赴宴 (fù yàn) literally means 'to go toward a banquet' — 赴 (fù) conveys the sense of proceeding to or attending an event, while 宴 (yàn) means 'banquet' or 'formal feast'. Together, they form a formal, written-style verb meaning 'to attend a banquet', often implying a social, ceremonial, or official occasion such as a wedding dinner, diplomatic reception, or corporate gala.

This term is more elevated than everyday alternatives like 参加宴会 (cānjiā yànhuì); it’s common in news reports, formal invitations, and literary contexts. It emphasizes purposeful, respectful participation — not just showing up, but fulfilling a social or professional obligation. While it can be used for any banquet, it rarely appears in casual speech among friends; native speakers usually opt for simpler verbs like 去吃饭 (qù chīfàn) or 出席宴会 (chūxí yànhuì) depending on register and nuance.