請 (qǐng) - Please — used to make polite requests & to invite

請Tone 3

qǐng ｜ 15 strokes ｜ radical:

情仁

請 · qǐng

Please — used to make polite requests;

to invite;

to request;

also used as an honorific in certain contexts.

Please — used to make polite requeststo inviteto request

Usage highlights

Please come inPlease sit downMay I askInvitationRequestPlease wait

Synonyms

  • 邀— to invite
  • 求— to beg, request

Antonyms

  • 拒— to refuse, reject
  • 辞— to decline, resign

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • Please come in (请进).
  • I invite you to sit down (请坐).
  • May I ask a question? (请问).
  • Please wait a moment (请稍等).

Collocations

  • Please come in(请进)
  • Please sit down(请坐)
  • May I ask(请问)
  • Invitation(邀请)
  • Request(请求)
  • Please wait(请稍等)

Idioms

  • To request instructions(请示)
  • To invite guests(请客)
  • To request leave(请假)
  • To request a favor(请托)
  • To request punishment(请罪)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Reflects Chinese emphasis on politeness and proper social etiquette in communication.
  • Frequently used in service contexts and formal situations to show respect.
  • The character combines 'speech' (讠) with 'green/blue' (青), suggesting refined speech.

FAQ