Everyday Chinese: Lesson 17 At a Banquet

Dialogues

In Chinese we say "nin2 xian1 qing3", similar meaning to "after you", but this expression also can be used under more circumstances. At a banquet when you say "nin2 xian1 qing3", it means you would like to let the ladies or other persons take food from the plate first. Nin2 is the polite form of ni3. Generally speaking "nin2" is a pronoun used by younger generation to the elders and superiors, or by the host to the guest, showing their respects. xian1, 3, please. nin2 xian1 qing3, after you.

What would be the suitable response to "nin2 xian1 qing3"? you can say: bie2 zhe4me ke4qi. bie2, don'4me, so or like this. ke4qi, polite. Bie2 zhe4me ke4qi! Don't stand on ceremony!　

There are many toasts to give on a banquet. Like this one: Let's toast to our successful cooperation! In Chinese it's: Wei4 wo3men de he2zuo4 cheng2gong1 gan1bei1! Wei4, is a prepositon. Here it means "for".wo3men de, our. he2zuo4, cooperation. cheng2gong1, success. gan1 bei1, cheers. Wei4 wo3men de he2zuo4 cheng2gong1 gan1bei1! Let's toast to our successful cooperation!

wei4, for.
da4jia1 de, all, everyone.
shen1ti3, body.
jian4kang1, health.
gan1bei1, bottom up!
wei4 da4jia1 de shen1ti3 jian4kang1 gan1bei1! Let's drink a toast to our good.　

Before leaving the banquet you need to thank host for their hospitality. In Chinese can say: Gan3xie4 ni3men de re4qing2 kuan3dai4. Gan3xie4, 3men de, 4qing2, warmly. kuan3dai4, treat cordially. Gan3xie4 ni3men de re4qing2 kuan3dai4. Thank you for your hospitality!