qǐngwèn: 请问 - Excuse me, may I ask...

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.

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 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.

• 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.

• 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.