你先请
nǐ xiān qǐng
After you · trad. 你先請
你先请 (Nǐ xiān qǐng) is a polite phrase meaning "After you" or "Please go first." Speakers use it to show courtesy, often when holding a door open or indicating someone should proceed before them.
What does 你先请 (nǐ xiān qǐng) mean?
你先请 (nǐ xiān qǐng) means “after you” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “You first please.”
When to use it
Polite and common. It's suitable for most situations where you want to offer someone to go first. A more formal way to say "please" is 请 (qǐng) on its own, but for "after you," 你先请 is standard. When someone says it to you, a simple 谢谢 (xièxie) is a good reply.
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “nee-SYEN-ching.” The first syllable has a dipping tone, the second is a high-level tone, and the third is a falling-rising tone.
Other ways to say it
- 您先请nín xiān qǐngafter you (more polite/formal)
- 您请nín qǐngplease (general polite request)
- 你请nǐ qǐngyou please (slightly less formal)
Examples
你先请，我来开门。
nǐ xiān qǐng, wǒ lái kāimén.
After you, I'll open the door.
女士们，请。
nǚshìmen, qǐng.
Ladies, after you.
请进，你先请。
qǐngjìn, nǐ xiān qǐng.
Please come in, after you.
Pro tip: Remember that 先 (xiān) means "first" and 请 (qǐng) means "please" or "invite." The phrase literally means "you first, please."
Related phrases
还行 · It's alright听我说 · Listen to me有空常来 · Come by whenever you're free
Want to speak Chinese for real?
Start a free lesson with a native teacher →
Start a free lesson with a native teacher →