jiabin: 嘉宾 - Honored Guest, Distinguished Guest, Special Guest
Quick Summary
Keywords: 嘉宾, jia bin, honored guest in Chinese, distinguished guest, guest speaker, special guest, what does jia bin mean, Chinese for guest of honor, 嘉宾 vs 客人, jia bin meaning.
Summary: The Chinese word 嘉宾 (jiā bīn) refers to an honored guest, distinguished guest, or guest of honor at a formal event. Unlike the general word for guest (客人, kèrén), a 嘉宾 is someone specifically invited due to their status, expertise, or importance, such as a guest speaker at a conference, a celebrity on a talk show, or a VIP at a wedding. Understanding this term is key to navigating formal situations and media in China.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): jiā bīn
Part of Speech: Noun
HSK Level: HSK 5
Concise Definition: An honored or distinguished guest, often invited to a formal event, ceremony, or show.
In a Nutshell: Think of 嘉宾 (jiā bīn) as the “VIP guest.” This isn't your friend coming over for dinner. This is the person who gets a special introduction, a front-row seat, and is often the reason an event is taking place. The term carries a strong sense of respect, formality, and public acknowledgment of the guest's importance.
Character Breakdown
嘉 (jiā): This character means “fine,” “good,” “praiseworthy,” or “commendable.” It's used in words related to praise and celebration, like 嘉奖 (jiājiǎng - to praise/award). It adds a layer of honor and esteem.
宾 (bīn): This character means “guest.” The top radical 宀 (mián) represents a roof, depicting a visitor being received and sheltered. It is the formal character for a guest.
Together, 嘉宾 (jiā bīn) literally translates to a “praiseworthy guest” or “esteemed guest,” perfectly capturing the meaning of a guest who is held in high regard and honored by the host.
Cultural Context and Significance
嘉宾 is a cornerstone of Chinese formal hospitality and the concept of “face” (面子, miànzi). By introducing someone as a 嘉宾, the host is publicly bestowing honor and respect upon them. This act elevates the guest's status in the eyes of the audience and shows the host to be well-connected and respectful.
Compared to the Western concept of a “guest of honor,” 嘉宾 is used more broadly and frequently in modern China. While a wedding in the US might have a “guest of honor,” almost every Chinese TV talk show, corporate event, academic conference, and opening ceremony will formally introduce its 嘉宾. It is a standard part of the formal register. For example, a panelist on a news program or a celebrity judge on a talent show would almost always be referred to as a 嘉宾. This reflects a cultural practice of clearly defining roles and showing deference in public settings.
Practical Usage in Modern China
嘉宾 is a formal term used exclusively in public or official settings. You would never use it to describe a friend visiting your home.
Media and Entertainment: This is one of the most common places you'll hear 嘉宾. TV shows, podcasts, and livestreams introduce their interviewees or panelists as 嘉宾. Often, you'll see the term 特邀嘉宾 (tèyāo jiābīn), which means “specially invited guest.”
Conferences and Ceremonies: At academic lectures, business conferences, or opening ceremonies for a new building, important attendees will be introduced as 嘉宾. Their names and titles might be listed on a banner or in the program under the heading 嘉宾.
Weddings: Key family members or important friends who play a special role might be introduced to the other attendees as 嘉宾 during the wedding banquet.
Example Sentences
Example 1:
今天我们非常荣幸地请到了几位特别嘉宾。
Pinyin: Jīntiān wǒmen fēicháng róngxìng de qǐngdào le jǐ wèi tèbié jiābīn.
English: Today we are extremely honored to have invited several special guests.
Analysis: A classic opening line from a host (主持人) at an event or on a show. “荣幸 (róngxìng)” means “honored,” which pairs perfectly with 嘉宾.
Example 2:
让我们用热烈的掌声欢迎今天的嘉宾——李教授！
Pinyin: Ràng wǒmen yòng rèliè de zhǎngshēng huānyíng jīntiān de jiābīn——Lǐ jiàoshòu!
English: Let's use a warm round of applause to welcome today's guest of honor—Professor Li!
Analysis: This sentence demonstrates how a 嘉宾 is formally introduced to an audience. “热烈的掌声 (rèliè de zhǎngshēng)” means “enthusiastic applause.”
Example 3:
这次会议的嘉宾名单包括了许多行业领袖。
Pinyin: Zhè cì huìyì de jiābīn míngdān bāokuò le xǔduō hángyè lǐngxiù.
English: The guest list for this conference includes many industry leaders.
Analysis: Shows how 嘉宾 is used in a formal, written context like a guest list (名单).
Example 4:
作为本次活动的特邀嘉宾，他将发表主题演讲。
Pinyin: Zuòwéi běn cì huódòng de tèyāo jiābīn, tā jiāng fābiǎo zhǔtí yǎnjiǎng.
English: As the specially invited guest for this event, he will deliver the keynote speech.
Analysis: This sentence clearly links the role of a 嘉宾 to a specific, important duty like giving a keynote speech (主题演讲).
English: The TV show host is interviewing a guest.
Analysis: A simple, descriptive sentence of a very common scenario where you would encounter a 嘉宾. Note the measure word for people, 位 (wèi), which is more polite than 个 (gè).
Example 6:
感谢各位嘉宾莅临指导。
Pinyin: Gǎnxiè gèwèi jiābīn lìlín zhǐdǎo.
English: Thank you to all our distinguished guests for gracing us with your presence and guidance.
Analysis: This is an extremely formal phrase used to thank important guests. “莅临指导 (lìlín zhǐdǎo)” is a very respectful way of saying “to attend and give guidance.”
Example 7:
嘉宾席设在第一排。
Pinyin: Jiābīn xí shè zài dì yī pái.
English: The seats for the honored guests are set in the front row.
Analysis: This highlights the special treatment 嘉宾 receive. “席 (xí)” means “seat” in a formal context.
Example 8:
这期播客的嘉宾是一位著名的作家。
Pinyin: Zhè qī bōkè de jiābīn shì yī wèi zhùmíng de zuòjiā.
English: This episode's guest on the podcast is a famous author.
Analysis: Shows the term's relevance in modern media like podcasts (播客).
English: Every honored guest will receive a gift before the event begins.
Analysis: Further illustrates the special status and hospitality shown to a 嘉宾.
Example 10:
您是我们的嘉宾，请上座。
Pinyin: Nín shì wǒmen de jiābīn, qǐng shàngzuò.
English: You are our honored guest, please take the seat of honor.
Analysis: “上座 (shàngzuò)” refers to the seat of honor, traditionally the one furthest from the door or in the center. This is a very respectful phrase used by a host.
Nuances and Common Mistakes
嘉宾 (jiābīn) vs. 客人 (kèrén): This is the most critical distinction for a learner.
客人 (kèrén): The general word for “guest” or “customer.” Use this for friends visiting your house, guests at an informal party, or patrons in a hotel or restaurant.
嘉宾 (jiābīn): A formal “honored guest” for a public or official event.
Common Mistake: Saying a friend visiting your home is a 嘉宾.
Incorrect: 晚上我家里要来一位嘉宾。(Wǎnshàng wǒ jiālǐ yào lái yī wèi jiābīn.) - This sounds very strange and overly formal, as if a diplomat is coming for dinner.
Correct: 晚上我家里要来一位客人。(Wǎnshàng wǒ jiālǐ yào lái yī wèi kèrén.) - This is the natural way to say a guest is coming to your home.
Related Terms and Concepts
客人 (kèrén) - The general term for “guest” or “customer.” 嘉宾 is a specific, formal type of 客人.
贵宾 (guìbīn) - VIP (Very Important Person/Guest). “贵” means noble or expensive. This term implies an even higher status than 嘉宾 and is often used in business and luxury contexts (e.g., a VIP lounge).
来宾 (láibīn) - A formal term for “guest” or “attendee” at an event, often used in the plural (各位来宾 - all the guests). It's more general than 嘉宾. All 嘉宾 are 来宾, but not all 来宾 are 嘉宾.
特邀嘉宾 (tèyāo jiābīn) - A “specially invited guest.” This is a very common and slightly more emphatic version of 嘉宾.
主持人 (zhǔchírén) - The host, MC, or presenter of an event or show. This is the person who typically introduces the 嘉宾.
主办方 (zhǔbànfāng) - The organizer or host organization of an event. They are the ones who invite the 嘉宾.
观众 (guānzhòng) - The audience. They watch the 主持人 and the 嘉宾.
选手 (xuǎnshǒu) - Contestant or player. In a competition show, the 选手 are competing, while the 嘉宾 might be judges or commentators.