In 15 Seconds
- The standard way to invite someone into a room or house.
- Polite, welcoming, and very easy to remember for beginners.
- Combines 'please' and 'enter' for a perfect social transition.
Meaning
This is the standard, polite way to welcome someone into your space. It is like saying 'Please, step inside' or 'Come on in!' when you open the door.
Key Examples
3 of 6A friend arrives at your house
你来了！请进。
You're here! Please come in.
Welcoming a boss to an office
王经理，请进。
Manager Wang, please come in.
A delivery person at the door
请进，东西放这里吧。
Please come in, just put the things here.
Cultural Background
Hospitality is a cornerstone of Chinese social harmony. Using 'qǐng' (please) reflects the Confucian value of 'lǐ' (etiquette and ritual). In traditional homes, the threshold was a significant boundary, and being invited across it was a sign of genuine acceptance.
The Hand Gesture
When saying '请进', extend your arm with your palm facing up. It's much more polite than pointing with one finger!
Don't say it to yourself
If you are entering someone else's house, don't say '请进'. Wait for them to say it to you, or you'll sound like you own the place!
In 15 Seconds
- The standard way to invite someone into a room or house.
- Polite, welcoming, and very easy to remember for beginners.
- Combines 'please' and 'enter' for a perfect social transition.
What It Means
请进 (qǐng jìn) is the bread and butter of Chinese hospitality. It combines 请 (please) with 进 (to enter). It is simple, direct, and incredibly welcoming. When you say this, you are literally opening your doors to someone. It is the first thing a host says after the initial hello.
How To Use It
Use it the moment you open a door for someone. You can say it while gesturing with your hand. A small palm-up sweep toward the room adds a nice touch. It works as a standalone sentence. You do not need to add the person's name. It is short, sweet, and gets the job done instantly.
When To Use It
Use it when a friend knocks on your apartment door. Use it when a client arrives at your office. It is perfect for shopkeepers welcoming customers into a boutique. Even at a busy restaurant, the host might say this to you. It is the universal 'green light' for someone to cross the threshold. Think of it as the verbal version of a welcome mat.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it if someone is already inside the room. That would be very confusing! Also, avoid using it if you are the one entering. You are the guest, so wait for the host to say it. Do not use it for 'entering' a conversation or a digital chat. It is strictly for physical spaces like rooms, houses, or offices. If you are in a huge hurry, it might sound a bit too formal.
Cultural Background
Chinese culture places huge importance on being a good host. Welcoming guests is an art form. Historically, inviting someone 'inside' meant they were trusted. The word 请 (qǐng) shows you respect the other person. It softens the command 进 (jìn). In old courtyards, this phrase was the start of a long tea ceremony. Today, it is just as essential for modern city life.
Common Variations
You can make it even warmer by adding more words. 请进，请进 (qǐng jìn, qǐng jìn) sounds extra enthusiastic. You can add 快 (kuài) to say 快请进, which means 'Quickly, come in!' This is great when it is raining outside. If you want to be very formal, say 请进屋 (qǐng jìn wū). For a very casual vibe with best friends, just a smile and a nod works too.
Usage Notes
This phrase is neutral and safe for almost any situation. The only 'gotcha' is to ensure you are the host or have the authority to invite someone into the space.
The Hand Gesture
When saying '请进', extend your arm with your palm facing up. It's much more polite than pointing with one finger!
Don't say it to yourself
If you are entering someone else's house, don't say '请进'. Wait for them to say it to you, or you'll sound like you own the place!
The Double 'Please'
In China, repeating a phrase like '请进，请进' (Qǐng jìn, qǐng jìn) makes you sound warmer and more enthusiastic about the guest's arrival.
Examples
6你来了！请进。
You're here! Please come in.
A very common way to greet a friend at the door.
王经理，请进。
Manager Wang, please come in.
Adding a title before the phrase makes it more professional.
请进，东西放这里吧。
Please come in, just put the things here.
Used to allow someone into the foyer briefly.
外面雨很大，快请进！
It's raining hard outside, please come in quickly!
Adding 'kuài' (quick) shows care for the guest's comfort.
下一位，请进。
Next person, please come in.
Used in service windows or clinics to signal the next turn.
猫先生，请进。
Mr. Cat, please come in.
Using formal language with a pet is a common joke.
Test Yourself
Your friend knocks on the door. What do you say?
你好！___。
‘请进’ is the correct invitation to enter a space.
Make the invitation more urgent because it is cold outside.
外面很冷，___请进！
‘快’ (kuài) means 'fast' or 'quickly', making the invitation more welcoming in bad weather.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of Welcoming
Just a nod or 'Come in'.
进来吧 (Jìnlái ba)
Standard polite invitation.
请进 (Qǐng jìn)
Very respectful invitation.
里面请 (Lǐmiàn qǐng)
Where to use '请进'
Your Home
Welcoming a neighbor
Office
Inviting a colleague in
Restaurant
Host seating a guest
Clinic
Doctor calling patient
Practice Bank
2 exercises你好！___。
‘请进’ is the correct invitation to enter a space.
外面很冷，___请进！
‘快’ (kuài) means 'fast' or 'quickly', making the invitation more welcoming in bad weather.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot at all! It is a safe, neutral choice. For very close friends, you might just say 进来吧 (jìnlái ba), but 请进 is never wrong.
Yes, it is the perfect response to a knock. It tells the person they have permission to enter.
请进 is 'Please enter,' while 进来 is just 'Come in.' The 请 adds a layer of politeness.
You should smile and say 谢谢 (xièxiè), which means 'Thank you.'
Usually no. It is for physical entry. If you are telling someone to join a group chat, use different words.
Yes, 里面请 (lǐmiàn qǐng) is more formal. It literally means 'Please, towards the inside.'
Yes, it works for one person or a hundred people. It is a general invitation.
You can say 请进，请坐 (qǐng jìn, qǐng zuò), which means 'Please come in, please sit down.'
Only if you are in a huge rush or talking to someone much younger. Otherwise, it sounds a bit rude or bossy.
Say it as you are opening the door or right after it is open so they can hear you clearly.
Related Phrases
请坐
Please sit down.
请喝茶
Please drink tea.
欢迎
Welcome.
里面请
This way in (more formal).
