How to Say ‘How can I help you?’ in Simplified Chinese
请问有什么可以帮您？
qǐng wèn yǒu shén me kě yǐ bāng nín
[qǐngwèn yoe shen-muh kuh-yee bāng neen]
🇨🇳 In China: This is the standard opening when you phone a restaurant. You can answer straight away with what you want, such as 订个位子.
Phrase Breakdown
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?
有什么
yǒu shén me
is there anything
有 (there is) + 什么 (anything). 么 is light and unstressed.
有什么好吃的？
Is there anything good to eat?
Words in this phrase
有
yǒu
[yoe]
have; there is
A common verb meaning to possess something or indicating existence.
听完介绍以后，我有兴趣了解更多。
After hearing the introduction, I am interested in learning more.
什么
shén me
[shen-muh]
what; something
Used in questions to ask about things or actions.
你想做什么？
What do you want to do?
可以帮您？
kě yǐ bāng nín
can (I) help you
可以 (can) + 帮您 (help you, polite). 可以 is said 'ké yǐ'.
我可以帮您点菜。
I can help you order.
Words in this phrase
可以
kě yǐ
[kuh-yee]
can; may
Used to express possibility, permission, or a suggested option.
你可以先问一个简单的问题。
You can first ask a simple question.
帮
bāng
[bāng]
to help
A verb meaning to assist someone.
我帮你订位子。
I'll help you book a table.
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.
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