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A1 interjection #1,800 le plus courant 9 min de lecture

请问

qingwen Top 1,800

At the A1 level, '请问' (qǐngwèn) is taught as a fixed, essential phrase for survival Chinese. Students learn it as a polite way to start any question. The focus is on its literal meaning 'Please ask' and its functional use as 'Excuse me, may I ask...'. Learners at this stage use it in very simple structures, such as asking for names, prices, or locations. It is the first step in learning Chinese politeness and is crucial for basic interactions in shops, restaurants, and on the street. The grammar is simple: just put it at the start of the sentence.

At the A2 level, learners begin to understand the difference between '请问' and other polite expressions like '不好意思' (bù hǎoyìsi) and '对不起' (duìbuqǐ). They start to use '请问' in slightly more complex social situations, such as on the phone or when inquiring about more detailed information like opening hours or specific services. They also learn to add '一下' (yīxià) to make it '请问一下', which sounds more natural and less abrupt in casual conversation. The focus shifts from just 'knowing' the word to using it with the correct tone and a natural pause.

At the B1 level, students use '请问' with greater flexibility and in a wider range of contexts, including professional and academic environments. They understand that '请问' is not just a phrase but a marker of register. They can use it to introduce multi-part questions or to politely interrupt a conversation to seek clarification. They also begin to recognize '请问' in written texts, such as formal emails or announcements, and understand its role in setting a respectful tone for the entire communication. Their usage becomes more consistent with native-speaker patterns.

At the B2 level, learners are aware of the sociolinguistic nuances of '请问'. They understand when *not* to use it—for example, in very informal settings where it might sound overly distant or 'too polite' (kèqi). They can use '请问' to manage the flow of a discussion or a debate, using it as a polite way to challenge someone's point or to pivot to a new topic. They also start to explore more formal alternatives like '敢问' (gǎnwèn) in literature or historical dramas, contrasting them with the standard '请问'.

At the C1 level, '请问' is used with complete naturalness and precision. The learner understands the pragmatic weight of the phrase in maintaining 'face' during difficult or sensitive inquiries. They can use it to soften the blow of a direct question or to navigate complex social hierarchies where the level of politeness must be carefully calibrated. They also understand the rhetorical use of '请问' in speeches or persuasive writing, where it is used to engage the audience or to pose a question that the speaker intends to answer themselves.

At the C2 level, the mastery of '请问' extends to its most subtle applications in classical literature, formal diplomacy, and high-level negotiations. The speaker understands the historical evolution of the phrase and its relationship to other honorifics. They can analyze the use of '请问' in different dialects or regional variations of Mandarin and can mimic the specific intonations that convey different shades of meaning—from genuine inquiry to polite skepticism. At this level, the use of '请问' is a reflection of a deep, intuitive understanding of Chinese culture and social dynamics.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

请问 en 30 secondes

Essential polite opener for questions in Mandarin Chinese.
Equivalent to 'Excuse me' or 'May I ask' in English.
Used with strangers, superiors, or in any formal public setting.
Placed at the very beginning of the sentence to show respect.

The term 请问 (qǐngwèn) is one of the most fundamental and essential polite expressions in the Mandarin Chinese language. At its core, it functions as a polite interjection used to preface a question, serving a similar purpose to the English phrases 'Excuse me,' 'May I ask,' or 'Could you tell me.' It is the linguistic 'oil' that lubricates social interactions, ensuring that the speaker does not come across as abrupt or rude when seeking information from others, especially strangers or superiors. The phrase is composed of two distinct characters: 请 (qǐng), meaning 'to invite' or 'please,' and 问 (wèn), meaning 'to ask.' Together, they literally translate to 'please ask,' but pragmatically, they signify 'please allow me to ask.' In a culture where 'face' (miànzi) and social harmony are paramount, using 请问 is a vital way to show respect and acknowledge the other person's time and effort in helping you. It creates a polite distance and a formal opening that is expected in almost all public and semi-formal settings. Whether you are lost in a bustling Beijing hutong, trying to find a specific book in a library, or inquiring about a menu item in a restaurant, starting your sentence with 请问 immediately signals your politeness and cooperative intent. It is not merely a word; it is a social tool that reflects the deeply ingrained Confucian values of etiquette and hierarchy that still influence modern Chinese communication styles. For a beginner learner, mastering 请问 is the first step toward successful and respectful navigation of Chinese-speaking environments.

