How to Say ‘May I ask’ in Simplified Chinese
请问
qǐng wèn
[ching wuhn]
💬 Usage Tip: [请问] is a polite way to open a question, like "excuse me" or "may I ask." Put it before many questions: [请问有包间吗？] or [请问几点营业？].
🇨🇳 In China: This is very useful with staff you don't know, because it makes the question sound courteous without being overly formal. In restaurants in China, it's a safe default opener.
Phrase Breakdown
请问
qǐng wèn
[ching wuhn]
excuse me; may I ask
请问 is a polite phrase used to begin a question, especially with staff or strangers.
请问，你们有包间吗？
Excuse me, do you have private rooms?
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