Definitions

qǐng (particle) please (polite request)
qǐng (verb) to ask; to invite; to request
qǐng (verb) to treat (to a meal)

Etymology

Simplified form of . Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "请", corresponding to the traditional form "請", incorporates the speech radical "言" on the left, which appears as "讠" in its simplified variant, combined with the element "青" on the right, a component that historically served a phonetic function. Its earliest attested meanings revolve around formal asking or requesting, often conveying a sense of deference or ceremony. Through extended usage, the character gradually acquired a role as a polite auxiliary in directives, transforming straightforward commands into courteous expressions, such as those used for inviting someone to act or enter. Concurrently, it maintained its core verbal sense of extending an invitation or engaging services, evident in compound words pertaining to social or professional solicitations. The persistent presence of the speech radical highlights the character's foundational link to verbal interaction, while the phonetic component has continued to provide structural continuity throughout its developmental history.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Warring States (~250 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

坐在这里。

Qǐng zuò zài zhèlǐ.

Please sit here.

帮我一下。

Qǐng bāng wǒ yīxià.

Please help me a bit.

明天来我家。

Qǐng míngtiān lái wǒ jiā.

Please come to my house tomorrow.

您填写这张表。

Qǐng nín tiánxiě zhè zhāng biǎo.

Please fill out this form.

安静,我们在上课。

Qǐng ānjìng, wǒmen zài shàngkè.

Please be quiet, we are in class.

如果你有时间,来参加聚会。

Rúguǒ nǐ yǒu shíjiān, qǐng lái cānjiā jùhuì.

If you have time, please come to the party.

允许我介绍一下自己。

Qǐng yǔnxǔ wǒ jièshào yīxià zìjǐ.

Please allow me to introduce myself.

在会议开始前提交你的报告。

Qǐng zài huìyì kāishǐ qián tíjiāo nǐ de bàogào.

Please submit your report before the meeting starts.