请客 qǐngkè to give a dinner party
to give a dinner party; to entertain guests; to invite to dinner
How to remember 请客: 请 please + 客 guest = to give a dinner party.
Characters
How it is used
- To treat someone / pick up the bill - 今天我请客 (jīntiān wǒ qǐngkè) today it's on me.
- Verb-object, so it splits: 请了一次客 (qǐng le yí cì kè) treated once. It's the social act of hosting/paying, culturally significant in China.
- Don't confuse with 请 (qǐng) 'please' or 客气 (kèqi) 'polite'; 请客 specifically is footing the bill for others.
Example sentences
- 晚饭我请客。 Wǎnfàn wǒ qǐngkè.I'll treat you to dinner.
- 今天是我请客。 Jīntiān shì wǒ qǐngkè.Today is my treat.