Using 向……致以…… for Formal Greetings and Wishes

Form and meaning

The frame is 向 + recipient + 致以 + expression. The fixed words are 向, which points toward the person or group receiving the message, and 致以, a formal verb meaning to extend or convey an expression. Put the recipient after 向 and before 致以. Put the greeting, respect, thanks, or wish after 致以. The whole frame means that the speaker formally extends that expression to the named recipient.

• The recipient slot can name a person, group, audience, organization, or people defined by their role or contribution. It may be expanded with a descriptive phrase.
• The expression slot is commonly a noun phrase such as a welcome, respect, thanks, or good wishes. Modifiers can make the sentiment more precise, as in a sincere welcome or heartfelt thanks.
• 致以 is fixed in this pattern. Do not place the sentiment before it or treat the two slots as interchangeable.

Examples in context

The first example welcomes an audience in a speech or formal message. The second directs respect to people whose work merits recognition. The third thanks project partners for sustained support. The fourth uses a conventional seasonal wish. In each case, the recipient is clear and the expression is something that can naturally be conveyed to that recipient.

Pragmatic force and register

致以 gives the statement a ceremonious, respectful tone. The frame is especially natural in speeches, formal letters, public statements, announcements, and messages for occasions such as a welcome, commemoration, or New Year. It helps the speaker present a sentiment as a deliberate formal gesture. This can sound overly solemn in casual conversation among friends; ordinary wording is usually more natural there.

A useful contrast

Compare 谢谢大家 (“thank you, everyone”) with 向大家致以衷心的感谢 (“extend heartfelt thanks to everyone”). Both perform thanks. The second presents them as a formal gesture directed to an audience, suitable for prepared remarks or formal correspondence. The first is a natural everyday alternative, not an incorrect version of the formal frame.

The supplied outline places this item under fixed formats at HSK levels 7–9. That identifies this lesson’s scope and level only; it does not establish which exam version any test center currently administers.

Choose a fitting expression

Useful expressions include 衷心的感谢 (heartfelt thanks), 崇高的敬意 (deep respect), 诚挚的问候 (sincere greetings), and 美好的祝愿 (good wishes). Choose a conventional expression for the occasion rather than inserting any noun after 致以.

The recipient and expression are different roles: 向各位来宾 names the people addressed, while 致以诚挚的欢迎 states the formal welcome. A long recipient phrase still belongs between 向 and 致以.

For physical gifts, use an appropriate giving verb instead: 我送给他一本书. 致以 is not a general replacement for 送给. This difference concerns the kind of expression conveyed, as well as the formal tone.

Frequently asked questions