The word 招待 is formed by combining two characters, each contributing a core action to create a holistic concept. The first character, 招, depicts a hand (扌) beckoning or summoning (召), conveying the act of inviting or calling someone over. The second, 待, shows a person (彳, a form of 行) standing at a temple or court (寺), representing the idea of waiting upon, attending to, or treating someone. Together, they sequentially illustrate the complete social ritual of first beckoning someone to come and then attending to their needs, perfectly encapsulating the meaning of "to receive (guests)" or "to entertain".