拜访 (bàifǎng) is a formal verb meaning 'to pay a visit'—typically to someone’s home, office, or institution, often with respect, courtesy, or a specific purpose such as greeting, consultation, or official business. The first character 拜 (bài) conveys reverence or ritual action (as in 拜年 'to pay New Year respects'), while 访 (fǎng) means 'to visit' or 'to inquire', emphasizing intentional seeking. Together, they form a compound that stresses the polite, purposeful, and socially conscious nature of the visit—not casual or spontaneous.

This word is commonly used in professional, diplomatic, academic, or familial contexts where etiquette matters: visiting elders, meeting clients, touring institutions, or attending ceremonies. It implies prior arrangement and mutual recognition, distinguishing it from more neutral terms like 去… (qù…) or simpler verbs like 见 (jiàn). 拜访 is rarely used for brief, informal drop-bys or visits to public places without a host.