noun HSK 4
Traditional 派對
party · social gathering
Meaning
派对 is a loanword from English 'party' that has been adapted into Mandarin using characters that approximate the sound. It refers to a social gathering or celebration, typically informal and festive in nature.
Usage
This is a modern, casual term commonly used among younger speakers and in urban settings. While 聚会 (jùhuì) is the traditional Chinese equivalent, 派对 carries a more Western, trendy feel and often implies a livelier, more entertainment-focused event like birthday parties, house parties, or themed celebrations.
Examples
- 01周末我们在家里举办了一个生日派对。.We hosted a birthday party at home over the weekend.
- 02你参加明天晚上的派对吗？?Are you attending the party tomorrow night?
Characters
Measure words
- 场一场派对
- 个一个派对
Common collocations
- 生日派对birthday party
- 举办派对to host a party
- 参加派对to attend a party
- 化装派对costume party
Origin
Borrowed from English 'party' in the 20th century. The characters 派对 were chosen purely for their phonetic value to approximate the English pronunciation, with no semantic connection to their original meanings.