拜会

• Pinyin: bài huì
• Hanzi breakdown: 拜 = 手 (hand) + 二 (two); 会 = to meet/gather

Meaning

To pay a formal visit; to call on (someone of importance).

A formal term for visiting someone, typically a dignitary, official, or respected figure. Used in diplomatic, business, and ceremonial contexts. More formal than 拜访.

Examples

1. 代表团抵达后首先拜会了当地的市长。 After arriving, the delegation first paid a formal visit to the local mayor.
2. 他专程从北京飞来拜会这位著名的老教授。 He flew specially from Beijing to call on this renowned elderly professor.
3. 外交部长将于下周拜会几位欧洲国家领导人。 The foreign minister will call on several European heads of state next week.

Usage Guide

Context: diplomatic, professional

Tone: respectful

Do Say

• 我们明天去拜会张教授。(We'll pay a visit to Professor Zhang tomorrow.)
• 总统拜会了教皇。(The president called on the Pope.)

Don't Say

• 对朋友之间的随便见面说'拜会' (Don't use 拜会 for casual meetups with friends — it's too formal)

Origin & History

拜 (to pay respects) + 会 (to meet). Formal meeting with respectful connotations.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal