Chinese Idiom: 宾至如归 (Bin Zhi Ru Gui)
English Translation: Guests Feel at Home
pīn yīn: bīn zhì rú guī
Idiom Meaning: Describes sincere, warm, and thoughtful hospitality that makes guests feel at home.
Historical Source: This idiom comes from Zuo Zhuan (《左传》), specifically from the 31st year of Duke Xiang of Lu.
Idiom Story:
In 542 BCE, during the 31st year of Duke Xiang’s reign in Lu, Duke Xiang died in a palace built in the style of the State of Chu. In the same month, a minister from Zheng named Zi Chan, who assisted Duke Jian of Zheng, visited the powerful State of Jin.
At that time, Duke Ping of Jin, seeking to assert his dominance as the overlord, refused to meet with Zi Chan and Duke Jian under the pretext of mourning Duke Xiang’s death. In response, Zi Chan ordered his attendants to demolish the walls of the Jin guesthouse to facilitate their entry for the meeting.
This act prompted a respectful admonishment from Shi Wenbo, the Minister of Works in Jin, who expressed concern for the safety of guests. He explained that the Jin guesthouse was well-fortified to protect visitors from potential dangers, and the high walls and sturdy gates were essential for ensuring their security.
Zi Chan defended his actions, stating that Zheng, being a small state, was under constant pressure to provide tributes to larger states without a fixed schedule. Because of this, they felt they could not afford to remain idle and were compelled to bring their offerings for fear of penalties. He noted that the former Duke Wen of Jin, despite his humble palace, had ensured that the guesthouse for visiting lords was grand and well-maintained. Guests were treated with such care that their experiences felt like returning home, free from worries about safety or the elements.
The exchange highlighted the stark contrast between the poor conditions for visiting lords and the luxurious accommodations they should receive. Ultimately, Zi Chan’s reasoning led to an acknowledgment of the importance of hospitality and the need for the Jin state to restore their guesthouse to ensure that guests felt welcomed and secure.
Following this dialogue, Duke Ping recognized the merit in Zi Chan’s words. He reported the incident to his court and subsequently offered a formal apology to the Zheng delegation, ensuring that the guesthouse would be renovated to provide the necessary comfort and safety for visitors.
From this event, the idiom “宾至如归” emerged, encapsulating the essence of warm and sincere hospitality that makes guests feel as if they have returned to their own home.
