❓📌🙏

How to Say ‘Can I make a reservation, please?’ in Simplified Chinese

请问可以订位吗？

qǐng wèn kě yǐ dìng wèi ma

[ching-wen kuh-yee ding-way ma]

💬 Usage Tip: 请问 (qǐng wèn) "may I ask" goes at the very front of a question to make it polite. It works before almost anything, e.g. 请问洗手间在哪儿？ "Excuse me, where's the restroom?"

Phrase Breakdown

请问

qǐng wèn

[ching-wen]

may I ask

Introduces a polite question to a guest or customer.

Example

请问您贵姓？

May I ask your surname?

可以订位吗？

kě yǐ dìng wèi ma

can I book a table?

订位 means 'to reserve a seat'. 可以……吗 asks whether something is possible.

Example

今晚可以订位吗？

Can I book a table for tonight?

Words in this phrase

可以

kě yǐ

[kuh-yee]

can; may

Used to express possibility, permission, or a suggested option.

Example

你可以先问一个简单的问题。

You can first ask a simple question.

订位

dìng wèi

[ding-way]

reservation

Used for booking a table at a restaurant.

Example

我想先订位，晚上六点两位。

I’d like to make a reservation first, for two people at 6 p.m.

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.

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Lessons for Your Situation

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Get Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“Shanghai business dinners require real Mandarin skills. This app’s situation-based approach meant I could keep up with clients after just a month of practice.”

Ryan M., 36, Consultant

“Learning a language has never been as immediately impactful. Now I can charm the locals and navigate the food scene like a boss.”

Alex M., 42, Software Engineer

“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”

Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager