When meeting someone new in Chinese culture, it's very common and polite to ask about their surname. The phrase you'll hear and use is 贵姓 (guì xìng).
Literally, 贵 means 'expensive' or 'noble', and 姓 means 'surname'. So, 贵姓 translates to 'your noble surname' or 'your honorable surname'.
It's important to remember that this is a formal and respectful way to inquire about someone's last name, especially in initial introductions or business settings.
The common reply would be to state your surname, often preceded by 免贵 (miǎn guì), which politely means 'my surname is not noble' or 'you don't need to honor my surname'. However, simply stating your surname is also perfectly acceptable and common.
贵姓 in 30 Seconds
- Use 贵姓 to politely ask for someone's surname.
- It's a more formal option than directly asking '你姓什么?' (nǐ xìng shénme?).
- The '贵' (guì) means 'noble' or 'honorable', adding respect to the question.
§ What does 贵姓 mean?
- DEFINITION
- your honorable surname (polite)
In Chinese culture, surnames are a big deal. They carry history, family lineage, and a sense of identity. When you meet someone for the first time, especially in a formal setting or with someone older or of higher status, asking for their surname politely is crucial. This is where 贵姓 (guì xìng) comes in. It literally translates to "expensive surname" or "honorable surname," and it's the standard, respectful way to inquire about someone's family name.
§ When do people use 贵姓?
You'll typically use 贵姓 in situations where you want to show respect. Think of it like this:
- Meeting someone for the first time in a professional setting.
- Introductions at a formal event.
- When speaking with elders or people you don't know well.
- In customer service interactions.
It's less common in casual conversations with close friends or family, where you'd likely already know each other's surnames, or a simpler way of asking is perfectly fine. Using 贵姓 demonstrates good manners and an understanding of Chinese social etiquette.
请问您贵姓？
Translation hint: "May I ask your honorable surname?"
This is a very common and polite way to start a conversation, especially if you need to know someone's name for administrative purposes or to address them properly later.
老师，请问您贵姓？
Translation hint: "Teacher, may I ask your honorable surname?"
Understanding when and how to use 贵姓 will greatly improve your communication in Chinese. It's a small word but carries a lot of cultural weight and respect. Mastering its usage shows that you're not just learning the language, but also its rich etiquette.
How Formal Is It?
"请问您贵姓？ (May I ask your honorable surname?)"
"你姓什么？ (What's your surname?)"
"你姓啥？ (What's your last name? - very casual, almost slangy)"
"你叫什么名字？ (What's your name? - often used with children, or if you don't know if they have a surname yet)"
"啥姓啊？ (What surname? - extremely casual, can be perceived as rude depending on context)"
Grammar to Know
Use 贵姓 (guì xìng) as a polite way to ask for someone's surname. It's a formal expression used when you want to show respect, especially to someone you just met or to someone older than you. The literal translation is 'expensive surname' or 'honorable surname'.
请问您贵姓？(Qǐngwèn nín guì xìng?) - May I ask your honorable surname?
When someone asks you 贵姓, you should respond with 我的姓是 (wǒ de xìng shì) + your surname, or simply 我姓 (wǒ xìng) + your surname. Do not use 贵姓 when stating your own surname.
我姓王。(Wǒ xìng Wáng.) - My surname is Wang.
贵姓 is used specifically for surnames. If you want to ask for someone's full name, you would use 请问您叫什么名字？(Qǐngwèn nín jiào shénme míngzì?) - May I ask what your name is?
A: 请问您贵姓？(Qǐngwèn nín guì xìng?) - May I ask your honorable surname? B: 我姓李。(Wǒ xìng Lǐ.) - My surname is Li.
贵姓 is often preceded by 请问 (qǐngwèn), meaning 'may I ask', to make the question even more polite.
请问您贵姓大名？(Qǐngwèn nín guì xìng dàmíng?) - May I ask your honorable surname and full name? (More formal)
While 贵姓 is polite, it's generally reserved for more formal situations or when addressing elders or people of higher status. In casual settings with peers, you might simply ask 你姓什么？(Nǐ xìng shénme?) - What's your surname?
A: 你姓什么？(Nǐ xìng shénme?) - What's your surname? B: 我姓陈。(Wǒ xìng Chén.) - My surname is Chen.
Examples by Level
请问您贵姓？
Excuse me, what is your honorable surname?
我姓王，您贵姓？
My surname is Wang, what is your honorable surname?
他贵姓？
What is his honorable surname?
请问，这位女士贵姓？
Excuse me, what is this lady's honorable surname?
您好，请问您贵姓？
Hello, may I ask your honorable surname?
老师，您贵姓？
Teacher, what is your honorable surname?
小李，你知道她贵姓吗？
Xiao Li, do you know her honorable surname?
我们学校新来的老师贵姓陈。
The new teacher at our school's honorable surname is Chen.
请问您贵姓？
May I ask your honorable surname?
A polite way to ask for someone's surname.
我姓王，请问您贵姓？
My surname is Wang, may I ask your honorable surname?
Introducing your own surname before asking for theirs.
他问我贵姓，我就告诉他了。
He asked my honorable surname, so I told him.
Using '贵姓' in a narrative context.
初次见面，请问您贵姓大名？
Nice to meet you, may I ask your honorable surname and full name?
Adding '大名' (full name) for even more politeness.
她不好意思问贵姓，就直接问名字了。
She was too embarrassed to ask for the honorable surname, so she just asked for the name directly.
Showing when '贵姓' might be avoided.
如果你不知道对方的姓氏，可以说'请问贵姓？'
If you don't know the other person's surname, you can say 'May I ask your honorable surname?'
Providing a tip for using '贵姓'.
老师问新同学贵姓，新同学回答了。
The teacher asked the new classmate's honorable surname, and the new classmate answered.
Context of a teacher asking a student.
我忘了他的贵姓，真不好意思。
I forgot his honorable surname, I'm so embarrassed.
Expressing regret about forgetting someone's surname.
请问，您贵姓？
Excuse me, what is your honorable surname?
我姓王，请问您贵姓？
My surname is Wang, may I ask your honorable surname?
初次见面，请问您贵姓大名？
Nice to meet you for the first time, may I ask your honorable surname and full name?
我想问一下，这位女士贵姓？
I'd like to ask, what is this lady's honorable surname?
在正式场合，我们通常会问对方贵姓。
In formal settings, we usually ask for the other person's honorable surname.
她犹豫了一下，才回答说：“我贵姓李。”
She hesitated for a moment before answering, 'My honorable surname is Li.'
如果您不介意，请问您贵姓？
If you don't mind, may I ask your honorable surname?
了解对方贵姓，是表示尊重的基本礼仪。
Knowing the other person's honorable surname is a basic etiquette for showing respect.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
请问您贵姓？
May I ask your honorable surname?
我姓张，你贵姓？
My surname is Zhang, what is yours?
他贵姓李。
His surname is Li.
老师，您贵姓？
Teacher, what is your surname?
请问这位先生贵姓？
May I ask this gentleman's surname?
不知小姐贵姓？
May I know miss's honorable surname?
请教您的贵姓。
May I ask your honorable surname?
我贵姓陈。
My surname is Chen.
您贵姓是？
What is your honorable surname?
可以告诉我您贵姓吗？
Can you tell me your honorable surname?
Tips
Literal Meaning
The characters in 贵姓 (guì xìng) literally mean expensive or honorable (贵) and surname (姓). So, it's like saying 'your honorable surname'.
When to Use It
Use 贵姓 when you want to politely ask someone for their surname, especially when meeting them for the first time or in formal situations. It's a sign of respect.
How to Respond
When someone asks '您贵姓？' (Nín guì xìng? - What is your honorable surname?), you should respond with '我姓 [your surname]'. For example, '我姓李' (Wǒ xìng Lǐ - My surname is Li).
Importance of Surnames
In Chinese culture, surnames are very important and come before the given name. Asking someone's surname politely is a common and respectful way to initiate a conversation.
Don't Use for Yourself
Never use 贵姓 to refer to your own surname. You wouldn't say '我贵姓...' because it implies your own surname is 'honorable' or 'expensive', which is impolite. Just use 姓 (xìng) for your own surname.
Full Question Example
A common way to ask is '请问您贵姓？' (Qǐngwèn nín guì xìng? - Excuse me, what is your honorable surname?).
Informal Alternative
In very casual settings with peers, you might simply ask '你姓什么？' (Nǐ xìng shénme? - What's your surname?). However, 贵姓 is always safer and more polite.
Not for Given Names
Remember, 贵姓 is specifically for surnames, not for a person's full name or given name. To ask for a full name, you'd use a different phrase.
Practice Pronunciation
Pay attention to the tones: 贵 (guì) is a 4th tone, and 姓 (xìng) is also a 4th tone. Practice saying them together to get the correct rhythm.
Historical Context
The 'honorable' aspect of 贵姓 comes from a traditional cultural emphasis on showing respect to others, especially in formal introductions. It's about elevating the other person.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsThe literal translation of 贵姓 is 'expensive' or 'noble' (贵) and 'surname' (姓). So, it's like asking 'your noble surname,' which makes it a very polite way to ask someone's last name in Chinese. It's considered much more respectful than just saying 'your surname.'
You should use 贵姓 when you're meeting someone for the first time, especially in a formal setting or when you want to show respect. It's common in business interactions, when addressing elders, or in any situation where politeness is key.
To answer 贵姓, you typically say '我姓 [your surname].' For example, if your surname is Smith, you would say '我姓史密斯 (Wǒ xìng Shǐmìsī).' You don't need to use '贵' in your answer.
No, 贵姓 is specifically for asking someone's surname. If you want to ask for their full name, you would use a different phrase, like '请问您叫什么名字？ (Qǐngwèn nín jiào shénme míngzi?)' which means 'May I ask what your name is?' Remember, 贵姓 is only for the last name.
While 贵姓 is definitely formal, it's also used in everyday polite interactions, especially when you want to show deference. Think of it as similar to 'May I have your name?' in English, but specifically for the surname. It's good to err on the side of politeness when you're unsure.
姓什么 (xìng shénme) is a more direct and less formal way to ask 'What's your surname?' It's not rude, but it lacks the added politeness of 贵姓. Think of 贵姓 as 'your honorable surname' and 姓什么 as just 'what surname.'
Generally, no. With friends or people you're very familiar with, you wouldn't use 贵姓. You'd likely already know their surname or use a more casual way to ask if you didn't. It would sound overly formal and a bit strange among close acquaintances.
No, 贵姓 doesn't have a plural form in the same way English nouns do. You would still use 贵姓 when addressing a group of people individually, or you might rephrase your question if you're asking about multiple surnames in a broader sense. It's always about the individual's 'honorable surname.'
A common mistake is using it too casually or with people you're already familiar with. Another is trying to use '贵' in your own surname when answering. Just remember, 贵 is for showing respect to *their* surname, not yours.
Yes, 贵姓 is still very much in use in modern Chinese, especially in polite and formal contexts. It's a foundational phrase for showing respect and good manners when introducing yourself.
Test Yourself 78 questions
This is a basic way to ask 'What is your surname?' in Chinese. '你' (nǐ) means 'you', '姓' (xìng) means 'to be surnamed', and '什么' (shénme) means 'what'.
'请问' (qǐngwèn) means 'excuse me/may I ask'. '您' (nín) is the polite form of 'you'. '贵姓' (guìxìng) is the polite way to ask for someone's surname. This is a very polite way to ask 'What is your honorable surname?'
'我' (wǒ) means 'I' or 'me'. '姓' (xìng) means 'to be surnamed'. '李' (Lǐ) is a common Chinese surname. This sentence means 'My surname is Li.'
Which situation is most appropriate for using "贵姓" (guì xìng)?
"贵姓" is used in formal situations to show respect, especially to someone you've just met or someone in a position of authority.
If someone asks you "您贵姓?" (Nín guì xìng?), how would you most likely respond?
When responding to "贵姓", you just state your surname using "我姓..." You don't use "贵" when talking about your own surname.
What is the primary purpose of using "贵姓" (guì xìng)?
"贵姓" is a polite and respectful way to inquire about someone's surname, not their full name or given name, and not about family history.
You should use "贵姓" (guì xìng) when asking a close family member for their surname.
"贵姓" is a formal expression. It's not typically used with close family members where informal language is more common.
The phrase "您贵姓?" (Nín guì xìng?) can be translated as "What is your honorable surname?"
The character "贵" (guì) means 'expensive' or 'honorable', making the phrase a polite way to ask for a surname.
When you answer "我姓王" (Wǒ xìng Wáng), you are using "贵姓" (guì xìng) correctly.
"我姓王" is the correct way to state your surname. You do not use "贵" when stating your own surname.
Someone is politely asking for a surname.
Someone introduces their surname and then asks for yours.
A student is asking a teacher for their surname politely.
Read this aloud:
您贵姓？
Focus: guì xìng
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
请问，您贵姓？
Focus: qǐng wèn
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
我姓李，你贵姓？
Focus: wǒ xìng lǐ
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This is the polite way to ask for someone's surname in Chinese. '请问' (qǐngwèn) means 'may I ask'.
'我姓 (wǒ xìng) + surname' is how you state your own surname. '李' (Lǐ) is a common Chinese surname.
This asks 'What is his surname?'. Note that '什么' (shénme) is used to ask 'what'.
A: 您好，请问您___？B: 我姓李。
To politely ask someone's surname, '贵姓' is the most appropriate phrase.
第一次见面，我们应该问对方什么表示尊重？答：请问您___。
When meeting someone for the first time, using '贵姓' is a polite way to ask for their surname and show respect.
A: 我姓张。B: 哦，张先生您好，请问您___？
After someone tells you their surname, you can still use '贵姓' to ask for someone else's surname in a polite context, or to confirm the person you are speaking with.
在正式场合，如果想知道对方的姓氏，最礼貌的说法是：请问您___？
In formal settings, '请问您贵姓?' is the most courteous way to inquire about someone's surname.
A: 大家好，我叫小明。B: 小明你好，请问那位女士___？
When introducing yourself and others, '贵姓' is used to politely ask for the surname of another person.
如果一位客户来访，你想知道他的姓氏，可以问：先生，请问您___？
When a client visits, using '贵姓' is a respectful way to ask for their surname.
请问您___？我姓王。
The speaker is asking for the other person's surname in a polite way, and then states their own surname. '贵姓' is the appropriate polite form.
第一次见面，我总是先问对方：请问您___？
When meeting someone for the first time, it's common and polite to ask for their surname using '贵姓'.
张先生，请问您有什么事？哦，不好意思，我应该先问您的___。
The speaker realizes they should have politely asked for the person's surname first. '贵姓' is the correct polite term for 'your honorable surname'.
在正式场合，询问对方的姓氏，最礼貌的说法是“请问您___？”
In formal settings, '请问您贵姓?' is the most polite way to ask for someone's surname.
服务员对客人说：“先生，请问您___？我帮您查一下预订信息。”
A service person addressing a guest would use the polite '贵姓' to ask for their surname when checking information.
教授你好，我是新来的学生，请问您___？
A new student addressing a professor would use the polite '贵姓' to inquire about their surname.
The speaker is asking for a surname and then providing their own.
Someone introduces themselves and then asks for the other person's surname.
A quick greeting and exchange of surnames.
Read this aloud:
请问您贵姓？
Focus: guì xìng
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
我姓李，你贵姓？
Focus: xìng Lǐ, nǐ guì xìng
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
很高兴认识你，贵姓？
Focus: hěn gāo xìng rèn shi nǐ, guì xìng
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Imagine you are meeting someone for the first time in a formal business setting. Write a short dialogue where you introduce yourself and ask for their surname using polite language. Include at least one sentence using 贵姓.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
A: 您好，我姓王，请问您贵姓？ (Hello, my surname is Wang, may I ask your honorable surname?) B: 您好，我姓李。 (Hello, my surname is Li.)
You are at a social gathering and want to politely inquire about someone's family name. Write two different ways to ask for their surname, one using 贵姓 and another using a more common, less formal phrase. Explain when you would use each.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
1. 请问您贵姓？ (May I ask your honorable surname?) - Use in more formal settings or when showing extra respect. 2. 您姓什么？ (What is your surname?) - Use in general social settings, it's polite but less formal than 贵姓.
Write a short paragraph (3-4 sentences) describing a situation where using 贵姓 would be appropriate, and another where it would be less appropriate. Explain your reasoning.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
在正式的商务会议上，初次见面时询问对方的贵姓是非常恰当的，这表示了尊敬。然而，如果和朋友一起出去吃饭，问对方的贵姓就会显得过于正式和生疏，在这种情况下，直接问“你姓什么？”会更自然。
根据短文，使用“贵姓”是为了表达什么？
Read this passage:
在中国文化中，姓氏是一个人身份的重要组成部分。在与人初次见面时，尤其是长辈或地位较高的人，使用“贵姓”来询问对方的姓氏，表达了说话者对对方的尊重。这是一种非常礼貌的表达方式，体现了中华民族的传统美德。
根据短文，使用“贵姓”是为了表达什么？
短文中明确指出：“使用‘贵姓’来询问对方的姓氏，表达了说话者对对方的尊重。”
短文中明确指出：“使用‘贵姓’来询问对方的姓氏，表达了说话者对对方的尊重。”
在这个情境中，小李使用“贵姓”的目的是什么？
Read this passage:
小李第一次去拜访他的教授。他敲了敲门，教授开门后，小李说：“教授您好，我是李明。请问您贵姓？”教授微笑着回答：“你好，我姓张。”这个对话体现了学生对老师的礼貌。
在这个情境中，小李使用“贵姓”的目的是什么？
短文最后一句“这个对话体现了学生对老师的礼貌”以及情境中教授的身份，都表明了小李使用“贵姓”是为了表达尊敬。
短文最后一句“这个对话体现了学生对老师的礼貌”以及情境中教授的身份，都表明了小李使用“贵姓”是为了表达尊敬。
根据短文，在什么情况下不建议使用“贵姓”？
Read this passage:
在一些非正式的场合，比如朋友之间的聚会，人们通常会直接问“你姓什么？”而不是“贵姓”。虽然“贵姓”更正式，但在亲近的人之间使用反而会显得生疏。因此，选择正确的问候方式很重要。
根据短文，在什么情况下不建议使用“贵姓”？
短文指出：“在一些非正式的场合，比如朋友之间的聚会，人们通常会直接问‘你姓什么？’而不是‘贵姓’。……在亲近的人之间使用反而会显得生疏。”
短文指出：“在一些非正式的场合，比如朋友之间的聚会，人们通常会直接问‘你姓什么？’而不是‘贵姓’。……在亲近的人之间使用反而会显得生疏。”
This is a common polite way to ask someone's surname in Chinese.
You introduce your own surname first, then ask for the other person's.
A polite phrase to say 'Nice to meet you' before asking for someone's surname.
The speaker is apologizing for confusing names.
The speaker is talking about their recent studies.
The speaker is asking for suggestions about a meeting.
Read this aloud:
请问您对这个项目的未来发展有什么看法？
Focus: 未来发展 (wèi lái fā zhǎn)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
我能理解您的顾虑，我们正在尽力解决。
Focus: 顾虑 (gù lǜ)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
根据目前的数据分析，市场趋势发生了显著变化。
Focus: 显著变化 (xiǎn zhù biàn huà)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
You are at a formal business dinner in China. You need to introduce yourself and politely ask for the surname of a new acquaintance. Write a short dialogue. Include a polite greeting, your own surname, and the question for their surname.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
您好，我姓李。请问您贵姓？ (Hello, my surname is Li. May I ask your honorable surname?)
Imagine you are writing an email to a potential business partner you've never met. You need to politely introduce yourself and express your interest in learning their surname for proper address. Write two sentences.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
尊敬的先生/女士，您好。冒昧请教，不知您贵姓？ (Dear Sir/Madam, hello. May I be so bold as to ask, what is your honorable surname?)
You are a customer service representative answering a phone call. You need to verify the caller's identity by asking for their surname, but in a very polite and professional manner. Write one sentence you would say.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
请问您贵姓？我应该如何称呼您？ (May I ask your honorable surname? How should I address you?)
根据对话，张先生问李女士“贵姓”的目的是什么？
Read this passage:
在一个商务会议上，张先生第一次见到李女士。张先生很有礼貌地对李女士说：“您好，我姓张，请问您贵姓？” 李女士微笑着回答：“您好，我姓李。”
根据对话，张先生问李女士“贵姓”的目的是什么？
张先生使用“请问您贵姓？”是为了礼貌地询问李女士的姓氏。
张先生使用“请问您贵姓？”是为了礼貌地询问李女士的姓氏。
王经理为什么用“请问您贵姓”来询问小陈的姓氏？
Read this passage:
王经理在一次公司年会上遇到了新来的员工小陈。王经理想和小陈建立良好的关系，于是他走上前去，微笑着说：“小陈，你好，我是王明。请问您贵姓？”
王经理为什么用“请问您贵姓”来询问小陈的姓氏？
在商务场合使用“贵姓”是对对方表示尊重和礼貌的方式。
在商务场合使用“贵姓”是对对方表示尊重和礼貌的方式。
文章指出，在中国文化中，第一次见面询问“贵姓”有什么重要性？
Read this passage:
在中国文化中，第一次见面时，询问对方的姓氏是很重要的社交礼仪。使用“贵姓”是体现个人修养和尊重他人的表现。不问而直接称呼姓名有时会被认为是不礼貌的。
文章指出，在中国文化中，第一次见面询问“贵姓”有什么重要性？
文章明确提到，“使用‘贵姓’是体现个人修养和尊重他人的表现”。
文章明确提到，“使用‘贵姓’是体现个人修养和尊重他人的表现”。
在正式场合，询问对方的姓氏时，我们通常会说“请问您___？”
“贵姓”是询问对方姓氏的礼貌用语，常用于正式场合。
初次见面，为了表示尊重，我会问对方：“请问您___？”
在初次见面时，使用“贵姓”来询问对方的姓氏是一种非常礼貌和尊重的表达。
当被问到“请问您贵姓？”时，我应该回答“我姓___。”
回答对方的姓氏时，直接说“我姓”加上自己的姓氏即可。
在商务交流中，了解对方___是建立初步联系的重要一步。
在商务交流中，询问对方的“贵姓”是表示尊重并建立初步联系的常用方式。
虽然“贵姓”用于询问姓氏，但它隐含了对对方的___。
“贵姓”作为一个敬语，在询问对方姓氏的同时，也表达了说话者对对方的尊重。
在填写表格时，如果需要填写姓氏，而旁边没有明确提示，通常可以直接写自己的___，无需使用“贵姓”。
“贵姓”是用于询问的敬语，在填写表格时直接填写自己的“姓氏”即可。
This is a common polite way to ask someone's surname in Chinese.
This sentence combines stating one's own surname with a polite inquiry about the other person's.
This example shows how to inquire about someone else's surname politely.
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Summary
Use 贵姓 for a polite and respectful way to ask for someone's surname in Chinese, especially in formal settings or when meeting someone for the first time.
- Use 贵姓 to politely ask for someone's surname.
- It's a more formal option than directly asking '你姓什么?' (nǐ xìng shénme?).
- The '贵' (guì) means 'noble' or 'honorable', adding respect to the question.
Literal Meaning
The characters in 贵姓 (guì xìng) literally mean expensive or honorable (贵) and surname (姓). So, it's like saying 'your honorable surname'.
When to Use It
Use 贵姓 when you want to politely ask someone for their surname, especially when meeting them for the first time or in formal situations. It's a sign of respect.
How to Respond
When someone asks '您贵姓？' (Nín guì xìng? - What is your honorable surname?), you should respond with '我姓 [your surname]'. For example, '我姓李' (Wǒ xìng Lǐ - My surname is Li).
Importance of Surnames
In Chinese culture, surnames are very important and come before the given name. Asking someone's surname politely is a common and respectful way to initiate a conversation.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Grammar Rules
More communication words
承认
A2to admit; to acknowledge
恐怕
B1I'm afraid that...; perhaps; probably. Used to express concern, uncertainty, or to soften a polite refusal.
同意
A1to agree
虽然...但是...
A2although...but...
公告
B1announcement
回答
A1to answer; to reply
接听
B2To answer (a phone call).
致歉
B2To express an apology formally. This is a critical term for IELTS letters of apology.
提问
A1To ask a question; to pose an inquiry.
广播
A2Broadcast.
