Understanding "请" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 请
• Pinyin: qǐng
• Literal Meaning: "to request" or "to invite"
• Primary Meaning: "Please" (used to make polite requests or invitations)

2. In-depth Explanation

• Context and Usage:
  "请" is one of the most common polite expressions in Chinese. It is used to soften requests, making them sound more courteous. It can also mean "to invite" someone, such as to a meal or event. Unlike English, where "please" is often optional, "请" is frequently used in Chinese to maintain politeness in formal and informal situations.

Nuances:
- When making a request: "请 + verb" (e.g., 请坐 qǐng zuò – "Please sit").
- When inviting someone: "请 + person" (e.g., 请你们 qǐng nǐmen – "I invite you all").
- In formal settings, it’s often paired with other polite phrases like 请问 (qǐng wèn – "May I ask...").

• Character Breakdown:
  The character 请 consists of two parts:
• 讠(yán): The "speech" radical, indicating it’s related to language or communication.
• 青 (qīng): Originally meant "blue/green," but here it serves as a phonetic component.

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 请进。
   Pinyin: Qǐng jìn.
   English: Please come in.

2. Chinese: 请问，厕所在哪里？
   Pinyin: Qǐng wèn, cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ?
   English: Excuse me, where is the restroom?

3. Chinese: 我请你吃饭。
   Pinyin: Wǒ qǐng nǐ chīfàn.
   English: I’ll treat you to a meal. (Literally: "I invite you to eat.")

Cultural Notes

• Politeness is highly valued in Chinese culture, and "请" is essential for showing respect.
• In formal situations (e.g., business or with elders), omitting "请" can seem rude.
• When inviting someone, saying "我请你" (wǒ qǐng nǐ – "My treat") is a common way to show generosity.

Conclusion

"请" (qǐng) is a versatile and polite word used for requests and invitations. Remember to use it often to sound courteous in Chinese! Practice with phrases like 请坐 (qǐng zuò) or 请问 (qǐng wèn) to master its usage.