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请示 (qǐng shì) — to ask for instructions (from a superior)

Definition

请示 means to formally request instructions or approval from a superior (向上级). Unlike 请教 (asking for advice), it implies an official, hierarchical request for a decision, not guidance.

verb
to ask for instructions (from a superior)

Examples

  • 请示。
    Zhè jiàn shì xū yào xiān qǐng shì shàng jí.
    This matter needs to ask for instructions from the higher-ups first.
  • 请示？
    Nǐ qǐng shì guò jīng lǐ le ma?
    Have you asked the manager for instructions?
  • 请示。
    Qǐng zài xíng dòng zhī qián qǐng shì fù zé rén.
    Please ask the person in charge for instructions before taking action.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
动宾dòngbīnVerb + object

An action followed by what it acts on, fused into one word.

请qǐngrequest
示shìinstruction

请 (request) and 示 (instruction) form the action of asking a superior for guidance.

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 請; 请 is its simplified writing.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
言言yánsay
Sound part声符shēngfú
青
青qīng請qǐng
Same sound today

In the traditional form 請, 言 shows it relates to speaking, and 青 gives the sound; the simplified 请 is a later shorter form.

Open 请 →

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

示 began as a drawing of an altar. Extra strokes were added to keep it distinct from unrelated old forms.

Open 示 →
Appears in
HSK 3.0 Level 7-9HSK 2.0 Level 6Workplace & Office

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