How to Say ‘Hello, could you tell me when I can collect my passport?’ in Simplified Chinese
您好，请问我的护照什么时候能拿？
nín hǎo qǐng wèn wǒ de hù zhào shén me shí hòu néng ná
[neen hǎo qǐngwèn wo de hùzhào shénme shíhou nung ná]
💬 Usage Tip: Notice that the passport comes first and the question word follows it, putting the topic up front: 我的护照什么时候能拿. Swap in another item the same way: 我的签证什么时候能拿 "when can I collect my visa".
🇨🇳 In China: 您 (nín) is the respectful "you". It's the right choice with officials at the Exit-Entry Bureau, and staff will usually address you the same way.
Phrase Breakdown
您好，请问
nín hǎo qǐng wèn
hello, may I ask
您好 (nín hǎo) is a polite hello. 请问 (qǐngwèn) means 'excuse me, may I ask' and is used to start a polite question.
您好，请问洗手间在哪儿？
Hello, may I ask where the restroom is?
Words in this phrase
您
nín
[neen]
you (polite)
A respectful form of “you,” used when speaking politely to someone, such as a recruiter or company representative.
很高兴认识您，希望向您多学习。
It’s a pleasure to meet you; I hope to learn more from you.
好
hǎo
[hǎo]
good
Something positive or satisfactory.
今天的天气很好。
Today's weather is good.
请问
qǐng wèn
[qǐngwèn]
excuse me; may I ask
A polite phrase used to start a question or offer help.
请问，你们几位？
Excuse me, how many of you are there?
我的护照
wǒ de hù zhào
my passport
This is the topic of the question. 护照 (hùzhào) has two falling tones.
我的护照在包里。
My passport is in the bag.
Words in this phrase
我
wǒ
[wo]
I
The speaker referring to themselves.
我明天有空。
I am free tomorrow.
的
de
[de]
possessive particle
Used to indicate possession or the role of modifying.
这本书是他的。
This book is his.
护照
hù zhào
[hùzhào]
passport
Official travel document needed for international flights.
我的护照在包里。
My passport is in the bag.
什么时候能拿？
shén me shí hòu néng ná
when can I pick it up?
什么时候 (shénme shíhou) means 'when'. Keep 么 and 候 light and quick.
票什么时候能拿？
When can I get the ticket?
Words in this phrase
什么
shén me
[shénme]
what
Question word asking about things.
你想吃什么？
What do you want to eat?
时候
shí hòu
[shíhou]
time; moment (when)
Used after a phrase to mean 'when ...'.
吃饭的时候别看手机。
Don't look at your phone while eating.
能
néng
[nung]
can; be able to
Expresses ability or possibility to do something.
能帮到你，我也很开心。
If I can help you, I’m also very happy.
拿
ná
[ná]
to take; to carry
To pick up and carry something with the hand.
我去拿杯子。
I'll go get the cups.
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