您请

nín qǐng
Meaning: please (deferential invitation)

📚 Word Explanation

您请 (nín qǐng)

您请 (nín qǐng) is a polite, deferential expression used to invite or encourage someone to go ahead, take something, speak, or begin an action. It combines 您 (nín), the respectful form of 'you', and 请 (qǐng), meaning 'please' or 'to invite'. Together, they convey warm, formal courtesy — stronger and more personal than just 请 alone. It’s commonly used in service contexts (e.g., restaurants, shops), when offering something, or when yielding precedence (e.g., entering a door first).

This phrase reflects Chinese cultural values of humility and respect toward others. It’s not used for self-reference or with close friends/family in casual settings; doing so may sound overly stiff or insincere. Tone and context matter: said with a smile and slight bow or gesture, it feels genuine and hospitable; said flatly, it can sound perfunctory or even ironic.

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