How to say "S'il vous plaît" in Chinese

In Chinese culture, politeness is expressed not just through words but through tone, context, and the choice of honorifics. The phrase you’re learning is a cornerstone of respectful requests, but its usage depends heavily on who you’re speaking to. Unlike French, which uses S’il vous plaît universally, Chinese has layered ways to say “please” that reflect hierarchy, age, and social status. Beginners should focus first on 请 (qǐng), the most neutral and widely applicable form, and only use 请您 (qǐng nín) or 劳驾 (láo jià) in specific situations where extra deference or indirectness is expected.

1. For general requests (neutral, to strangers or acquaintances) Use 请 (qǐng) when making a polite request to someone you don’t know well or to service staff. It’s the safest choice for beginners.

   • 请问，洗手间在哪里？
     "Excuse me, where is the restroom?"
   • **请给我一杯水。 **
     "Please give me a glass of water."

2. For requests to elders or superiors (respectful, formal) Add 您 (nín) after 请 to show respect to someone older or in a higher position, such as a teacher, boss, or customer. This is similar to using “you” with a honorific in English (e.g., “you, sir”).

   • **请您稍等片刻。 **
     "Please wait a moment."
   • **请您帮我填一下这张表。 **
     "Please help me fill out this form."

3. For indirect or humble requests (polite, often to strangers in public) 劳驾 (láo jià) is a more indirect and humble way to say “please,” often used when asking someone to move aside, give way, or do a small favor. It’s common in crowded places like buses or markets. Think of it as saying “excuse me” with a request embedded.

   • **劳驾，借过一下。 **
     "Excuse me, let me through."
   • **劳驾，能帮我拍张照吗？ **
     "Excuse me, could you take a photo for me?"

4. For written requests (formal, documents or signs) In written Chinese, 请 is often used alone at the end of a sentence or notice to soften a command. It’s common in signs, emails, or formal letters.

   • **请保持安静。 **
     "Please keep quiet."
   • **请将表格填好后交回。 **
     "Please fill out the form and return it."

👉 Most useful for daily life: Start by memorizing 请 (qǐng). It works in 80% of situations—asking for directions, ordering food, or making small requests. Use 请您 only when speaking to someone clearly older or in a superior role, and 劳驾 when you need to be especially indirect or humble in public.