Linguistic Function: Polite question opener used to initiate inquiries with strangers or in formal contexts.

请问，现在几点了？ (Excuse me, what time is it now?)

Tone and Register: Polite, neutral-to-formal, suitable for all public interactions.

请问，去火车站怎么走？ (May I ask, how do I get to the train station?)

Semantic Components: 请 (Please) + 问 (Ask) = Please allow me to ask.

请问，这里有人吗？ (Excuse me, is anyone sitting here?)

请问，您贵姓？ (May I ask, what is your honorable surname?)

请问，洗手间在哪里？ (Excuse me, where is the restroom?)

Using 请问 (qǐngwèn) is straightforward but requires an understanding of its placement within a sentence. It almost always appears at the very beginning of the utterance. Think of it as a signal light that tells the listener, 'I am about to ask you something, so please prepare to listen.' In spoken Chinese, you should pause slightly after saying 请问 before proceeding with your actual question. This pause allows the listener to turn their attention toward you. For example, if you want to ask someone's name, you wouldn't just say '你叫什么名字？' (Nǐ jiào shénme míngzì?) to a stranger; that would be considered blunt. Instead, you say '请问，你叫什么名字？' It is important to note that 请问 is used for asking for information, not for asking for favors or requesting someone to do something (for that, you would use 麻烦你 máfan nǐ or just 请 qǐng). For instance, you wouldn't use 请问 to ask someone to open a window; you would use it to ask where the window handle is. Furthermore, 请问 can be combined with other polite markers like 您 (nín) to increase the level of respect. In a professional setting, such as an interview or a business meeting, 请问 is indispensable. It shows that you are cultured and aware of social protocols. Even if your Chinese grammar isn't perfect, starting with 请问 will earn you a lot of goodwill from native speakers. It is also used in written correspondence, such as emails or formal letters, to introduce a series of inquiries. In these cases, it might be followed by a colon or simply start the paragraph. Understanding the nuance between 请问 and other 'excuse me' equivalents like 对不起 (duìbuqǐ) or 不好意思 (bù hǎoyìsi) is key: 请问 is specifically for the act of asking, while the others are for apologizing or getting attention before an action. If you bump into someone and then want to ask the time, you might say, '不好意思，请问现在几点？' combining the apology for the bump with the polite opener for the question.

Sentence Position: Always at the beginning of the question or the phrase.

请问，这个多少钱？ (Excuse me, how much is this?)

Interaction Tip: Pair with a slight nod or eye contact to maximize politeness.

请问，王先生在吗？ (May I ask, is Mr. Wang in?)

Common Pairing: Often used with '一下' (yīxià) as in '请问一下' to sound even softer.

请问一下，这里怎么走？ (Let me ask briefly, how do I get there?)

You will encounter 请问 (qǐngwèn) in a vast array of daily scenarios in any Chinese-speaking society. It is the standard greeting for customer service representatives, receptionists, and telemarketers. When you walk into a bank, the staff might greet you with '请问，您要办理什么业务？' (May I ask what business you would like to conduct?). In the hospitality industry, from five-star hotels to local guesthouses, 请问 is the professional standard for addressing guests. You'll also hear it frequently in public transportation hubs. If you are at an information desk at an airport, every interaction will likely begin with this phrase. On the street, if a stranger approaches you to ask for directions, they will almost certainly start with '请问'. In media, such as news interviews or talk shows, journalists use 请问 to pose questions to their guests, maintaining a respectful and professional distance. Even in academic settings, a student might use it before asking a professor a question during a lecture. It is also common in phone etiquette. When someone answers a call and doesn't recognize the number, they might say '请问您是哪位？' (May I ask who you are?). In essence, 请问 is the soundtrack of polite public life. It is less common in very intimate settings, such as between close friends or family members, where such formal politeness might actually feel distancing or 'too polite' (kèqi). However, even among friends, if one is asking for a serious piece of information or advice, they might use it to show they are being serious. For learners, listening for 请问 is a great way to identify when a question is being asked in a movie or TV show, helping to segment the stream of speech. It is a high-frequency word that appears in almost every textbook and HSK Level 1 curriculum because of its universal utility. Whether you are in mainland China, Taiwan, Singapore, or a Chinatown anywhere in the world, 请问 remains the gold standard for polite inquiry.

At a Restaurant: 请问，几位？ (Excuse me, how many people?)

On the Phone: 请问，张经理在吗？ (May I ask, is Manager Zhang there?)

In an Office: 请问，这份文件是谁的？ (Excuse me, whose document is this?)

One of the most common mistakes beginners make is confusing 请问 (qǐngwèn) with other ways to say 'excuse me.' Specifically, learners often use 请问 when they should use 对不起 (duìbuqǐ) or 不好意思 (bù hǎoyìsi). Remember: 请问 is strictly for asking a question. If you step on someone's foot, you cannot say 请问; you must say 对不起. If you want to squeeze past someone in a crowded subway, you should say 不好意思 or 借过 (jièguò), not 请问. Another mistake is using 请问 to ask for a favor. For example, if you want someone to help you carry a bag, saying '请问，帮我拿这个' is grammatically awkward and pragmatically slightly off. You should use '请帮我...' or '麻烦你帮我...'. A third common error is the redundant use of 'please.' Since 请问 already contains the word for 'please' (请), adding another 请 elsewhere in the sentence can sometimes sound repetitive, though not always incorrect. For example, '请问，请告诉我...' is a bit much; just '请问，...在哪里？' is sufficient. Furthermore, some learners forget the pause after 请问, making the whole sentence sound like one long, rushed word. This can make it harder for native speakers to realize you are asking a question. Another subtle mistake is using 请问 with very close friends or family members. While it's not 'wrong,' it can sound overly formal or even sarcastic, as if you are creating intentional distance. In those cases, just asking the question directly or using a softer '诶 (ēi)' or the person's name is more natural. Finally, ensure you are using the correct tones: qǐng (3rd tone) and wèn (4th tone). If you mispronounce wèn as wén (2nd tone), it might sound like 'please kiss,' which would lead to a very different and likely embarrassing situation!

Mistake 1: Apologizing: Using 请问 after bumping into someone. Correct: 对不起 (duìbuqǐ).

Mistake 2: Requesting Actions: Using 请问 to ask someone to do something. Correct: 麻烦你 (máfan nǐ).

Mistake 3: Tones: Confusing wèn (ask) with wén (kiss). Pay attention to the falling 4th tone.

Understanding the family of 'polite openers' in Chinese helps you choose the right word for the right situation. 请问 (qǐngwèn) is the most common for questions, but others exist. 不好意思 (bù hǎoyìsi) is perhaps the most versatile; it means 'I feel embarrassed' or 'excuse me' and can be used to get someone's attention, to apologize for a minor inconvenience, or as a preface to a question (often combined with 请问). 劳驾 (láojià) is a slightly more old-fashioned or Northern Chinese way to say 'excuse me' or 'may I trouble you,' often used when you need someone to move out of the way or do a small physical favor. 借过 (jièguò) literally means 'borrow pass' and is used specifically when you need to get through a crowd. 对不起 (duìbuqǐ) is a stronger 'I'm sorry' used for mistakes or when you've caused actual trouble. In a very formal or literary context, you might encounter 敢问 (gǎnwèn), which means 'I dare to ask,' used when asking a question to someone of much higher status or when the question itself is somewhat bold. Another variation is 请教 (qǐngjiào), which means 'to seek advice' or 'to consult.' You use 请教 when you are asking for someone's expertise or wisdom, rather than just a simple fact like the time or directions. For example, '我想向您请教一个问题' (I would like to ask you for your advice on a problem). Comparing 请问 to 询问 (xúnwèn): 询问 is a formal verb meaning 'to inquire' or 'to interrogate' and is used in reports or formal descriptions of an action, not as a spoken interjection. By learning these distinctions, you can navigate social hierarchies and situations with much greater precision and cultural sensitivity.

Comparison: 请问 vs. 不好意思: 请问 is for the question itself; 不好意思 is for the intrusion of asking.

Comparison: 请问 vs. 劳驾: 请问 is for information; 劳驾 is often for physical assistance or moving.

Comparison: 请问 vs. 请教: 请问 is for facts; 请教 is for expertise or guidance.

How Formal Is It?

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Exemples par niveau

请问，你叫什么名字？

Excuse me, what is your name?

请问 + Question

请问，这个多少钱？

Excuse me, how much is this?

Common shopping phrase.

请问，洗手间在哪儿？

Excuse me, where is the restroom?

Essential survival phrase.

请问，你是老师吗？

May I ask, are you a teacher?

Polite inquiry about identity.

请问，现在几点？

Excuse me, what time is it?

Time inquiry.

请问，他在家吗？

May I ask, is he at home?

Asking about someone's presence.

请问，这是你的书吗？

Excuse me, is this your book?

Asking about possession.

请问，你有地图吗？

Excuse me, do you have a map?

Asking for an object.

请问一下，去银行怎么走？

Let me ask, how do I get to the bank?

Use of '一下' to soften the tone.

请问，明天几点开门？

Excuse me, what time do you open tomorrow?

Inquiring about business hours.

请问，这里可以刷卡吗？

May I ask, can I use a credit card here?

Asking about payment methods.

请问，王经理在办公室吗？

Excuse me, is Manager Wang in the office?

Professional inquiry.

请问，这附近有超市吗？

Excuse me, is there a supermarket nearby?

Asking about local amenities.

请问，我可以坐在这里吗？

May I ask, can I sit here?

Asking for permission.

请问，这趟车去北京吗？

Excuse me, does this train go to Beijing?

Confirming transportation routes.

请问，您贵姓？

May I ask, what is your honorable surname?

Very polite way to ask a name.

请问，您对这个计划有什么看法？

May I ask, what is your opinion on this plan?

Asking for an opinion.

请问，我需要带什么证件？

Excuse me, what documents do I need to bring?

Inquiring about requirements.

请问，这个词是什么意思？

May I ask, what does this word mean?

Asking for linguistic clarification.

请问，这里的网络密码是多少？

Excuse me, what is the Wi-Fi password here?

Common modern inquiry.

请问，您能帮我联系一下张老师吗？

Excuse me, could you help me contact Teacher Zhang?

Polite request for assistance.

请问，这个活动什么时候结束？

May I ask, when does this event end?

Asking about duration.

请问，您最近身体怎么样？

May I ask, how has your health been lately?

Polite social inquiry.

请问，如果我不满意可以退货吗？

Excuse me, if I'm not satisfied, can I return it?

Inquiring about policy.

请问，您认为这项政策会对经济产生什么影响？

May I ask, what impact do you think this policy will have on the economy?

Formal interview question.

请问，在座的各位还有什么补充吗？

Excuse me, does anyone else present have anything to add?

Managing a group discussion.

请问，您刚才提到的那个数据是从哪儿来的？

May I ask, where did the data you just mentioned come from?

Asking for a source.

请问，我们是否有必要重新评估这个风险？

Excuse me, is it necessary for us to re-evaluate this risk?

Polite suggestion in question form.

请问，您对这个项目的未来发展有什么期待？

May I ask, what are your expectations for the future development of this project?

Inquiring about vision.

请问，您是否同意这种说法？

Excuse me, do you agree with this statement?

Asking for agreement/disagreement.

请问，您能详细说明一下具体的操作步骤吗？

May I ask, could you explain the specific operating steps in detail?

Requesting detailed information.

请问，这个结论是基于什么样的逻辑推导出来的？

Excuse me, on what logic is this conclusion based?

Inquiring about methodology.

请问，您如何看待传统文化在现代社会中的异化现象？

May I ask, how do you view the phenomenon of alienation of traditional culture in modern society?

Complex sociolinguistic inquiry.

请问，在多边贸易谈判中，我们应如何平衡各方的利益诉求？

Excuse me, in multilateral trade negotiations, how should we balance the interests of all parties?

High-level political question.

请问，这种叙事方式是否在某种程度上消解了作品的严肃性？

May I ask, does this narrative style to some extent dissolve the seriousness of the work?

Abstract intellectual inquiry.

请问，贵公司在履行社会责任方面有哪些具体的举措？

Excuse me, what specific measures does your company have in terms of fulfilling social responsibility?

Formal corporate inquiry.

请问，您认为人工智能的崛起是否会从根本上改变人类的认知模式？

May I ask, do you think the rise of AI will fundamentally change human cognitive patterns?

Philosophical/Technological inquiry.

请问，在当前复杂的国际形势下，该如何界定“战略伙伴关系”？

Excuse me, under the current complex international situation, how should 'strategic partnership' be defined?

Geopolitical analysis.

请问，这种审美取向是否受到了某种特定历史语境的影响？

May I ask, is this aesthetic orientation influenced by a specific historical context?

Contextual analysis.

请问，我们该如何在保障个人隐私与提升公共安全之间寻找平衡点？

Excuse me, how should we find a balance between protecting personal privacy and improving public safety?

Ethical/Legal inquiry.

