láibīn: 来宾 - Guest, Visitor

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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) - 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`.