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verb HSK 6
Traditional 謁見
yè jiàn
to have an audience with · to pay a formal visit to · to call on (a superior)

Meaning

谒见 is a formal, literary verb meaning to visit or meet someone of higher status or authority in an official capacity. It carries connotations of respect and formality, traditionally used when meeting emperors, high officials, or dignitaries. In modern usage, it appears primarily in formal writing, historical contexts, or diplomatic situations.

Usage

This is a highly formal term rarely used in everyday conversation. Native speakers typically use it in written historical texts, formal news reports about diplomatic meetings, or when describing ceremonial visits to leaders. In casual conversation, people would use 见面 (jiàn miàn) or 拜访 (bài fǎng) instead.

Examples

  1. 01
    使臣谒见了国王，呈上国书。
    Shǐ chén yè jiàn le guó wáng, chéng shàng guó shū.
    The envoy had an audience with the king and presented the credentials.
  2. 02
    大臣们排队等候谒见皇上。
    Dà chén men pái duì děng hòu yè jiàn huáng shàng.
    The ministers lined up waiting for their audience with the emperor.

Characters

Measure words

  • 次cì谒见一次

Common collocations

  • 谒见皇帝
    yè jiàn huáng dì
    to have an audience with the emperor
  • 谒见教皇
    yè jiàn jiào huáng
    to have an audience with the Pope
  • 前来谒见
    qián lái yè jiàn
    to come for a formal visit

Origin

谒 originally meant to formally announce oneself before meeting a superior, while 见 means to see or meet. Together, they form a compound emphasizing the formal, respectful nature of such meetings in traditional Chinese hierarchical society.

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