‘请柬’ (qǐng jiǎn) is a formal noun meaning ‘invitation’—specifically, a printed or handwritten document used to formally request someone’s presence at an important event such as a wedding, graduation ceremony, or official banquet. The first character, 请 (qǐng), means ‘to invite’ or ‘to request’, and carries connotations of politeness and respect. The second character, 柬 (jiǎn), is an archaic word for ‘letter’ or ‘written notice’, lending formality and elegance to the compound.

This term is reserved for solemn or celebratory occasions where protocol matters; it is not used for casual get-togethers or verbal invitations. In modern usage, 请柬 often implies physical stationery—though digital versions (e.g., e-invitations styled like traditional 请柬) are increasingly accepted. It contrasts with more neutral terms like 邀请 (yāo qǐng, ‘invitation’ as an action) or informal words like 邀请函 (yāo qǐng hàn, ‘invitation letter’), which lack the same cultural weight and ceremonial nuance.