Meaning:

guest

Origin:

甲骨文“宾”字像一个人从外面走进屋子里来的情状，有的字形还有足的形状。金文加上“贝”，表示带来礼物的就是宾客。

On oracle bone inscriptions, “宾” looks like a person walking inside from outdoors; in some instances it even includes the shape of a foot. On ancient Chinese bronzes, a “贝” was added, which means that the person who brings a gift is a guest.

Words:

   宾至如归 (bīnzhìrúguī): to make guests feel at home.

   外宾  (wàibīn): foreign guest

   贵宾  (guìbīn): VIP, distinguished guest

   宾馆  (bīnguǎn): hotel

   宾客  (bīnkè): guest

Examples:

1. 学校附近只有一家宾馆。

    Xuéxiào fùjìn zhǐyǒu yì jiā bīnguǎ

   There is only one hotel near the school.

2. 王先生是这次活动的贵宾。

   Wáng xiānsheng shì zhècì huódòng de guìbīn

   Mr. Wang is one of the program’s distinguished guests.