Catch Phrase | 伴手礼（bànshǒulǐ）

Meaning:

“伴” means “accompanying,” “手” means “hand,” and “礼” means “gift.” A saying first used by Taiwanese people, this term refers to “souvenirs.” As Chinese people traditionally underscore the importance of social relationships, they would often bring with them a gift like snacks or wines when visiting friends and relatives. They would also buy souvenirs for friends, relatives and co-workers after returning from a holiday trip. The souvenirs, not necessarily expensive, are often specialties produced in the tour destinations.

Example:

A: 五一假期去哪里玩了？

Wǔyī jiàqī qù nǎlǐ wán le？

Where did you travel to during the May Day holiday?

B: 我去福建了。对了，我还给你带了点当地茶叶作伴手礼。

Wǒ qù fújiàn le。Duìle，wǒ hái gěi nǐ dài le diǎn dāngdì cháyè zuò bànshǒulǐ。

I went to Fujian Province. I bought some local tea as a souvenir for you.

A: 谢谢，你太客气了。

Xièxie，nǐ tài kèqì le。

Thank you for the trouble.