Definition
请 (qǐng) is a polite verb meaning 'to ask/invite' — it's the everyday word for inviting someone to do something or treating them. It's less formal than 邀请 (yāo qǐng 'to invite') and broader than 请客 (qǐng kè 'to treat to a meal'). As 'please', it softens requests.
verb
to ask politelyto requestto inviteto treat (to a meal, drink, etc.)
Easily confused
- 清qīnglook-alike(adjective) clear, clean, pure (of water, air, mind, sound)
- 轻qīngsound-alikelight (in weight, not heavy)
- 晴qínglook-alikeclear, fine (weather)
- 青qīngsound-alikegreen (color)
- 精jīnglook-alikeskilled; proficient; refined (of ability)
- 猜cāilook-aliketo guess
Examples
- 请。qǐng zuò.Please sit.
- 请。Wǒ qǐng tā chī fàn.I treat him to a meal.
- 请。qǐng kāi mén.Please open the door.
Grammar
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