🙋❓

How to Say ‘I'd like to ask’ in Traditional Chinese

我想問一下

wǒ xiǎng wèn yī xià

[wo shyang wèn ee-shyah]

💬 Usage Tip: Adding 一下 (yí xià) after a verb softens it to "just quickly", making a request sound lighter: 我想看一下 "I'd like to have a quick look". Note 一 is read (yí) here because the next syllable is a falling tone.

Phrase Breakdown

我想

wǒ xiǎng

I would like

我 (wǒ) means 'I' and 想 (xiǎng) means 'would like to'. Two third tones in a row: 我 changes to a rising tone (wó xiǎng).

Example

我想喝水。

I would like to drink water.

Words in this phrase

我

wǒ

[wo]

I; me

The first-person pronoun used to talk about yourself.

Example

我想多了解你們公司的制度，所以先自我介紹。

I want to learn more about your company’s system, so I’ll introduce myself first.

想

xiǎng

[shyang]

want to; would like to

Used to express desire or intention to do something.

Example

我想多認識一些產業的人。

I want to get to know more people in the industry.

問一下

wèn yī xià

to ask a bit

問 (wèn) means 'ask'. 一下 (yíxià) softens the request. 一 becomes yí before the fourth-tone 下.

Example

請問一下，廁所在哪裡？

Excuse me, where is the restroom?

Words in this phrase

問

wèn

[wèn]

to ask

To ask a question or inquire about something.

Example

我可以問你一個問題嗎？

Can I ask you a question?

一下

yī xià

[ee-shyah]

a bit; briefly

一下 softens an action and often means 'for a moment' or 'a little bit.'

Example

我想跟你確認一下時間。

I want to confirm the time with you briefly.

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

“Spent three months in Taiwan and this app was my lifeline. The tonal practice with real situations helped me sound less like a textbook and more like a person.”

Laura H., 28, Photographer

“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

“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