Word Explanation
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.
Example Sentences
Related Words
见面
见面 literally means 'see face' — combining 见 (t
背后
背后 literally means 'back + behind' and functions
中学
'Zhōngxué' literally combines 'zhōng' (middle)
面条
‘面条’ (miàn tiáo) literally means ‘flour str
后来
Later (hòulái) is an adverb meaning 'afterwards'
我的
我的 (wǒ de) is a possessive pronoun meaning 'my'
这么
这么 (zhè me) is an adverb meaning 'so' or 'this
前面
前面 (qián miàn) literally combines 前 (qián, '