How to Say ‘Excuse me’ in Simplified Chinese
请问一下
qǐng wèn yī xià
[ching wun ee shyah]
💬 Usage Tip: 一下 after a verb softens a request, making it sound like "just quickly". 一 changes tone before a falling tone, so it's said (qǐng wèn yí xià), not (yī).
🇨🇳 In China: This is the standard polite opener for stopping a stranger on the street. Say it before your question and people will be far more willing to help.
Phrase Breakdown
请问
qǐng wèn
[ching wun]
may I ask; excuse me
A polite phrase used to ask a question or request information.
请问，你们有免费停车吗？
May I ask, do you have free parking?
一下
yī xià
[ee shyah]
a bit; for a moment
Softens an action, making it sound brief and more polite.
请等一下，我先下车。
Please wait a moment, I'll get out first.
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