dǎng jiǔ: 挡酒 - To Drink on Someone's Behalf, To Block a Drink

Keywords: dang jiu, 挡酒, drink on someone's behalf Chinese, Chinese drinking culture, taking a drink for someone, how to refuse a drink in China, Chinese banquet culture, jiuzhuo wenhua, 挡酒 meaning, blocking a drink for a boss

Summary: In Chinese culture, 挡酒 (dǎng jiǔ) is the important social act of intercepting and drinking an alcoholic beverage on behalf of someone else, typically a boss, client, or friend. This practice is a cornerstone of Chinese drinking culture (酒桌文化, jiǔzhuō wénhuà), often seen at business banquets and social gatherings. Understanding how to 挡酒 is crucial for navigating complex social dynamics, as it can be used to show loyalty, protect a superior, or simply care for a friend who cannot or should not drink more.

Pinyin (with tone marks): dǎng jiǔ

Part of Speech: Verb Phrase (functions as a verb)

HSK Level: N/A

Concise Definition: To block (intercept) and drink an alcoholic beverage intended for another person.

In a Nutshell: Imagine you're at a business dinner in China. A client keeps toasting your boss, who is starting to look unwell. You step forward, raise your glass, and say, “My boss can't drink anymore, I'll take this one for him!” That action is 挡酒. It's a strategic social move that translates to “blocking the alcohol.” It's a way to protect someone, show loyalty, and manage the social obligations of drinking without causing anyone to lose face.

挡 (dǎng): This character means “to block,” “to obstruct,” or “to ward off.” The left part is the hand radical (扌), indicating an action done with the hand. You can picture a hand physically stopping something.

酒 (jiǔ): This is the character for “alcohol,” “liquor,” or “wine.” The three dots on the left (氵) are the water radical, signifying a liquid.

Together, 挡酒 (dǎng jiǔ) literally and vividly means “to block the alcohol.” The characters combine to paint a clear picture of the action: physically stepping in to intercept a drink for someone else.

The World of 酒桌文化 (jiǔzhuō wénhuà - Banquet Culture): The concept of 挡酒 is inseparable from China's “banquet culture” or “drinking-table culture.” At many business dinners and formal gatherings, drinking is not just for fun; it's a ritual for building relationships (关系, guānxi), showing respect, and closing deals. Refusing a toast from a superior or a client can be seen as disrespectful and cause them to lose face (面子, miànzi). 挡酒 provides a clever solution to this dilemma. A subordinate can absorb the “hit,” allowing the senior person to maintain their health and sobriety while still honoring the social contract of the toast.

Western Comparison: “Taking One for the Team”: An English speaker might equate 挡酒 with “taking one for the team.” While there's a similarity in the spirit of sacrifice, the two concepts are culturally distinct. “Taking one for the team” is usually about sharing a general, unpleasant burden among equals. 挡酒, however, is almost always hierarchical or protective. It's not about sharing the burden of getting drunk; it's about a specific person (often lower in status) protecting another specific person (often higher in status or unable to drink). The act reinforces social structures rather than leveling them.

Business Banquets: This is the most common and high-stakes environment for 挡酒. A young employee with a high alcohol tolerance (酒量, jiǔliàng) who is skilled at 挡酒 can be seen as a valuable asset. It's a way to perform loyalty and prove one's commitment. A typical phrase would be, “王总, 您随意, 我替您干了！” (Wáng zǒng, nín suíyì, wǒ tì nín gān le! - Director Wang, please drink as you wish, I will drink this for you!).

Social and Family Gatherings: Among friends, 挡酒 is less about hierarchy and more about genuine care. If a friend is feeling sick, is a designated driver, or simply has a low alcohol tolerance, another friend might step in to 挡酒 for them when someone tries to pressure them to drink (劝酒, quàn jiǔ). A boyfriend might also 挡酒 for his girlfriend as a protective and caring gesture.

酒桌文化 (jiǔzhuō wénhuà) - The entire set of rituals and etiquette surrounding drinking at banquets; the environment where 挡酒 occurs.

敬酒 (jìng jiǔ) - To toast; to formally offer a drink to someone as a sign of respect. This action often triggers the need for 挡酒.

劝酒 (quàn jiǔ) - To urge or pressure someone to drink. This is the more aggressive version of toasting that makes 挡酒 a necessary defensive move.

拼酒 (pīn jiǔ) - To have a drinking competition; to see who can drink more. This is about rivalry, whereas 挡酒 is about protection.

干杯 (gān bēi) - “Cheers!” or literally, “dry glass.” The common conclusion to a toast.

酒量 (jiǔliàng) - Alcohol tolerance/capacity. A person with a large 酒量 is considered a valuable asset for 挡酒.

关系 (guānxi) - Social connections and relationships. 挡酒 is a powerful tool for building and strengthening 关系.

面子 (miànzi) - “Face”; social prestige and reputation. The entire ritual of toasting and 挡酒 is a delicate dance to give and save 面子 for everyone involved.