来賓(らいひん)

らいひん
noun
guest of honor; VIP guest; invited guest
1. guest of honor; VIP guest; invited guest
A formally invited guest at a ceremony, reception, or official event — especially one whose status warrants special acknowledgment. Used in announcements, programs, and seating arrangements at weddings, graduations, and official functions.
来賓(らいひん)席(せき)にご案内(あんない)します。
I'll show you to the VIP seats.
式(しき)には多(おお)くの来賓(らいひん)が出席(しゅっせき)した。
Many honored guests attended the ceremony.
市長(しちょう)が来賓(らいひん)代表(だいひょう)として祝辞(しゅくじ)を述(の)べた。
The mayor gave the congratulatory address as a representative of the honored guests.

Compound of 来(らい) (come) + 賓(ひん) (guest). Refers specifically to formally invited guests at ceremonies and official events; not used for ordinary visitors.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 来賓(らいひん)席(せき): seats for honored guests
  • 来賓(らいひん)代表(だいひょう): representative of the honored guests
  • 来賓(らいひん)挨拶(あいさつ): address by an honored guest
  • ご来賓(らいひん): honored guests (with the polite prefix; standard in announcements)

USAGE:
The polite form ご来賓(らいひん) is used when addressing or referring to guests in formal speech (e.g., school graduations, weddings, conferences).

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 貴賓(きひん): distinguished guest — even higher status, often royalty or heads of state
  • 招待客(しょうたいきゃく): invited guest — broader, includes ordinary invitees
  • ゲスト: guest — generic English loanword, more casual
general
Added 2026.6.2 12:09
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