来宾

láibīn: 来宾 - Guest, Visitor

Quick Summary

  • Keywords: laibin, 来宾, Chinese word for guest, formal guest in Chinese, visitor, attendee, delegate, laibin vs keren, Chinese hospitality, HSK 5 vocabulary
  • Summary: Discover the meaning of 来宾 (láibīn), a key Chinese term for “guest” or “visitor.” This page explains how láibīn is used specifically for invited guests at formal events like conferences, weddings, and ceremonies, distinguishing it from the more general word `客人 (kèrén)`. Learn its cultural significance, see practical example sentences, and understand how to use it correctly to show respect in formal situations in China.

Core Meaning

  • Pinyin (with tone marks): láibīn
  • Part of Speech: Noun
  • HSK Level: HSK 5
  • Concise Definition: An invited guest, especially for a formal occasion or official event.
  • In a Nutshell: Think of láibīn not as a friend you have over for dinner, but as an official attendee at a structured event. The word carries a sense of formality, respect, and welcome. It refers to the people who have been formally invited to a wedding, a conference, a ceremony, or a grand opening. It often refers to the guests as a collective group.

Character Breakdown

  • 来 (lái): One of the most fundamental characters in Chinese, meaning “to come” or “to arrive.”
  • 宾 (bīn): This character means “guest” or “visitor.” It is composed of `宀` (mián), the “roof” radical, over a component that historically relates to a person presenting a respectful offering. So, you can picture it as a person being respectfully welcomed under a roof.
  • The combination 来宾 (láibīn) literally means “the guests who have come” or “arrived guests,” which perfectly captures its meaning as the attendees of a specific event.

Cultural Context and Significance

  • In Chinese culture, hospitality and showing respect to guests are paramount. The existence of a specific, formal word like 来宾 (láibīn) underscores the importance placed on properly hosting and acknowledging attendees at significant events. Using this term signals that the host views the event as formal and holds the attendees in high regard.
  • Comparison to Western Culture: In English, we might say “guest,” “attendee,” “delegate,” or “visitor” depending on the context. 来宾 (láibīn) often covers the formal side of these roles. The key difference is the built-in formality. While you could call a friend at your house a “guest,” you would never call them a láibīn. This is different from its common counterpart, `客人 (kèrén)`, which is a general-purpose word for “guest” and is more like the English “guest” or “customer.” A láibīn is part of a planned, formal gathering; a `客人 (kèrén)` can be anyone you are hosting, even informally.

Practical Usage in Modern China

  • 来宾 (láibīn) is used almost exclusively in formal, public, or official settings.
  • Formal Speeches: It is extremely common in the opening of a speech at an event. For example, “各位来宾，女士们，先生们…” (All our guests, ladies, and gentlemen…).
  • Events and Ceremonies: You will see this term at weddings (婚礼), conferences (会议), grand openings (开幕式), and official receptions (招待会).
  • Signage: Signs at events often use this term, such as “来宾登记处” (Guest Registration) or “来宾请在此就座” (Guests, please be seated here).
  • Media: TV show hosts might refer to a special guest or the studio audience as 来宾.
  • Formality: The term is always formal and respectful. It conveys that the person or group is an honored participant in the proceedings.

