你有什么建议吗?
ni you shenme jianyi ma?
Any suggestions?
Literally: You have what suggestions (question particle)?
In 15 Seconds
- A polite way to ask for advice or opinions in Chinese.
- Works in both casual hangouts and professional business meetings.
- Shows respect by valuing the listener's perspective and expertise.
Meaning
This is your go-to way to ask for advice or an opinion when you are undecided. It is the verbal equivalent of holding out your hands and saying 'What do you think I should do?'
Key Examples
3 of 6Ordering food at a new restaurant
这家店我第一次来,你有什么建议吗?
It's my first time here, do you have any suggestions?
Asking a boss for feedback
关于这个计划,您有什么建议吗?
Regarding this plan, do you have any suggestions?
Texting a friend about a weekend trip
周末去哪儿好?你有什么建议吗?
Where should we go this weekend? Any suggestions?
Cultural Background
In business, asking for advice is a way to acknowledge the hierarchy. Even if you know the answer, asking a superior for their 'suggestion' shows respect for their position. The tone is often softer, frequently using the particle '{呢|ne}' or '{喔|ō}' to make the request sound even more friendly and less demanding. Due to the influence of English, people might use '{建议|jiànyì}' very directly in professional contexts, similar to the English 'Any suggestions?' In casual settings, this phrase is often mixed with local languages, but the core request for advice remains a social staple for maintaining community ties.
Add a Topic
Always put the topic at the beginning (e.g., 'About X, do you have suggestions?') to sound more professional.
Tone Matters
If you say it too fast without a smile, it can sound like you're challenging someone. Keep it light!
In 15 Seconds
- A polite way to ask for advice or opinions in Chinese.
- Works in both casual hangouts and professional business meetings.
- Shows respect by valuing the listener's perspective and expertise.
What It Means
你有什么建议吗? is a versatile tool for your social kit. It literally translates to 'Do you have any suggestions?' Use it when you are genuinely stuck. It shows you value the other person's brain. It is humble, open, and very friendly.
How To Use It
Place it at the end of a problem description. For example, 'I am hungry, but I hate salad. 你有什么建议吗?'. You can also swap 你 (you) for 您 (polite you) in business. It is a grammatically perfect building block. No complex conjugations needed here. Just drop it in and wait for the wisdom.
When To Use It
Use it when picking a restaurant with friends. Use it when a coworker finishes a presentation. Use it when you are lost in a giant mall. It works perfectly in text messages too. If you want to sound like a local, say it with a slight tilt of the head. It signals that you are collaborative and not bossy.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it if you have already made up your mind. That is just baiting people! Avoid it in high-stakes emergencies where you need an order, not a suggestion. Also, do not use it with a very high-ranking boss unless they ask for your input first. In very traditional settings, it might seem like you lack confidence.
Cultural Background
Chinese culture often values 'saving face' and group harmony. Asking for a suggestion is a great way to give someone else 'face.' It shows you respect their expertise or taste. It is a 'soft' way to communicate. It avoids the bluntness of making a solo decision that others might dislike.
Common Variations
If you are with best friends, try 推荐一下? (Recommend something?). In a formal office, use 我想听听您的看法 (I want to hear your view). For a quick text, just 建议呢? (Suggestions?) works wonders. Each one changes the flavor but keeps the same helpful heart.
Usage Notes
This phrase sits in the 'Goldilocks zone' of formality—not too stiff, not too slangy. It's safe for almost any situation from a first date to a board meeting.
Add a Topic
Always put the topic at the beginning (e.g., 'About X, do you have suggestions?') to sound more professional.
Tone Matters
If you say it too fast without a smile, it can sound like you're challenging someone. Keep it light!
Examples
6这家店我第一次来,你有什么建议吗?
It's my first time here, do you have any suggestions?
A classic way to ask for a dish recommendation.
关于这个计划,您有什么建议吗?
Regarding this plan, do you have any suggestions?
Uses the polite '您' (nín) for a professional tone.
周末去哪儿好?你有什么建议吗?
Where should we go this weekend? Any suggestions?
Short, punchy, and perfect for WeChat.
这件衣服太丑了!你有什么建议吗?
This outfit is so ugly! Any suggestions?
Self-deprecating humor makes the interaction fun.
我最近压力很大,你有什么建议吗?
I've been under a lot of pressure lately, any suggestions?
A soft opening for a deep conversation.
我想买个新游戏,你有什么建议吗?
I want to buy a new game, any suggestions?
Commonly used among hobbyists to share interests.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to complete the phrase.
{你|nǐ} ___ {什么|shénme}{建议|jiànyì}{吗|ma}?
The verb '{有|yǒu}' (to have) is required to ask if someone possesses a suggestion.
Which of the following is the most polite way to ask a boss for advice?
Asking a manager for feedback on a project:
This is neutral and polite. '{意见|yìjiàn}' can sound like you're asking for a complaint.
Complete the dialogue.
A: {我|wǒ}{想|xiǎng}{学|xué}{做|zuò}{中国|zhōngguó}{菜|cài}。 B: {好|hǎo}{啊|a}! A: ___
The speaker is starting a new hobby and is asking for the other person's input.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are at a bookstore and can't decide which novel to buy.
This is the perfect situation to ask for a recommendation.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises{你|nǐ} ___ {什么|shénme}{建议|jiànyì}{吗|ma}?
The verb '{有|yǒu}' (to have) is required to ask if someone possesses a suggestion.
Asking a manager for feedback on a project:
This is neutral and polite. '{意见|yìjiàn}' can sound like you're asking for a complaint.
A: {我|wǒ}{想|xiǎng}{学|xué}{做|zuò}{中国|zhōngguó}{菜|cài}。 B: {好|hǎo}{啊|a}! A: ___
The speaker is starting a new hobby and is asking for the other person's input.
You are at a bookstore and can't decide which novel to buy.
This is the perfect situation to ask for a recommendation.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsYes, it is very polite and appropriate for a student-teacher relationship.
It can be both. In this phrase, it is a noun (a suggestion).
Related Phrases
{你|nǐ}{觉得|juéde}{呢|ne}?
similarWhat do you think?
{请|qǐng}{多|duō}{指教|zhǐjiào}
specialized formPlease give me your guidance.
{我|wǒ}{建议|jiànyì}...
builds onI suggest...
{你|nǐ}{有|yǒu}{什么|shénme}{意见|yìjiàn}{吗|ma}?
contrastDo you have any opinions/objections?