kèhù: 客户 - Customer, Client

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Summary: Discover the meaning of 客户 (kèhù), the essential Chinese word for “customer” or “client.” This page explores its use in business, sales, and service contexts, going beyond a simple translation to uncover the cultural importance of building relationships (`关系 guānxi`) with clients in modern China. Learn the crucial difference between 客户 (kèhù) and 顾客 (gùkè) to sound more like a native speaker.

Pinyin (with tone marks): kèhù

Part of Speech: Noun

HSK Level: HSK 4

Concise Definition: A customer or client; a person or organization that purchases goods or services.

In a Nutshell: 客户 (kèhù) is the standard, professional term for any “customer” or “client” with whom a business has a relationship. Think of it as the go-to word in any commercial setting, from a bank's account holder to a law firm's client, or a company's long-term buyer. It implies a more established connection than just a one-time shopper.

客 (kè): This character means “guest,” “visitor,” or “customer.” It pictures a person (人) under a roof (宀), signifying a visitor who has arrived at a place.

户 (hù): This character originally depicted a single-panel door and means “household,” “door,” or “account.” It represents a single, established unit.

When combined, 客户 (kèhù) literally translates to “guest household” or “guest account.” This perfectly captures the modern meaning: a guest who is formally registered or has an account with a business, making them a client or an established customer.

In Western business, the phrase “the customer is always right” often emphasizes transactional satisfaction. While service is important in China, the concept of 客户 (kèhù) is deeply intertwined with 关系 (guānxi), or long-term, trust-based relationships.

A 客户 (kèhù) is not just a source of revenue; they are a partner to be cultivated. Building a strong relationship with a 客户 (kèhù) often involves activities that might seem purely social in the West, such as elaborate dinners, gift-giving, and showing personal care. This is done to build trust and ensure long-term loyalty and cooperation.

Unlike the often clear-cut professional/personal divide in the West, the relationship with a key 客户 (kèhù) in China can blur these lines. A good business partner might also be considered a friend, and this mutual trust and understanding is seen as the foundation for successful, lasting business. Losing a 客户 (kèhù) can be seen not just as a loss of business, but as a failure in relationship management.

Business and Sales: This is the most common context. Sales teams discuss acquiring new 客户 (新客户), maintaining relationships with old ones (老客户), and managing client accounts. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software is called 客户关系管理 (kèhù guānxi guǎnlǐ).

Service Industries: Banks, law firms, consulting agencies, and IT companies all refer to their clients as 客户 (kèhù). It conveys a professional, ongoing service relationship.

Formality: 客户 (kèhù) is a neutral to formal term. While a street vendor might use a casual greeting, any established shop, company, or service provider will use 客户 (kèhù) in their internal and external communications. It's the standard, professional choice.

顾客 (gùkè) - A synonym meaning “customer,” but typically used for shoppers in retail and one-off transactions. Less formal than `客户`.

用户 (yònghù) - “User.” Specifically refers to the user of a product, service, app, or platform (e.g., “WeChat user”).

消费者 (xiāofèizhě) - “Consumer.” A more formal, economic term used in media, law, or academic contexts to refer to the general population of consumers.

老客户 (lǎo kèhù) - “Old/long-term customer.” A highly valued client with a long history with the company.

潜在客户 (qiánzài kèhù) - “Potential client” or “lead.” A person or company identified as a possible future customer.

客户服务 (kèhù fúwù) - “Customer service.” Often abbreviated to `客服 (kèfú)`.

关系 (guānxi) - The crucial concept of “relationship” or “network” that is essential for maintaining good standing with a `客户`.

订单 (dìngdān) - The “order” (for goods or services) that a `客户` places.

买家 (mǎijiā) - “Buyer.” A very direct term, often used on e-commerce platforms like Taobao.

当事人 (dāngshìrén) - “Party concerned” or “client” specifically in a legal case. A more technical term than `客户`.