B2 verb Formal 1 min read

驾临

jialin /tɕi̯a˥˩ lǐn˧˥/
Practice it

“驾临” is a formal and deferential term used to welcome an esteemed person's arrival, highlighting their significant status.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • A highly respectful verb meaning 'to arrive.'
  • Used exclusively for honored guests or high-ranking individuals.
  • Conveys deep respect and welcome in formal settings.

Overview

“驾临” (jià lín) 是一个具有浓厚敬意色彩的动词，专指身份尊贵、地位崇高的人或团体来到某个地方、出席某项活动。这个词本身就蕴含着对来访者的极大尊重和欢迎之情，常用于正式的欢迎辞、新闻报道或官方通知中。它不仅仅是“来”或“到”的意思，更传达了一种“光顾”、“莅临”的敬重态度。

“驾临” 的基本句式通常是：[尊贵来访者] + 驾临 + [地点/场合]。例如，“贵宾驾临会场”、“领导驾临指导工作”。它不能用于指称自己或平辈、下级，否则会显得非常不礼貌或带有讽刺意味。在书面语中，也常与“恭迎”、“感谢”等词语搭配使用，如“恭迎各位嘉宾驾临”。

“驾临” 主要用于以下几种正式和隆重的场合： 1. 欢迎仪式和庆典: 在国家领导人、高级官员、知名学者或重要合作伙伴出席的开幕式、庆典、晚会等活动中，用以表达主办方的敬意。 2. 官方通知和新闻报道: 在宣布重要人物即将到访或已经到访时，常在公告、新闻稿中使用。 3. 商业和外交场合: 在接待重要的商业伙伴、外国使节时，用于书面或口头表达欢迎。 4. 文学作品: 在描写古代帝王、贵族或神仙下凡的场景时，也会使用“驾临”来彰显其尊贵。

  1. 1莅临 (lì lín): 与“驾临”非常接近，都表示尊贵的客人到来。两者在敬意程度上相似，都用于正式场合。但“莅临”的使用范围可能稍广一些，不一定限定于“驾”的语境，更多强调“亲自到场”。很多时候可以互换使用。 2. 光临 (guāng lín): 也是敬语，表示客人到来，比“驾临”和“莅临”更常用，敬意程度略轻。常用于商店、饭店欢迎顾客，或一般性正式场合欢迎来宾，如“欢迎光临”。“驾临”的敬意更重，更强调来访者的地位。 3. 到来 (dào lái): 最普通的动词，表示“来到”，不带任何敬意色彩，可用于任何人、任何事物的到来。如“春天的到来”、“客人的到来”。与“驾临”的正式和敬意完全不同。 4. 抵达 (dǐ dá): 强调到达目的地，侧重于到达这一动作本身，不带敬意，多用于交通、行程方面。如“飞机已抵达机场”。

Examples

1

我们万分荣幸能恭迎各位领导和嘉宾驾临本次盛会。

formal

We are extremely honored to welcome all the leaders and distinguished guests to grace this grand event with their presence.

2

国家元首的驾临，使得此次国际峰会备受瞩目。

official news report

The Head of State's arrival made this international summit highly anticipated.

3

感谢您百忙之中驾临，为我校师生带来精彩讲座。

academic/formal

Thank you for gracing us with your presence despite your busy schedule, to deliver a wonderful lecture to our faculty and students.

4

请问，王董事长何时能驾临我们公司进行视察？

business/formal inquiry

May I ask, when will Chairman Wang be able to honor our company with his inspection visit?

Common Collocations

恭迎驾临 respectfully welcome your presence
感谢驾临 thank you for gracing us with your presence
驾临指导 grace with presence and guidance

Common Phrases

贵宾驾临

distinguished guests arrive

领导驾临

leaders arrive/grace with presence

驾临指导

grace with presence and guidance

Often Confused With

驾临 vs 莅临 (lì lín)

Both are highly respectful terms for 'to arrive.' '驾临' often implies a more 'royal' or 'supreme' presence, historically linked to a carriage ('驾'). '莅临' is broadly applicable to any esteemed guest's presence, without the historical 'carriage' connotation, and is slightly more common in modern formal contexts.

