我请客
wǒ qǐngkè
My treat · trad. 我請客
我请客 (wǒ qǐngkè) means "my treat" or "I'm paying." It's a common phrase used when you want to offer to cover the cost of a meal or an outing for others.
What does 我请客 (wǒ qǐngkè) mean?
我请客 (wǒ qǐngkè) means “my treat” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “I treat guests.”
When to use it
Neutral and friendly. It's common for friends to "fight" over the bill in China, so expect some polite resistance when you offer. You might hear "别客气" (bié kèqi, don't be shy/no need to be polite) in response.
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “waw CHING-kuh.” The first two syllables are dipping tones, and the last is a sharp falling tone.
Other ways to say it
- 请客qǐngkèto treat (someone)
- 我来付wǒ lái fùI'll pay
- 我来买单wǒ lái mǎidānI'll pay the bill
Examples
今天我请客，大家随便点。
jīntiān wǒ qǐngkè, dàjiā suíbiàn diǎn.
Today is my treat, everyone order whatever you like.
你帮了我这么多，这顿饭我请客！
nǐ bāngle wǒ zhème duō, zhè dùn fàn wǒ qǐngkè!
You've helped me so much, this meal is my treat!
下次轮到我请客了。
xià cì lúndào wǒ qǐngkè le.
Next time it's my turn to treat.
Pro tip: In China, it's common for friends to politely "fight" over who pays the bill, so be prepared for a friendly struggle when offering "我请客."
Related phrases
多吃点 · Eat a little more一起吃吧 · Let's eat togetherAA制吧 · Let's split the bill
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