In Chinese culture, drinking alcohol is rarely just about personal enjoyment or quenching thirst; it's a powerful social tool. The act of 喝酒 is central to building and strengthening 关系 (guānxi), or social connections. This contrasts sharply with casual Western “social drinking.” While having a beer with a friend is common in both cultures, drinking in a formal Chinese context—especially a business dinner—is a highly structured event known as 酒桌文化 (jiǔzhuō wénhuà), or “drinking table culture.” This involves a complex etiquette of toasting (敬酒 jìngjiǔ), seating arrangements, and showing respect. A toast from a superior is not a mere suggestion but a gesture of inclusion that is difficult to refuse without causing them to lose 面子 (miànzi), or “face.” Sharing a drink is seen as a sign of sincerity, trust, and camaraderie. The willingness to 喝酒 together, particularly the strong spirit 白酒 (báijiǔ), can signify that you are “one of us,” breaking down barriers and paving the way for business deals or deeper personal friendships.
喝酒 is used across all levels of formality, but the context is crucial.
The connotation of 喝酒 is generally neutral to positive (social bonding), but it can become negative if it refers to excessive drinking, which is better described by the term 酗酒 (xùjiǔ), “alcoholism.”