qǐng

to invite; please

HSK Level 1

Example Sentences

请坐。

qǐng zuò.

Please sit down.

请进。

qǐng jìn.

Please come in.

请喝茶。

qǐng hē chá.

Please have some tea.

Synonyms

请求 (qǐngqiú)

request

邀请 (yāoqǐng)

invite

恳请 (kěnqǐng)

beg

Antonyms

(jù)

refuse

(wù)

don't

Start Learning with HSK Tracker

Track your progress, master characters, and achieve your Chinese language goals.

Get Started Free
HSK Tracker Preview

Etymology & Components

The Chinese character 请 (qǐng) is composed of two parts: 讠 (yán), which indicates that it is related to speech, and 青 (qīng), which means "green" or "blue". The combination of these two components suggests the idea of "inviting someone in a polite and respectful manner". The character 请 has been used in Chinese for thousands of years, and its meaning has remained largely consistent. It is commonly used as a verb, meaning "to invite", "to request", or "to ask for something politely". For example, you can say 请问 (qǐngwèn) to ask a question, or 请坐 (qǐngzuò) to invite someone to sit down.In addition to its literal meaning, 请 can also be used in a more figurative sense to express gratitude or appreciation. For example, you can say 谢谢你的帮助,请 (xièxie nǐ de bāngzhù, qǐng) to thank someone for their help.The character 请 is an important part of Chinese vocabulary, and it is essential for learners of the language to understand its meaning and usage. By understanding the etymology of 请, learners can gain a deeper appreciation for the richness and complexity of the Chinese language.