驾临 vs 光临 (guāng lín)

While also a respectful term for 'to arrive,' '光临' is less formal and carries less weight than '驾临.' '光临' is suitable for welcoming customers to a store or general guests to an event, whereas '驾临' is reserved for individuals of exceptionally high status.

Grammar Patterns

[尊称的主语] 驾临 [地点/活动]。 恭迎 [尊称的主语] 驾临。 感谢 [尊称的主语] 驾临。

How to Use It

Usage Notes

“驾临” is strictly a formal and highly deferential term. It is used to express extreme respect for the arrival of someone of very high status, such as a national leader, a distinguished dignitary, or a revered figure. Its use is limited to written announcements, official speeches, or very solemn occasions.

Common Mistakes

A common mistake is using '驾临' to refer to one's own arrival, which is considered highly arrogant and impolite. Another error is using it in casual conversations or for guests who are not of exceptionally high status, which would sound overly dramatic or even sarcastic.

Tips

💡

Reserve for High Esteem

Always remember to use '驾临' only when referring to individuals of very high status or great honor. Using it for ordinary guests would be an overstatement.

⚠️

Never Self-Refer

It is a severe grammatical and social error to use '驾临' to describe your own arrival, as it implies an unwarranted level of self-importance. It is always used for others.

🌍

Reflects Chinese Deference

The existence and specific usage of '驾临' highlight the importance of hierarchical respect and deferential language in Chinese culture, especially in formal interactions.

Word Origin

The character '驾' (jià) originally referred to a horse-drawn carriage, especially one used by royalty or high officials. '临' (lín) means 'to come to' or 'to be present at.' Thus, '驾临' literally means 'the carriage comes,' signifying the arrival of a very important person.

Cultural Context

In Chinese culture, respect for hierarchy and elders is deeply ingrained. '驾临' is a linguistic manifestation of this, allowing speakers to explicitly convey honor and deference to those of higher status. Its proper use demonstrates cultural literacy and good manners in formal settings.

Memory Tip

Think of '驾' as a grand carriage or chariot, signifying a king or emperor's arrival. So, '驾临' means a 'royal presence' has arrived, demanding utmost respect.

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

“驾临”是一个敬语，意思是尊贵的客人或地位崇高的人来到某个地方或出席某项活动。它表达了对来访者的极大尊敬和欢迎。

这个词通常由主人或主办方使用，来指称或欢迎身份尊贵、地位崇高的客人或领导。绝对不能用来指称自己或地位与自己相仿的人。

“驾临”是非常正式的用语，主要用于书面语和隆重的口头表达场合，如欢迎辞、官方公告、新闻报道等。

“驾临” 和 “光临” 都是敬语，但“驾临”的敬意程度更重，通常用于指代地位非常高、身份特别尊贵的人的到来。而“光临”则相对普遍，可用于欢迎一般客人、顾客，敬意程度稍轻。

Test Yourself

fill blank

我们非常荣幸能邀请到李教授____本次学术研讨会。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: A

李教授作为学术界的重要人物，用“驾临”表达了主办方极大的尊敬和荣幸。虽然“光临”也可以，但“驾临”更强调其地位尊贵。

multiple choice

以下哪个句子使用了错误的“驾临”？

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: B

选项B中，“我今天有幸驾临贵公司”是错误的用法。“驾临”不能用于自称，否则会显得非常傲慢和不礼貌。

sentence building

提示词：欢迎 / 贵宾 / 典礼

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: A

“欢迎贵宾驾临典礼”是规范且自然的表达，表示欢迎尊贵的客人在典礼上到来。

Score: /3

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