好客

• Pinyin: hào kè
• Hanzi breakdown: 好 = 女 + 子 (like/good); 客 = 宀 (roof) + 各 (each) — guests under one roof

Meaning

Hospitable; welcoming to guests. Describes a person or culture that is generous and warm towards visitors.

A valued virtue in Chinese culture. Used to praise individuals, families, or ethnic groups who take pride in receiving and entertaining guests generously. Common in travel writing, cultural commentary, and personal compliments.

Examples

1. 西北地区的人民非常好客，每逢有客人来访都会摆上丰盛的饭菜。 People in the Northwest are very hospitable—whenever guests visit, they put out a generous spread of food.
2. 她天生好客，家里经常高朋满座。 She’s naturally hospitable, and her home is often full of guests.
3. 这个民族以热情好客著称，让远道而来的旅人感到宾至如归。 This people are known for their warm hospitality, making travelers from far away feel right at home.

Usage Guide

Context: culture, hospitality, compliment, travel

Tone: warm

Do Say

• 当地居民热情好客，我们在那里度过了一段美好的时光。(The local residents were very hospitable — we had a wonderful time there.)
• 好客是中华民族的传统美德之一。(Hospitality is one of the traditional virtues of the Chinese people.)

Don't Say

• 好客 (hào kè) confused with 好客 (hǎo kè) — the hào reading means 'fond of guests,' while hǎo kè would mean 'good guest,' an unusual usage

Origin & History

好 (to like; fond of) + 客 (guest) — fond of receiving guests

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal