请问

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请问 [2025/08/04 00:31] – created xiaoer请问 [Unknown date] (current) – removed - external edit (Unknown date) 127.0.0.1
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-====== qǐngwèn: 请问 - Excuse me, may I ask... ====== +
-===== Quick Summary ===== +
-  * **Keywords:** qingwen, 请问, how to ask a question in Chinese, excuse me in Chinese, polite Chinese phrases, may I ask, asking for directions in Chinese, Mandarin for beginners, HSK 1 vocabulary +
-  * **Summary:** "请问 (qǐngwèn)" is one of the most essential phrases in Mandarin Chinese for any beginner. Translating to "Excuse me, may I ask...," it is the standard polite way to preface a question to a stranger or in a formal setting. Learning to use **请问** is the first step to confidently asking for directions, information, or help in China, demonstrating respect and good manners. +
-===== Core Meaning ===== +
-  * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** qǐng wèn +
-  * **Part of Speech:** Verb Phrase / Set Phrase +
-  * **HSK Level:** HSK 1 +
-  * **Concise Definition:** A polite phrase used to initiate a question, meaning "may I ask" or "excuse me." +
-  * **In a Nutshell:** Think of **请问 (qǐngwèn)** as the key that unlocks a conversation with a stranger. It's a verbal "knock on the door" before you ask for something. In English, you might just ask "Where's the bathroom?", but in Chinese, starting with **请问** is the default. It's a simple, powerful tool that signals respect and makes the listener much more receptive to helping you. +
-===== Character Breakdown ===== +
-  * **请 (qǐng):** This character means "to ask," "to invite," or, most importantly here, "please." It's a fundamental marker of politeness in Chinese. It's composed of the speech radical (讠) on the left and 青 (qīng), which provides the sound, on the right. +
-  * **问 (wèn):** This character simply means "to ask" or "to inquire." The character shows a door (门) with a mouth (口) inside, picturing someone asking a question at a doorway. +
-  * Together, **请 (qǐng) + 问 (wèn)** literally translates to "please ask." This combination creates a fixed phrase that functions as "Excuse me, may I ask..." It softens the directness of asking a question, making it polite and socially acceptable. +
-===== Cultural Context and Significance ===== +
-In Chinese culture, showing respect and avoiding direct confrontation or imposition are highly valued. This is where **请问 (qǐngwèn)** plays a crucial role. It's more than just a polite word; it's a social lubricant that acknowledges you are about to take up someone's time. +
-In many Western cultures, particularly American culture, directness is often valued for its efficiency. You can walk up to a service counter and immediately ask, "How much is this?" without it being considered rude. In China, while this might be acceptable in a busy market, prefacing the same question with **请问** is always the safer, more respectful choice. It shows you are not demanding information but politely requesting it. Using **请问** demonstrates good upbringing and cultural awareness, immediately setting a positive tone for the interaction. It's a small gesture that signals you respect the other person's time and space. +
-===== Practical Usage in Modern China ===== +
-**请问 (qǐngwèn)** is used constantly in daily life. It is almost always placed at the very beginning of a question. +
-  * **Asking Strangers for Help:** This is the most common usage. Whether you need directions, the time, or help finding something in a store, you should always start with **请问**. +
-  * **Formal Settings:** In a classroom, lecture, or business meeting, if you want to interject with a question, you would say **请问** to politely get the speaker's attention. +
-  * **On the Phone:** When calling someone you don't know well or a business, you'd start with "**请问**, is this Mr. Wang?" (请问，是王先生吗？). +
-  * **Formality:** It is neutral to formal. While you probably wouldn't use it with your best friend or immediate family (it might sound a bit distant), it is never incorrect or offensive to use it. When in doubt, use it. +
-===== Example Sentences ===== +
-  * **Example 1:** +
-    * **请问**，洗手间在哪里？ +
-    * Pinyin: **Qǐngwèn**, xǐshǒujiān zài nǎlǐ? +
-    * English: Excuse me, where is the restroom? +
-    * Analysis: This is perhaps the most useful travel sentence you can learn. **请问** makes the request polite and easy for a stranger to answer. +
-  * **Example 2:** +
-    * **请问**，现在几点了？ +
-    * Pinyin: **Qǐngwèn**, xiànzài jǐ diǎn le? +
-    * English: Excuse me, what time is it now? +
-    * Analysis: A classic example of asking a stranger for basic information. +
