In Chinese culture, inviting someone to your home is a significant gesture of warmth, respect, and friendship. The act of 做客 (zuòkè) is central to building and maintaining relationships (关系, guānxi). Unlike the casual “dropping by” common in some Western cultures, 做客 is typically a planned event. The host (主人, zhǔrén) is expected to be hospitable (好客, hàokè), often preparing an abundance of food and making the guest feel as comfortable and honored as possible. This is a way for the host to show “face” (面子, miànzi) by demonstrating their generosity and capability. For the guest, the role also comes with expectations. It is customary to bring a small gift (礼物, lǐwù), such as fruit, tea, or a specialty from one's hometown. During the visit, the guest should be gracious, complimentary of the food and home, and engage warmly with the host's family. This reciprocal act of politeness strengthens the social bond. 做客 is therefore a dance of mutual respect and warmth that reinforces social harmony.
做客 (zuòkè) is a common and warm term used in everyday life.