‘拜见’ (bàijiàn) is a formal, respectful verb meaning ‘to pay respects to’ or ‘to call on’ someone of higher status—such as an elder, teacher, employer, or official. It combines 拜 (bài), which conveys reverence or ritual bowing, and 见 (jiàn), meaning ‘to see’ or ‘to meet’. Together, they emphasize the act of meeting with humility and proper etiquette, not just casual visiting. The word carries strong connotations of hierarchy, deference, and traditional courtesy.

This term is commonly used in contexts involving formal introductions, official appointments, or ceremonial visits—especially in workplaces, academic settings, or family rituals like meeting elders during festivals. It is rarely used for peers or subordinates; using it inappropriately (e.g., toward a friend) may sound stiff or ironically sarcastic. While historically rooted in Confucian values, it remains actively used in modern formal Chinese, particularly in written communication and professional speech.