Meaning
请问 is a polite formula used to get someone's attention before asking a question or requesting information. It literally means 'please ask' and functions as 'excuse me' or 'may I ask' in English. This is one of the most basic and essential polite expressions in Mandarin Chinese.
Usage
请问 is extremely common in everyday conversation and is used by people of all ages and social levels. It typically appears at the beginning of a sentence before asking for directions, information, or help. Native speakers use it to show respect and politeness, especially when addressing strangers, elders, or people in service positions. It's considered basic courtesy in formal and informal settings alike.
Examples
- 01请问，去火车站怎么走？, ?Excuse me, how do I get to the train station?
- 02请问，现在几点了？, ?Excuse me, what time is it now?
Characters
Common collocations
- 请问一下excuse me (softened with 一下)
- 请问您excuse me, sir/madam (formal)
- 请问...在哪儿...excuse me, where is...
- 请问...怎么走...excuse me, how do I get to...
Origin
请 originally meant 'to invite' or 'to request' and 问 means 'to ask' or 'to inquire'. Together they form a polite request for permission to ask a question.