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March 24, 2026
客人kèrén(ke4ren2)
The term '客人' (kèrén) refers to a visitor, guest, or customer. It is commonly used in contexts such as hospitality, shopping, or any situation where someone is being received. The nuance often implies a sense of respect and welcome towards the person being addressed.
Frequency#1438DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, hospitality is highly valued, and treating '客人' well reflects one's upbringing and respect for others. It is common to offer food and drink to guests as a sign of honor.
Memory Tip
Imagine a '客人' (kèrén) arriving at a fancy restaurant. The character '客' (kè) resembles a person walking through a door, while '人' (rén) means 'person'. Together, think of a guest entering a space, highlighting the welcoming nature of the word.
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AI Study Notes for 客人
Quick Contrast
顾客 (gùkè) — use '客人' for a guest in a hospitality context, while '顾客' is specific to customers in a commercial setting.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a '客人' (kèrén) arriving at a fancy restaurant. The character '客' (kè) resembles a person walking through a door, while '人' (rén) means 'person'. Together, think of a guest entering a space, highlighting the welcoming nature of the word.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse '客人' with '朋友' (péngyǒu), which means 'friend'. '客人' is more formal and often used in service contexts. Common collocations include '招待客人' (zhāodài kèrén) meaning 'to entertain guests'.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 3 word, '客人' connects with other terms related to people and social interactions. Focus on using it in sentences about hospitality or services to solidify its application.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, hospitality is highly valued, and treating '客人' well reflects one's upbringing and respect for others. It is common to offer food and drink to guests as a sign of honor.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '客人' with '客户' (kèhù), which specifically means 'client'. Remember, '客人' is broader and includes general visitors. For example, saying '我今天有很多客户' (wǒ jīntiān yǒu hěn duō kèhù) is incorrect if referring to guests at a party; use '客人' instead.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 客人
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Grammar Patterns of 客人
客人 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
We must make the two bedrooms ready for our visitors.
7
给客人准备的起居室已经整理好了.
gěi kè rén zhǔn bèi de qǐ jū shì yǐ jīng zhěng lǐ hǎo le.
The living room was squared away for the guests.
8
你所控制的这些人不是客人，而是人质。
nǐ suǒ kòng zhì de zhè xiē rén bù shì kè rén， ， ér shì rén。
The people in your grasp are not guests, they are hostages.
9
多数客人至少去过一次城里。
duō shù kè rén zhì shǎo qù guò yī cì chéng lǐ。
Most guests make at least one foray into the town.
10
在客人们鱼贯进入餐厅之前，她核实了一遍座位安排。
zài kè rén mén yú guàn jìn rù cān tīng zhī qián， ， tā hé shí le yī biàn zuò wèi ān。
She checked the seating arrangements before the guests filed into the dining-room.
Cultural Notes for 客人
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, hospitality is highly valued, and treating '客人' well reflects one's upbringing and respect for others. It is common to offer food and drink to guests as a sign of honor.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western cultures, the term 'guest' may imply a more casual relationship, whereas in Chinese culture, it often carries a deeper sense of duty and respect.
Frequently Asked Questions about 客人
You can say '欢迎客人' (huānyíng kèrén), which means 'Welcome, guests'.
Yes, '客人' can refer to any visitor or guest, not just customers.
'客人' is generally formal and used in polite contexts.
