Dinner party etiquette
Neutral Polite
What it really means
The basics: arrive 5-15 minutes after the stated time with a small gift, offer to help (they'll say no), compliment the food, and stay for a while after eating — leaving straight after dessert seems abrupt. Offer to help wash up; the host will refuse, but the offer matters. A thank-you message the next day completes it.
Chinese explanation
基本要点：比约定时间晚5-15分钟到，带件小礼物；主动提出帮忙（对方会拒绝）；称赞饭菜；饭后多留一会儿——一吃完甜点就走显得太仓促。主动提出帮忙洗碗，主人会拒绝，但这份提议很重要。第二天发条感谢消息就圆满了。
Example conversation
A: That was delicious. Let me help with the washing-up.
B: Absolutely not, you're a guest! Sit down and have more wine.
A: Well, if you insist.
A：太好吃了。我来帮忙洗碗吧。
B：绝对不行，你是客人！坐下再喝点酒。
A：那……恭敬不如从命。
What you could say back
Related phrases
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· Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake