A reception is a social event held to entertain guests, celebrate an occasion, or foster connections.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A social gathering for hospitality.
- Can be formal or informal.
- Used for welcoming, celebrating, or networking.
Overview
“招待会”（zhāodài huì）是一个中文名词，指的是一种社交聚会或活动，通常带有款待、欢迎或庆祝的意味。它涵盖了从正式的宴会到非正式的茶点会等多种形式，核心在于“招待”客人。
“招待会”一词常用于描述各种类型的聚会。它可以是政府官员、企业或组织举办的，用于接待重要客人、纪念特殊日子、发布新产品或促进交流。在日常生活中，朋友或家人之间也可能举办小型招待会来庆祝生日、乔迁之喜等。
私人场合：生日聚会、乔迁宴、婚礼酒会、家庭聚餐（有时也称为招待会）。
“聚会”是一个更广泛的概念，指人们聚集在一起的活动，可以是任何目的，形式也更灵活，不一定有“招待”的意味。
“宴会”更侧重于“宴饮”，强调食物和饮品，通常指比较正式、规模较大的用餐活动，如晚宴、盛宴。
“酒会”特指以饮酒为主的招待会，通常比较轻松随意，常在傍晚或晚上举行，提供酒水和小食。
Examples
为了欢迎远道而来的客人，我们将在酒店举办一场招待会。
everydayTo welcome the guests who have traveled from afar, we will host a reception at the hotel.
大使馆举行了一场盛大的国庆招待会，邀请了各界人士参加。
formalThe embassy held a grand National Day reception, inviting people from all walks of life.
下周五有个新书发布招待会，有兴趣的话可以一起去。
informalThere's a new book launch reception next Friday, you can come along if you're interested.
本次学术会议的闭幕式后，将安排一场招待会，供与会代表交流。
academicFollowing the closing ceremony of this academic conference, a reception will be arranged for attendees to network.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
欢迎招待会
welcome reception
商务招待会
business reception
鸡尾酒招待会
cocktail reception
Often Confused With
While a reception is a type of gathering (聚会), '聚会' is a much broader term for any social get-together, not necessarily involving formal hospitality.
An '宴会' specifically emphasizes a banquet or feast, implying a formal meal, whereas a '招待会' can be less formal and might not include a full meal.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The term '招待会' is generally neutral to formal. It implies a degree of organized hospitality. While it can describe informal gatherings, its core meaning leans towards planned events for guests.
Common Mistakes
Learners might overuse '招待会' for any casual get-together. Remember it specifically implies hosting or treating guests. Also, ensure the context fits the formality level implied by the specific type of reception.
Tips
Understand the Purpose
Before attending or hosting, clarify the goal: networking, celebration, or formal welcome. This guides the tone and activities.
Dress Code Matters
Pay attention to any specified dress code on the invitation. Dressing appropriately shows respect for the host and the occasion.
Gift Giving Etiquette
In some cultures or contexts, bringing a small, thoughtful gift for the host might be appropriate, but it's not always required for a reception.
Word Origin
The word is composed of '招待' (zhāodài), meaning 'to receive, to entertain, to treat', and '会' (huì), meaning 'meeting, gathering, conference'. Thus, it literally means a gathering for the purpose of entertaining or receiving guests.
Cultural Context
Receptions are common in Chinese business, diplomatic, and academic circles for building relationships and showing respect. The scale and formality can vary greatly depending on the occasion and the status of the host and guests.
Memory Tip
Think of '招待' (zhāodài) meaning 'to receive' or 'to entertain'. A '招待会' is an event where you entertain guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions招待会更侧重于“招待”和“款待”客人，形式可以多样，不一定有正式的用餐。宴会则更强调“宴饮”，通常指正式的、有餐食的聚会，如晚宴。
不一定。招待会可以是正式的晚宴，也可以是比较轻松的茶点会或酒会，具体取决于举办的目的和场合。
在商务活动中，招待会是建立和维护客户关系、促进信息交流、展示企业形象的重要方式。它可以为参与者提供一个轻松交流的环境。
通常会收到邀请函，上面会注明时间、地点和着装要求。准时参加，携带名片（如果是商务场合），并积极与人交流。如果需要，可以带一份小礼物表示祝贺。
Test Yourself
公司为庆祝新产品上市，举办了一场盛大的____。
根据句子意思，公司为庆祝新产品上市而举办的活动，用“招待会”最合适。
下列哪个选项最能描述“招待会”？
“招待会”的核心是款待客人，形式可以多样，包括但不限于用餐。
客人 / 欢迎 / 举办 / 招待会 / 我们
这个选项语序最自然，符合中文表达习惯。
Score: /3
Summary
A reception is a social event held to entertain guests, celebrate an occasion, or foster connections.
- A social gathering for hospitality.
- Can be formal or informal.
- Used for welcoming, celebrating, or networking.
Understand the Purpose
Before attending or hosting, clarify the goal: networking, celebration, or formal welcome. This guides the tone and activities.
Dress Code Matters
Pay attention to any specified dress code on the invitation. Dressing appropriately shows respect for the host and the occasion.
Gift Giving Etiquette
In some cultures or contexts, bringing a small, thoughtful gift for the host might be appropriate, but it's not always required for a reception.
Examples
4 of 4为了欢迎远道而来的客人，我们将在酒店举办一场招待会。
To welcome the guests who have traveled from afar, we will host a reception at the hotel.
大使馆举行了一场盛大的国庆招待会，邀请了各界人士参加。
The embassy held a grand National Day reception, inviting people from all walks of life.
下周五有个新书发布招待会，有兴趣的话可以一起去。
There's a new book launch reception next Friday, you can come along if you're interested.
本次学术会议的闭幕式后，将安排一场招待会，供与会代表交流。
Following the closing ceremony of this academic conference, a reception will be arranged for attendees to network.
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