请便
qing bian
In Chinese, the phrase to say 'go ahead' (granting permission) is 请便 (qing bian).
The phrase 请便 is used as an imperative to grant someone permission to do something.
Meaning: (''imperative'') grant permission (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 请 (please) and 便 (convenient/suitable), literally meaning 'please do as is convenient for you'.
Which one should you use?
While 请便 is polite, the colloquial term 随便 can also mean 'go ahead' or 'do whatever', but it can sound indifferent or even dismissive depending on the tone.
How do you pronounce it?
qing bian
Did you know?
- The word 随便 is so common in daily life that it has evolved into a slang adjective meaning 'casual' or 'sloppy' when describing a person's dress or behavior.
- In a dining context, rather than saying 'go ahead', one might say 请用, which means 'please use'. This is the standard way to grant permission for guests to begin eating.
- In high-stakes social settings, 请便 can be used sarcastically to tell someone to 'go ahead' and do something foolish, effectively washing the speaker's hands of the result.
Examples in context
- 请继续进行您的演讲。Please proceed with your speech.
- 你可以开始会议了。You can start the meeting now.
- 请开始录音。Please start recording.
- 大家都准备好了，那就开始吧！Everyone is ready, so let's get started!
- 如果您想先走，请便。Rúguǒ nín xiǎng xiān zǒu, qǐngbiàn.If you want to leave first, please go ahead.
- 既然你想看，请便。Jìrán nǐ xiǎng kàn, qǐngbiàn.Since you want to look, go ahead.
- 你想用这支笔吗？请便。Nǐ xiǎng yòng zhè zhī bǐ ma? Qǐngbiàn.Do you want to use this pen? Go ahead.
Example conversation
Zhiqiang asks Xiaowen if he can use her pen.
- 志强 Zhiqiang晓雯，我可以用一下你的笔吗？Xiǎowén, wǒ kěyǐ yòng yīxià nǐ de bǐ ma?Xiaowen, can I use your pen for a moment?
- 晓雯 Xiaowen没问题，请便。Méi wèntí, qǐngbiàn.No problem, go ahead.
- 志强 Zhiqiang谢谢你。Xièxiè nǐ.Thank you.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen不客气。Bù kèqì.You're welcome.
