Hosting in Chinese culture often starts with tea. The language around it is practical, polite, and full of small signals that make guests feel welcome. When you learn these phrases, you are not just memorizing vocabulary; you are learning the rhythm of hospitality and respect.

Tea is a quiet way of saying “you are welcome here.” The host offers, the guest declines once, the host insists, and the guest accepts. That little ritual is a soft dance of politeness. Knowing the words helps you understand the tone.

Helpful hosting phrases

• 请坐 (qǐng zuò) — please have a seat.
• 喝点什么? (hē diǎn shénme?) — would you like something to drink?
• 别客气 (bié kèqi) — don’t be formal.

Use these phrases in short role-play drills. Imagine greeting a friend, offering tea, and asking if they need anything else.

Listen for softeners

In conversation you will often hear softeners like “要不要” (yào bu yào, want or not) or “可以吗” (kěyǐ ma, is it okay). These soften requests and make offers feel warmer. Add a few of these to your deck alongside the hosting phrases.

Practice with real scenes

Watch a short clip from a drama or variety show where guests arrive at a home. Pause and repeat the hosting lines. The phrasing is simple, but the cadence is what makes it feel natural. Practice the cadence first, then the words.

Once you are comfortable, try using these phrases when you meet Chinese-speaking friends. Small moments of hospitality are where language feels most alive.