧宾夺主' is a common cautionary tale in social circles.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Home Visit

带点礼物
打个招呼
脱鞋
坐哪儿

TV/Media

直播间
访谈节目
嘉宾
观众

Sports

客场
挑战
对手
胜率

Traveling

他乡
思乡
寄居
异国

Academic

访问学者
讲座
交流
聘请

Conversation Starters

"你最近去过朋友家作客吗？"

"如果你去中国人家里作客，你会带什么礼物？"

"你喜欢在家里招待客人，还是去别人家作客？"

"你觉得作客时最重要的一条礼仪是什么？"

"你曾经在电视节目中看到过哪位明星作客？"

Journal Prompts

描述一次你去中国朋友家作客的经历。你带了什么？吃了什么？

谈谈你对‘人生如作客’这句话的理解。你觉得我们在地球上只是客人吗？

比较一下在你的国家作客和在中国作客有什么不同的礼仪。

如果你被邀请作客一个电视节目，你希望谈论什么话题？

写一封感谢信给一位邀请你去他家作客的朋友。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

In Mainland China, '做客' is generally more common for visiting a friend's home. '作客' is often used for sports away games or being a guest on a TV show. However, they are often used interchangeably in casual writing.

No, that is grammatically incorrect. '作客' is an intransitive verb. You must use a preposition like '去' or '到', as in '我去他家作客'.

Fruit is the most common and safest gift. Tea, flowers, or a nice bottle of wine are also excellent choices, depending on the occasion.

No, it can also mean being a guest on a TV program, a visiting scholar at a university, or a team playing an away match in sports.

You can say '谢谢你的邀请，但我这两天有点忙，下次吧' (Thank you for the invitation, but I'm a bit busy these days, maybe next time).

It is a literary phrase meaning to live in a foreign land or a place far from your hometown, often carrying a sense of nostalgia or being a traveler.

Yes, but the usage patterns might differ slightly. In Taiwan, '作客' is also used for visiting, but they may have different preferences for '作' vs '做'.

Usually no. For business, '访问' (visit) or '开会' (meeting) is more appropriate. '作客' implies a guest-host relationship which is usually social or honorary.

In Chinese culture, it is considered polite to bring a small token of appreciation. Arriving empty-handed is generally avoided unless you are very close friends.

Not usually. It is a verb. If you want a noun for 'guest,' use '客人' (kèrén).