客人 — meaning in English: The guests

kèrén · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for guest

手表

shǒubiǎo

希望

xīwàng

客人

kèrén

狩猎

shòuliè

图

tú

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neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers use the word 客人 (kèrén) when referring to guests in various contexts, such as during family gatherings, weddings, or business meetings. For example, a host might say, '欢迎客人' (Huānyíng kèrén), meaning 'Welcome guests' when greeting visitors at a party.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 来宾 (lái bīn), which also means 'guest' but is often used in more formal settings, such as events or ceremonies. You'd choose 客人 (kèrén) for everyday conversations, while 来宾 (lái bīn) fits better in official contexts.

Culture

The term 客人 (kèrén) literally translates to 'guest person' in Mandarin, reflecting a long-standing cultural tradition in Chinese society that values hospitality. In traditional Chinese culture, treating guests with utmost respect and generosity is considered a virtue, often encapsulated in the saying '上宾如贵' (shàng bīn rú guì), meaning 'treat guests as if they are royalty.'

FAQ

Q.What is the correct pronunciation of 客人?

The word 客人 is pronounced as kèrén, where 'kè' has a falling tone and 'rén' has a rising tone. Practicing these tones is essential for clear communication in Mandarin.

Q.How do you use 客人 in a sentence?

You can use 客人 in sentences like '我的家有很多客人' (Wǒ de jiā yǒu hěn duō kèrén), which means 'My home has many guests.' It's a versatile word applicable in various contexts.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 客人?

One common mistake is to confuse 客人 with 朋友 (péngyǒu), meaning 'friend.' Remember, 客人 specifically refers to guests, so use it in contexts where you are talking about visitors, not just friends.

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Chinese (Mandarin) 2000