请
qǐng
Please · trad. 請
请 (qǐng) is a versatile word in Mandarin Chinese, commonly used to make polite requests, give invitations, or offer something, much like “please” in English. It often precedes a verb to soften a command or make a suggestion.
What does 请 (qǐng) mean?
请 (qǐng) means “please” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “request / invite / ask.”
When to use it
Neutral and polite. It's appropriate in almost all situations. When asking a question, 请问 (qǐngwèn) is a very polite way to start. When inviting someone to do something or offering something, 请 is also used.
How to pronounce it
Sounds like “ching” with a rising tone (like asking a question).
Other ways to say it
- 请问qǐngwènexcuse me, may I ask (polite way to start a question)
- 请坐qǐngzuòplease sit
- 请进qǐngjìnplease come in
Examples
请给我一杯水。
qǐng gěi wǒ yì bēi shuǐ.
Please give me a glass of water.
请问，火车站怎么走？
qǐngwèn, huǒchēzhàn zěnme zǒu?
Excuse me, how do I get to the train station?
请坐，别客气。
qǐngzuò, bié kèqi.
Please sit, don't be shy.
Pro tip: Unlike English “please” which can be at the beginning or end of a sentence, 请 almost always comes *before* the verb in Chinese. It also means 'to invite' or 'to treat', as in 我请客 (wǒ qǐngkè), 'it's my treat'.
Related phrases
不好意思 · Excuse me对不起 · Sorry谢谢 · Thank you
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