-  * **Example 3:** +
-    * **请问**，这个多少钱？ +
-    * Pinyin: **Qǐngwèn**, zhège duōshǎo qián? +
-    * English: Excuse me, how much is this? +
-    * Analysis: Essential for shopping. Using **请问** is more polite than just pointing and saying "How much?" +
-  * **Example 4:** +
-    * **请问**，王经理在吗？ +
-    * Pinyin: **Qǐngwèn**, Wáng jīnglǐ zài ma? +
-    * English: Excuse me, is Manager Wang in? +
-    * Analysis: A common phrase used at an office reception desk or when calling a company. +
-  * **Example 5:** +
-    * **请问**，去人民广场的地铁怎么走？ +
-    * Pinyin: **Qǐngwèn**, qù Rénmín Guǎngchǎng de dìtiě zěnme zǒu? +
-    * English: Excuse me, how do I get to the subway for People's Square? +
-    * Analysis: A more complex question for directions, where starting politely is even more important. +
-  * **Example 6:** +
-    * **请问**，您是李老师吗？ +
-    * Pinyin: **Qǐngwèn**, nín shì Lǐ lǎoshī ma? +
-    * English: Excuse me, are you Teacher Li? +
-    * Analysis: Used on the phone or when meeting someone for the first time. Note the use of the formal "you" [[您]] (nín) for extra respect. +
-  * **Example 7:** +
-    * **请问**，这个汉字怎么念？ +
-    * Pinyin: **Qǐngwèn**, zhège hànzì zěnme niàn? +
-    * English: Excuse me, how do you read this Chinese character? +
-    * Analysis: A very useful phrase for learners when asking a native speaker for help with pronunciation. +
-  * **Example 8:** +
-    * 老师，**请问**，我可以问一个问题吗？ +
-    * Pinyin: Lǎoshī, **qǐngwèn**, wǒ kěyǐ wèn yí ge wèntí ma? +
-    * English: Teacher, excuse me, may I ask a question? +
-    * Analysis: In a classroom setting, this is a very polite and slightly formal way to get the teacher's permission to ask something. +
-  * **Example 9:** +
-    * 不好意思，**请问**，你知道附近有银行吗？ +
-    * Pinyin: Bù hǎoyìsi, **qǐngwèn**, nǐ zhīdào fùjìn yǒu yínháng ma? +
-    * English: Sorry to bother you, excuse me, do you know if there's a bank nearby? +
-    * Analysis: Here, [[不好意思]] (bù hǎoyìsi) is used to first get attention/apologize for the interruption, followed by **请问** to frame the question. This is extremely polite. +
-  * **Example 10:** +
-    * **请问**，您贵姓？ +
-    * Pinyin: **Qǐngwèn**, nín guìxìng? +
-    * English: Excuse me, what is your honorable surname? +
-    * Analysis: This is the standard, polite way to ask for someone's last name. Asking "你姓什么?" (nǐ xìng shénme?) is too direct and can be considered blunt. +
-===== Nuances and Common Mistakes ===== +
-  * **Mistake: Using just `问 (wèn)`:** A common beginner mistake is to translate "I'll ask you" directly and say `我问你 (wǒ wèn nǐ)` before a question. While grammatically correct, it's very blunt and can sound demanding. **请问** is the default for politeness. Always start with **请问** when talking to strangers. +
-  * **Mistake: Overusing with close friends:** While it's never rude, using **请问** with your best friend or sibling can create a sense of distance, as if you're treating them like a stranger. With close relations, you can typically just ask the question directly. +
-  * **"False Friend": `请问` vs. `不好意思`:** These are often both translated as "Excuse me," but they have different core functions. +
-    *   **请问 (qǐngwèn):** Used specifically and only to introduce a **question**. Its purpose is to ask for information. +
-    *   **[[不好意思]] (bù hǎoyìsi):** A broader term for "excuse me" or "sorry." It's used to apologize for a small inconvenience (like bumping into someone) or to get someone's attention **before** you do something, which can include asking a question. You can say `不好意思，请问...` but you cannot use `请问` to apologize for bumping into someone. +
-===== Related Terms and Concepts ===== +
-  * **[[问]] (wèn):** The root verb "to ask." **请问** is the polite application of this verb. +
-  * **[[问题]] (wèntí):** The noun for "question" or "problem." (e.g., 我有一个问题 - I have a question). +
-  * **[[打扰一下]] (dǎrǎo yíxià):** "Excuse me for bothering you." Similar to **请问**, it's used to politely interrupt someone, often before asking a question or making a request. It focuses more on the interruption itself. +
-  * **[[不好意思]] (bù hǎoyìsi):** "Excuse me / sorry." A versatile phrase for getting attention or making a small apology. Often used right before **请问** for extra politeness. +
-  * **[[劳驾]] (láojià):** "Excuse me" or "may I trouble you." A slightly more formal and somewhat northern-regional term used when asking for a favor, such as asking someone to pass something or to let you by. +
-  * **[[提问]] (tíwèn):** To formally "raise a question" or "pose a question." Used in more structured contexts like a press conference or a Q&A session. +
-  * **[[请]] (qǐng):** "Please." The politeness marker that forms the first half of **请问**.+