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How to Say ‘Is anyone here?’ in Simplified Chinese

这里有人吗？

zhè lǐ yǒu rén ma

[zhe li yoh rén ma]

💬 Usage Tip: 有人 literally "there is a person", so 这里有人吗？ really asks whether the spot is taken. Swap the place: 这个位子有人吗？ "Is this seat taken?"

🇨🇳 In China: This is the standard, perfectly polite way to ask for an empty bar stool or seat next to someone, and a natural low-pressure opener.

Phrase Breakdown

这里

zhè lǐ

[zhe li]

here

Referring to a place close to the speaker.

Example

这里的星星很亮。

The stars here are bright.

有人吗？

yǒu rén ma

is anyone (sitting)?

有人 (yǒu rén) means 'there is someone'. 吗 (ma) turns it into a yes/no question. It is used to ask whether a seat is taken.

Example

里面有人吗？

Is anyone inside?

Words in this phrase

有

yǒu

[yoh]

to have; there is/are

Used to ask whether something is available.

Example

晚上七点有位子吗？

Are there any seats available at 7 p.m.?

人

rén

[rén]

person

Refers to a human being.

Example

人剑合一是最高的境界。

The unity of man and sword is the highest level.

吗

[ma]

question particle

A sentence-final particle used to turn a statement into a yes-no question.

Example

你是第一次来吗？这里的“吗”表示提问。

Is this your first time here? Here, 吗 marks a question.

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