各位 (gè wèi) is a polite, collective noun meaning 'everyone' or 'ladies and gentlemen' — used to address a group respectfully. It combines 各 (gè), meaning 'each' or 'every', and 位 (wèi), an honorific measure word for people (like 'a distinguished person'). Together, they literally mean 'each esteemed person', conveying deference and inclusivity.

This term is common in formal or semi-formal spoken Chinese: announcements, speeches, meetings, emails, or public notices. It’s never used in casual conversation among friends or family — there, you’d say 大家 (dàjiā) instead. 各位 always precedes verbs or nouns directly (e.g., 各位好, 各位请坐), and it carries no plural marker since it’s inherently plural and honorific. It’s gender-neutral and appropriate for mixed or unknown audiences.