首先，请允许我
shǒuxiān, qǐng yǔnxǔ wǒ
First, please allow me to
Literally: First (首先), please (请) allow (允许) me (我)
In 15 Seconds
- A polite way to start a speech or presentation.
- Shows high respect and professional 'face' to others.
- Best for business, weddings, and formal apologies.
Meaning
This is a polite, structured way to open a speech or request permission to start an action. It's like a verbal bow that signals you are about to say something important or respectful.
Key Examples
3 of 6Starting a business presentation
首先，请允许我介绍一下我们的团队。
First, please allow me to introduce our team.
Giving a wedding toast
首先，请允许我向这对新人表示祝贺。
First, please allow me to express my congratulations to the couple.
Making a formal apology
首先，请允许我为我的迟到道歉。
First, please allow me to apologize for my lateness.
Cultural Background
This phrase reflects the traditional Chinese value of 'Ke Qi' (politeness/etiquette). It demonstrates humility by positioning the speaker as someone seeking consent from the group. It is a staple of 'official' Mandarin used in news broadcasts and international diplomacy.
The 'Power Pause'
After saying `首先，请允许我`, take a tiny one-second pause. It builds anticipation and makes you sound much more confident.
Don't Overuse It
Only use this once at the start of your speech. If you say it before every sentence, you'll sound like a broken robot.
In 15 Seconds
- A polite way to start a speech or presentation.
- Shows high respect and professional 'face' to others.
- Best for business, weddings, and formal apologies.
What It Means
首先，请允许我 is the ultimate 'polite opener.' It tells your listeners that you value their time and presence. Think of it as a formal 'May I?' but with more gravity. It sets a respectful tone immediately. You are literally asking for permission to speak or act. Even if you don't actually need permission, saying this shows great manners.
How To Use It
Place this phrase at the very beginning of your sentence. It acts as a prefix. After saying it, add the action you want to perform. Common follow-ups include 介绍 (introduce), 感谢 (thank), or 表达 (express). It is like a key that unlocks a formal conversation. Keep your posture straight when saying it! It feels better that way.
When To Use It
Use this in business meetings when starting a presentation. It works beautifully at weddings during a toast. Use it when you are writing a formal letter or email. If you are apologizing for something serious, this phrase adds sincerity. It is perfect for any situation where you want to sound professional. It makes you look like a high-level communicator.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this with your best friends at a bar. They will think you are joking or being weirdly stiff. Avoid it when ordering fast food. 'First, please allow me to order a burger' sounds like a comedy sketch. It is too heavy for casual daily chores. If you use it while texting your sibling, expect a sarcastic reply. Save it for moments that actually matter.
Cultural Background
Chinese culture places a high value on 'Mianzi' or 'Face.' By asking for permission to speak, you are giving 'face' to your audience. It shows you don't assume your voice is more important than theirs. This stems from ancient Confucian etiquette. In the past, scholars and officials used similar humble language. Today, it remains the gold standard for public speaking and diplomacy.
Common Variations
If you want to be slightly less formal, try 首先，让我 (First, let me). For a very grand occasion, use 请允许我代表... (Please allow me to represent...). If you are in a rush but still want to be polite, you can just say 让我先... (Let me first...). Each version adjusts the 'volume' of your politeness. Choose the one that fits the room's energy.
Usage Notes
This is a high-register expression. Use it when you want to establish authority or show deep respect. Avoid it in casual settings to prevent sounding pretentious.
The 'Power Pause'
After saying `首先，请允许我`, take a tiny one-second pause. It builds anticipation and makes you sound much more confident.
Don't Overuse It
Only use this once at the start of your speech. If you say it before every sentence, you'll sound like a broken robot.
The 'Face' Secret
In China, using this phrase is a 'cheat code' for respect. Even if your Chinese isn't perfect, using this makes people think you are very cultured.
Examples
6首先，请允许我介绍一下我们的团队。
First, please allow me to introduce our team.
Standard professional opening for a meeting.
首先，请允许我向这对新人表示祝贺。
First, please allow me to express my congratulations to the couple.
Adds a touch of class to a celebratory speech.
首先，请允许我为我的迟到道歉。
First, please allow me to apologize for my lateness.
Shows you take the mistake seriously.
老师，首先请允许我占用您一点时间。
Teacher, first please allow me to take a bit of your time.
Very respectful way to approach a superior via text.
首先，请允许我吃完这最后一块披萨。
First, please allow me to finish this last piece of pizza.
The contrast between the formal phrase and the pizza is funny.
首先，请允许我代表公司向您致以问候。
First, please allow me to extend greetings to you on behalf of the company.
A very standard, safe opening for corporate correspondence.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct phrase to complete this formal introduction.
___，请允许我自我介绍一下。
`首先` (First) is the logical start for an introduction.
Which verb best follows this phrase in a thank-you speech?
首先，请允许我___大家的帮助。
`感谢` (to thank) is the most appropriate formal action in this context.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Level of 'First, please allow me'
Talking to a roommate
让我先说 (Let me speak first)
A polite request to a stranger
请让我... (Please let me...)
Business meeting / Speech
首先，请允许我... (First, please allow me...)
Diplomatic event
请允许我代表全体人员... (Please allow me to represent everyone...)
When to use '首先，请允许我'
Wedding Toast
Congratulating the couple
Job Interview
Introducing your background
Formal Email
Starting a business inquiry
Public Speech
Addressing an audience
Practice Bank
2 exercises___，请允许我自我介绍一下。
`首先` (First) is the logical start for an introduction.
首先，请允许我___大家的帮助。
`感谢` (to thank) is the most appropriate formal action in this context.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsWhile common in speeches, it's also used in formal emails and serious face-to-face apologies. For example, 首先，请允许我说明情况 (First, allow me to explain the situation).
Usually, no, it's too formal. However, if you are making a very serious announcement or apology, it might be used to show sincerity.
允许 is formal and means 'permit/allow,' while 让 is casual and means 'let.' Use 让 with friends.
Yes, in this specific construction, 首先 (First) provides the structure that makes the sentence flow naturally in a formal setting.
It's grammatically okay, but 首先，请允许我 is the standard, more natural-sounding sequence for native speakers.
If you say 首先，允许我, it sounds a bit like a command or a very direct statement. Always keep the 请 for politeness.
Yes, this is standard Mandarin used across all regions of China for formal occasions.
Only if the text is to a boss, a teacher, or someone you don't know well. It's too stiff for friends.
Not at all! It sounds professional and educated. It's used every day in business and media.
The biggest mistake is using it for something trivial. Don't say 首先，请允许我喝口水 (First, allow me to drink water) unless you're being funny.
Related Phrases
让我先说 (Let me speak first)
请原谅我 (Please forgive me)
在此，我代表... (Here, on behalf of...)
简单介绍一下 (Briefly introduce)
