Chinese · Greetings & Phrases
请
Qǐng
Please
Beginnerverb
Definition
Used to make polite requests or invite someone to do something.
Example
请坐,请喝茶。
Please sit down, please have some tea.
Etymology
'请' (Qǐng) means 'please' and originates from a root meaning to 'invite' or 'request' in a courteous manner, reflecting the Chinese cultural emphasis on politeness.
How & Where It’s Used
'请' is used in both spoken and written forms across various settings, ranging from formal to informal requests.