How to Say ‘Is there something I can help with?’ in Traditional Chinese
請問有什麼事嗎？
qǐng wèn yǒu shén me shì ma
[qǐngwèn yoe shénme shì ma]
🇹🇼 In Taiwan: This is the standard polite way to answer an office phone or greet a visitor at reception. Hearing it is your cue to state who you are and why you're calling.
Phrase Breakdown
請問
qǐng wèn
[qǐngwèn]
may I ask
Polite way to begin a question.
請問廁所在哪裡？
May I ask where the restroom is?
有什麼事嗎？
yǒu shén me shì ma
Is there something (you need)?
A polite way to ask why someone is calling or visiting. Let your voice stay light on the final 嗎 (ma).
老闆，有什麼事嗎？
Boss, is there something you need?
Words in this phrase
有
yǒu
[yoe]
to have; there is/are
Used to show possession or that something exists or is available.
我們有很多交流機會。
We have many opportunities to interact.
什麼
shén me
[shénme]
what
Question word for 'what'.
你想買什麼？
What do you want to buy?
事
shì
[shì]
matter; thing; business
A matter, affair, or reason someone wants something.
我有一件事想問你。
I have something I want to ask you.
嗎
ma
[ma]
question particle
A sentence-final particle used to turn a statement into a yes-no question.
你喜歡這個活動嗎？
Do you like this event?
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