Example Sentences

  • Example 1:
    • 欢迎各位来宾参加我们的婚礼。
    • Pinyin: Huānyíng gèwèi láibīn cānjiā wǒmen de hūnlǐ.
    • English: Welcome, all our guests, to our wedding ceremony.
    • Analysis: This is a classic example of a host formally welcoming the collective group of attendees at a major life event.
  • Example 2:
    • 会议的来宾来自世界各地。
    • Pinyin: Huìyì de láibīn láizì shìjiè gèdì.
    • English: The guests of the conference come from all over the world.
    • Analysis: Here, 来宾 is used to refer to the delegates or attendees of a formal conference.
  • Example 3:
    • 请来宾在签到处登记。
    • Pinyin: Qǐng láibīn zài qiāndàochù dēngjì.
    • English: Guests, please register at the sign-in desk.
    • Analysis: This is a common instruction you might see on a sign or hear at the entrance to an event.
  • Example 4:
    • 主持人向来宾介绍了今天的主讲人。
    • Pinyin: Zhǔchírén xiàng láibīn jièshào le jīntiān de zhǔjiǎngrén.
    • English: The host introduced today's keynote speaker to the guests.
    • Analysis: This sentence shows 来宾 as the audience or recipients of information in a formal presentation setting.
  • Example 5:
    • 作为特邀来宾，他将在开幕式上发言。
    • Pinyin: Zuòwéi tèyāo láibīn, tā jiāng zài kāimùshì shàng fāyán.
    • English: As a specially invited guest, he will speak at the opening ceremony.
    • Analysis: This highlights that a 来宾 is specifically an *invited* participant. The addition of `特邀` (tèyāo, specially invited) adds even more importance.
  • Example 6:
    • 酒店为重要来宾准备了特别的欢迎礼物。
    • Pinyin: Jiǔdiàn wèi zhòngyào láibīn zhǔnbèi le tèbié de huānyíng lǐwù.
    • English: The hotel prepared special welcome gifts for the important guests.
    • Analysis: This shows how the term can be modified with adjectives like `重要` (zhòngyào, important).
  • Example 7:
    • 所有来宾都对这次活动评价很高。
    • Pinyin: Suǒyǒu láibīn dōu duì zhè cì huódòng píngjià hěn gāo.
    • English: All the guests had a very high opinion of this event.
    • Analysis: A good example of referring to the entire group of attendees after an event has concluded.
  • Example 8:
    • 请区分工作人员和来宾的入口。
    • Pinyin: Qǐng qūfēn gōngzuò rényuán hé láibīn de rùkǒu.
    • English: Please distinguish between the entrance for staff and for guests.
    • Analysis: This demonstrates the practical use of 来宾 in event management to separate attendees from organizers.
  • Example 9:
    • 尊敬的各位来宾，晚上好！
    • Pinyin: Zūnjìng de gèwèi láibīn, wǎnshang hǎo!
    • English: Respected guests, good evening!
    • Analysis: This is a standard, highly respectful opening for any evening speech or announcement at a formal gathering.
  • Example 10:
    • 我们为远道而来的来宾安排了住宿。
    • Pinyin: Wǒmen wèi yuǎndào'érlái de láibīn ānpái le zhùsù.
    • English: We have arranged accommodation for the guests who have come from afar.
    • Analysis: This emphasizes the host's duty and care towards their formally invited guests.

Nuances and Common Mistakes

  • The Biggest Mistake: Confusing 来宾 (láibīn) with 客人 (kèrén).
  • This is the most common pitfall for learners. While both can be translated as “guest,” their usage is completely different.
  • 客人 (kèrén):
    • Meaning: General-purpose “guest,” “visitor,” or “customer.”
    • Usage: Can be used for friends visiting your home, customers in a restaurant or shop, or clients. It's the default word for guest in most daily situations.
    • Example: 我家今天有客人。(Wǒ jiā jīntiān yǒu kèrén.) - I have guests at my home today.
  • 来宾 (láibīn):
    • Meaning: An invited guest at a formal, public event (conference, wedding, ceremony).
    • Usage: Used only in formal contexts. It almost always refers to a group of attendees, not just one person (unless they are a very special guest).
    • Example: 婚礼来宾超过了两百人。(Hūnlǐ láibīn chāoguò le liǎng bǎi rén.) - The wedding guests exceeded 200 people.
  • INCORRECT USAGE:
    • Wrong: 我朋友是我的来宾。 (Wǒ péngyou shì wǒ de láibīn.)
    • Why it's wrong: This is far too formal for a friend. It sounds strange and distant, like you're holding a press conference for your friend.
    • Correct: 我朋友是我的客人。 (Wǒ péngyou shì wǒ de kèrén.)

Related Terms and Concepts

  • 客人 (kèrén) - The general, all-purpose word for “guest” or “customer.” 来宾 is a more specific, formal type of `客人`.
  • 贵宾 (guìbīn) - VIP; an honored guest. This is a step above a regular 来宾, indicating someone of very high status. `贵` means noble or expensive.
  • 嘉宾 (jiābīn) - A distinguished guest, guest of honor, or guest speaker. Often used for panelists on a TV show or speakers at a forum. More specific than 来宾.
  • 主办方 (zhǔbànfāng) - The host or organizer of an event. This is the counterpart to the 来宾.
  • 宾馆 (bīnguǎn) - Hotel, guesthouse. The name literally means “guest house,” showing the common root of the character `宾`.
  • 宾至如归 (bīn zhì rú guī) - A four-character idiom (chengyu) meaning “make the guests feel at home.” A high compliment for a host.
  • 与会者 (yùhuìzhě) - Attendee, participant (at a meeting). A more neutral, technical term that lacks the “welcomed guest” connotation of 来宾.
  • 招待 (zhāodài) - To host, receive, or entertain guests. This is the verb for what a host does for their 来宾 or `客人`.