HSK · Level 116
45 words
Chinese word
应酬
Pronunciation
Pinyinyìng chóu
Meaning
- nounsocial engagements
Example
这周公司有很多应酬，我很忙。zhè zhōu gōng sī yǒu hěn duō yìng chóu wǒ hěn máng
The company has a lot of social engagements this week, so I am busy.
More examples
为了维护关系，他经常要参加应酬。wèi le wéi hù guān xì tā jīng cháng yào cān jiā yìng chóu
To maintain relationships, he often has to attend social engagements.
Core concept
It is a cycle of polite give-and-take that maintains a relationship through hosted meals, courteous talk, and other social duties.
Common phrases
参加应酬cān jiā yìng chóu
attend social engagements
应酬饭局yìng chóu fàn jú
social dinner
应酬场合yìng chóu chǎng hé
social occasion
Similar words
社交shè jiāo: Friendly social activity that helps people get to know one another.
交际jiāo jì: Social contact and communication that builds ties with others.
接待jiē dài: Welcoming guests and providing them with care and attention.
客套kè tào: Surface-level politeness shown through formal words or manners.
Definition in Chinese
在社交或工作场合中，为了维持关系而进行的礼节性交往活动，通常包括宴请、寒暄和客套，常带有应付性质。zài shè jiāo huò gōng zuò chǎng hé zhōng wèi le wéi chí guān xì ér jìn xíng de lǐ jié xìng jiāo wǎng huó dòng tōng cháng bāo kuò yàn qǐng hán xuān hé kè tào cháng dài yǒu yìng fù xìng zhì
Word origin
应 (yìng, "respond") + 酬 (chóu, "repay") evokes answering another person's courtesy with food, drink, or a return favor, which developed into the idea of relationship-maintaining social obligations.
Usage tips
- English speakers may picture relaxed friendship, while this word often points to required professional politeness and the time pressure of maintaining a working relationship.
Other meanings
- socializingnoun
- entertainingnoun