请 (qǐng) — please / to invite

请 (qǐng)

A versatile word meaning "please" when used as a polite adverb before a verb, and "to invite" or "to treat someone to something" when used as a main verb. It is one of the most common politeness words in Mandarin.

Meanings

1. [adverb] Please (used to make a polite request).
2. [verb] To invite someone; to treat someone to a meal or drink.

Example Sentences

请坐，不要客气。 Qǐng zuò, bùyào kèqi. Please sit down, make yourself at home.

请问，洗手间在哪里？ Qǐngwèn, xǐshǒujiān zài nǎlǐ? Excuse me, where is the restroom?

今天我请你吃饭。 Jīntiān wǒ qǐng nǐ chīfàn. Today I will treat you to a meal.

他请我去他家玩。 Tā qǐng wǒ qù tā jiā wán. He invited me to come to his home.

Collocations

Memory Hook

Imagine a host bowing at the door saying "qǐng" — "please, come in!" The word always carries warmth and courtesy.