致辞

• Pinyin: zhì cí
• Hanzi breakdown: 致 = deliver/express; 辞 = 舌 + 辛 (tongue + bitter — careful words)

Meaning

To deliver a speech; an address or formal remarks. The act of making a formal statement at an event.

Used at ceremonies, banquets, and official gatherings. 开幕致辞 (opening address), 欢迎致辞 (welcome speech), 闭幕致辞 (closing remarks). More formal than 讲话; implies a prepared, ceremonial speech.

Examples

1. 校长在毕业典礼上发表了热情洋溢的致辞。 The principal delivered an enthusiastic address at the graduation ceremony.
2. 贵宾为晚宴致辞，表达了对主办方的感谢。 The honored guest gave remarks at the banquet, expressing thanks to the hosts.
3. 大使在招待会上的致辞赢得了全场热烈的掌声。 The ambassador’s remarks at the reception drew warm applause from the whole audience.

Usage Guide

Context: ceremonies, official events, banquets

Tone: ceremonial

Do Say

• 感谢您百忙之中前来致辞，为活动增添光彩。(Thank you for taking time from your busy schedule to deliver a speech and add brilliance to the event.)
• 请允许我代表全体员工向来宾致辞表示欢迎。(Please allow me to deliver an address on behalf of all employees to welcome our guests.)

Don't Say

• 他在朋友聚会上致辞 — too formal for casual gatherings; use 讲几句话 or 说两句

Origin & History

致 (deliver/express) + 辞 (words/speech)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal