贵宾

• Pinyin: guì bīn
• Hanzi breakdown: 贵 = 中 + 贝 (cowrie shell — valuable); 宾 = 宀 + 兵 — to receive a guest under one's roof

Meaning

Honoured guest; distinguished visitor; VIP. A person of high status or importance who is accorded special respect and hospitality.

A formal term used in official and ceremonial contexts. Commonly appears in hotel signage (贵宾室), diplomatic events, and formal invitations. 贵宾卡 (VIP card) and 贵宾通道 (VIP lane) are fixed compounds. More elevated than 嘉宾, which is commonly used in entertainment contexts.

Examples

1. 国家领导人将以贵宾身份出席本次峰会的开幕式。 National leaders will attend the opening ceremony of this summit as honored guests.
2. 机场设有专属贵宾通道，方便高端旅客快速通关。 The airport has dedicated VIP lanes to help premium travelers clear immigration quickly.
3. 酒店为每位贵宾精心准备了欢迎礼包和个性化服务。 The hotel carefully prepared welcome gift packages and personalized services for each VIP guest.

Usage Guide

Context: diplomacy, hospitality, business, ceremony

Tone: respectful

Do Say

• 我方将以最高礼遇接待莅临参观的各位贵宾。(We will receive all distinguished guests with the highest honours.)
• 贵宾室提供专属休息区、餐饮服务以及私人秘书协助。(The VIP lounge provides an exclusive rest area, catering services, and personal secretary assistance.)

Don't Say

• 我朋友来我家就是贵宾 — 贵宾 is reserved for formal, official, or commercial contexts; for friends visiting at home say 我朋友来做客 or 今天有贵客登门

Origin & History

贵 (honourable/precious) + 宾 (guest/visitor). Together: an honourable, distinguished guest — someone whose visit is treated with the highest regard and ceremony.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Upper and professional