‘聚餐’ literally means ‘to gather (聚) + meal (餐)’, and refers to a social meal where a group of people eat together—often informally, such as among friends, coworkers, or family. It emphasizes the collective, convivial aspect rather than just the food itself. Unlike formal banquets or business dinners, 聚餐 usually implies relaxed interaction, shared dishes, and a sense of camaraderie.

This term is commonly used in everyday speech and writing to describe casual group meals like office potlucks, holiday dinners with relatives, or weekend get-togethers. It can be scheduled (e.g., ‘我们周五聚餐’) or spontaneous (e.g., ‘临时决定去聚餐’). While it doesn’t specify cuisine or location, it often occurs at restaurants, homes, or shared workspaces. The word carries a warm, inclusive connotation—highlighting connection through eating, not just consumption.