‘宴会’ (yàn huì) is a formal noun meaning 'banquet' — a large, elaborate meal held to celebrate a special occasion, honor guests, or mark an important event. The first character 宴 (yàn) means 'feast' or 'to entertain with food and drink', while 会 (huì) means 'gathering' or 'assembly'. Together, they emphasize both the culinary and social aspects: it’s not just eating, but a planned, dignified gathering where hospitality, etiquette, and ceremony matter.

This word is commonly used for events like wedding banquets, diplomatic receptions, corporate year-end dinners, or state banquets. It carries a tone of formality and significance — you wouldn’t use it for a casual dinner with friends (that would be 聚餐 or 吃饭). In Chinese culture, banquets often reflect social hierarchy, relationship-building (guānxi), and respect, with careful attention to seating order, toasting rituals, and multi-course meals served in sequence.