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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.
Strokes11Frequency#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.
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.
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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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.
When to use 客人
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'.
客人 or something close to it
顾客 (gùkè) — use '客人' for a guest in a hospitality context, while '顾客' is specific to customers in a commercial setting.
What learners get wrong
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.
Write 客人
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 have three guests coming over for dinner tonight.
13
客人到了，请给他们倒茶。
Kèrén dào le, qǐng gěi tāmen dào chá.
The guests have arrived, please pour them some tea.
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Cultural Notes for 客人
🌏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.
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