请问，夫子之言，是否隐含了对当时礼崩乐坏局面的深层忧虑？

May I ask, do the Master's words imply a deep concern about the collapse of rites and music at that time?

Classical/Academic inquiry.

请问，在后现代语境下，主体的消解是否意味着传统价值体系的彻底瓦解？

Excuse me, in the postmodern context, does the dissolution of the subject mean the complete collapse of the traditional value system?

High-level philosophical discourse.

请问，贵方在处理此类跨国法律纠纷时，如何确保司法管辖权的合规性？

May I ask, how does your party ensure the compliance of judicial jurisdiction when handling such transnational legal disputes?

Specialized legal inquiry.

请问，这种宏观经济调控手段是否可能诱发潜在的系统性金融风险？

Excuse me, is it possible that this macroeconomic control measure could induce potential systemic financial risks?

Expert economic analysis.

请问，该作品在结构上的留白，是否旨在引导读者进行更深层次的本体论思考？

May I ask, is the structural 'blank space' in this work intended to guide the reader into deeper ontological reflection?

Aesthetic/Ontological inquiry.

请问，在构建人类命运共同体的进程中，不同文明间该如何实现真正的“美美与共”？

Excuse me, in the process of building a community with a shared future for mankind, how can different civilizations achieve true 'beauty in diversity'?

Sophisticated political/cultural discourse.

请问，这种技术范式的转移，是否会重塑全球产业链的权力格局？

May I ask, will this shift in technological paradigm reshape the power structure of the global industrial chain?

Strategic industrial analysis.

请问，从现象学的角度看，这种知觉体验是如何在意识中被建构出来的？

Excuse me, from a phenomenological perspective, how is this perceptual experience constructed in consciousness?

Specialized philosophical inquiry.

Collocations courantes

请问一下

请问您

请问谁

请问哪位

请问哪里

请问怎么

请问几位

请问多少

请问什么

请问是否

Phrases Courantes

请问贵姓

请问大名

请问芳名

请问高就

请问贵庚

请问处所

请问缘由

请问意向

请问详情

请问结果

Souvent confondu avec

请问 vs 对不起

请问 vs 不好意思

请问 vs 麻烦你

Expressions idiomatiques

Facile à confondre

请问 vs 请坐

请问 vs 吻

Structures de phrases

Famille de mots

Apparenté

Comment l'utiliser

Scope

Only for asking questions, not for apologies or requests for action.

Intimacy

Avoid with very close friends unless being formal or serious.

Erreurs courantes

Using it to apologize for bumping into someone.
Using it to ask someone to do a physical task.
Forgetting the 4th tone on '问'.
Using it with very close family members in a casual setting.
Rushing the phrase without a pause.

Astuces

Face Matters

Using '请问' helps maintain social harmony.

Sentence Start

Always put it at the very beginning.

Tone Check

Don't confuse 'wèn' (ask) with 'wén' (smell/kiss).

Softening

Add '一下' to sound more like a native.

Strangers

It's your best friend when talking to people you don't know.

Business

Essential for interviews and meetings.

Survival

The most important word for getting directions.

Pattern Recognition

Listen for it to know a question is coming.

Formal Letters

Use it to structure your inquiries clearly.

Not an Apology

Remember: Questions only!

Mémorise-le

Origine du mot

Contexte culturel

Using polite openers helps preserve the 'face' of both the speaker and the listener.

While used with everyone, it is especially important when speaking to elders or superiors.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"请问，这附近有什么好吃的餐厅吗？"

"请问，你是本地人吗？"

"请问，去博物馆坐哪路车？"

"请问，这个周末有活动吗？"

"请问，我可以借用一下你的笔吗？"

Sujets d'écriture

Write about a time you used '请问' to get help in a Chinese-speaking environment.

How does '请问' compare to 'Excuse me' in your native language?

Describe a situation where failing to use '请问' might cause a misunderstanding.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Yes, but it might sound a bit formal. It's better for strangers or formal situations.

Only when 'Excuse me' is used to ask a question. For apologies, use '对不起'.

'一下' makes it sound more casual and less abrupt.

In writing, yes, it's common to use a comma or a pause in speech.

Yes, '请问你' or '请问您' is very common and polite.

Yes, it's a great way to introduce questions in a formal email.

People will still understand you, but you might sound a bit blunt or rude.

No, use '麻烦你' (máfan nǐ) for favors.

Yes, it is a universal standard Mandarin expression.

It's the 4th tone, a sharp falling sound like 'No!' in English.