To treat someone as a host by paying for the shared experience.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To invite someone and pay for their meal or activity.
- Commonly used to show hospitality and build social relationships.
- The host covers all expenses during the event.
1) 概述：请客（qǐngkè）是中国社交文化中非常核心的一个词汇。它不仅指支付餐费，更代表了一种建立人际关系、表达感激或庆祝节日的方式。在中文语境下，“请客”通常意味着邀请人（东道主）承担全部费用。
2) 用法模式：请客的结构非常灵活。基础用法是“主语+请客”。如果想明确请的对象，可以使用“请+某人+吃饭/看电影”。例如：“今天我请客”表示这顿饭由我买单；“他请我吃饭”表示他邀请并支付费用。
3) 常见语境：在朋友聚会、商务洽谈、节日庆祝或升职加薪后，人们经常会通过请客来联络感情。请客的场合可以是高档餐厅，也可以是简单的路边摊，关键在于“我请”这个动作背后的社交意义。
4) 近义词辨析：与“买单”相比，“请客”更强调“邀请”这一主动行为，而“买单”仅指支付账单这一动作。与“聚餐”相比，“请客”强调的是支付方，而“聚餐”强调的是大家一起吃饭的活动本身。
Examples
今天我请客，大家随便点。
everydayMy treat today, order whatever you like.
为了感谢您的帮助，我想请您吃顿便饭。
formalTo thank you for your help, I'd like to treat you to a casual meal.
他经常请客，所以朋友很多。
informalHe often treats others, so he has many friends.
公司决定在项目结束后请客庆祝。
academicThe company decided to host a treat to celebrate after the project.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
我请客
My treat
谁请客？
Who is paying/treating?
客气了
You are too polite
Often Confused With
Means 'to pay the bill'. It focuses on the act of payment, while '请客' focuses on the act of hosting.
Means 'to dine together'. It doesn't specify who pays, whereas '请客' implies the inviter pays.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use '请客' in social situations where you are the host. It is versatile but mostly informal to semi-formal. Avoid using it in extremely formal business contracts unless referring to the event itself.
Common Mistakes
Don't say '我请你客' as it sounds slightly unnatural; prefer '我请你吃饭' or '今天我请客'. Don't assume '请客' always means a fancy restaurant; it can be very humble.
Tips
Use for social bonding
Use '请客' when you want to strengthen your relationship with someone. It is a very natural way to start a conversation about meeting up.
Don't confuse with paying
Remember that '请客' implies you are the host. If you are just paying your own share, do not use this word.
The culture of treating
In China, '请客' is a vital part of social etiquette. It is often considered polite to offer to pay even if you are not the one who initiated the meeting.
Word Origin
Derived from the ancient Chinese tradition of hospitality, where hosting a guest and providing food was a primary way to show respect and status.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, '请客' is essential for 'mianzi' (face) and relationship building. It is a social lubricant that helps resolve conflicts or celebrate milestones.
Memory Tip
Think of '请' (invite) + '客' (guest) = Inviting a guest to enjoy your hospitality.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions不一定。请客的核心是心意，只要表达了你的诚意，哪怕是简单的家常菜或咖啡也可以。
“请客”是由一个人支付全部费用，而“AA制”是大家平摊费用。在正式的请客场合，通常不建议提出AA制。
你应该表达感谢。在下次见面时，你也可以主动提出请对方吃饭作为回礼。
当然可以，这通常被视为一种孝顺或尊重的表现，尤其是在生日或节日时。
Test Yourself
今天发工资了，我来___，大家想吃什么？
“我来请客”是地道的表达方式，表示由我支付费用。
朋友说：“谢谢你请我吃饭。”你应该怎么回？
这是最谦虚且礼貌的回应方式。
请客 / 周末 / 我 / 打算 / 朋友
“请客”通常接具体活动，或单独使用。
Score: /3
Summary
To treat someone as a host by paying for the shared experience.
- To invite someone and pay for their meal or activity.
- Commonly used to show hospitality and build social relationships.
- The host covers all expenses during the event.
Use for social bonding
Use '请客' when you want to strengthen your relationship with someone. It is a very natural way to start a conversation about meeting up.
Don't confuse with paying
Remember that '请客' implies you are the host. If you are just paying your own share, do not use this word.
The culture of treating
In China, '请客' is a vital part of social etiquette. It is often considered polite to offer to pay even if you are not the one who initiated the meeting.
Examples
4 of 4今天我请客，大家随便点。
My treat today, order whatever you like.
为了感谢您的帮助，我想请您吃顿便饭。
To thank you for your help, I'd like to treat you to a casual meal.
他经常请客，所以朋友很多。
He often treats others, so he has many friends.
公司决定在项目结束后请客庆祝。
The company decided to host a treat to celebrate after the project.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More daily_life words
朝九晚五
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废弃
B2To abandon; to discard; to cease to use.
恪守
B2To scrupulously observe; to strictly adhere to.
未免
B2Rather; a bit too; truly (implies something excessive).
反常
B2abnormal, unusual
充裕
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充沛
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门禁
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配件
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