招待会

• Pinyin: zhāo dài huì
• Hanzi breakdown: 招待 = to entertain; 会 = 人 + 云 (gathering)

Meaning

Reception; reception party. A formal social gathering to welcome or honor guests.

Common in diplomatic, business, and media contexts. Types: 新闻发布会 (press conference), 欢迎招待会 (welcome reception), 外交招待会 (diplomatic reception). Usually includes refreshments and networking opportunities.

Examples

1. 大使馆将举办国庆招待会，邀请各界人士出席。 The embassy will hold a National Day reception and invite people from all walks of life to attend.
2. 新产品发布会结束后，公司举行了小型招待会。 After the new product launch, the company held a small reception.
3. 记者招待会上，发言人回答了媒体的提问。 At the press conference, the spokesperson answered questions from the media.

Usage Guide

Context: diplomacy, business, media

Tone: formal

Do Say

• 总统出席了为访华代表团举办的欢迎招待会。(The president attended the welcome reception held for the visiting delegation.)
• 招待会定于下午六点开始，届时将提供酒水和点心。(The reception is scheduled to begin at 6 PM, and drinks and refreshments will be served.)

Don't Say

• 家庭招待会 — for casual home gatherings use 聚会 or 家宴; 招待会 implies formal events

Origin & History

招待 (to host/entertain) + 会 (gathering/meeting)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal