Learning how to express the simple yet meaningful phrase “please come” in Chinese can greatly enhance your communication skills and make you feel more connected to Chinese culture. In this guide, we will provide you with various ways to say “please come” in Chinese, including both formal and informal expressions. We will also explore a few regional variations when necessary, offering tips and examples along the way. So, let’s dive into the fascinating world of Chinese language and customs!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Please Come” in Chinese
When expressing “please come” in formal situations, it’s essential to use polite language to show respect to the person you are inviting. Here are a few formal phrases commonly used in Chinese culture:
1. 请进 (Qǐng Jìn)
The most common and widely used way to say “please come” in formal Chinese is “请进” pronounced as “qǐng jìn.” This phrase can be translated directly as “please come in” or “please enter.” It is a polite and conventional form of invitation suitable for almost any situation. You can use it when inviting guests, visitors, or colleagues into your home, office, or other formal settings.
For example, if you want to invite a guest into your office, you can say:
“请进！” (Qǐng jìn!)
Here, “请” (qǐng) means “please,” and “进” (jìn) means “enter” or “come in.”
2. 请到里面坐 (Qǐng Dào Lǐmiàn Zuò)
Another formal way to invite someone in Chinese is by saying “请到里面坐” pronounced as “qǐng dào lǐmiàn zuò.” This phrase translates to “please come inside and have a seat.” It demonstrates extra thoughtfulness by suggesting a specific action (entering) and offering a seat, making your guest feel more welcome and comfortable.
Suppose someone arrives at your home. You can use this phrase to invite them inside and to sit down:
“请到里面坐！” (Qǐng dào lǐmiàn zuò!)
In this case, “里面” (lǐmiàn) means “inside,” and “坐” (zuò) means “sit.”
Informal Ways to Say “Please Come” in Chinese
In less formal situations, you can use slightly more casual expressions to say “please come” in Chinese. These informal phrases may be suitable for inviting close friends, family members, or peers. However, it’s crucial to consider the context and level of familiarity with the person you are inviting.
1. 进来吧 (Jìn Lái Ba)
If you want to invite someone in an informal setting, a common phrase used is “进来吧” pronounced as “jìn lái ba.” This phrase can be interpreted as “please come in” or “come on in” and is often used among friends or acquaintances.
For instance, if you are inviting a friend to enter your home, you can say:
“进来吧！” (Jìn lái ba!)
Here, “进来” (jìn lái) means “come in,” and “吧” (ba) is a particle used for suggesting or inviting someone to do something.
2. 快请进 (Kuài Qǐng Jìn)
Another informal way to invite someone is by using the phrase “快请进” pronounced as “kuài qǐng jìn.” This expression can be translated as “please come in quickly” and is particularly suitable when you are excited to see someone or in a casual setting.
Let’s say you are hosting a gathering at your friend’s house and you want to invite more people inside. You can use the following phrase:
“快请进！” (Kuài qǐng jìn!)
In this case, “快” (kuài) means “quickly,” and “请进” (qǐng jìn) means “please come in.”
Regional Variations
Chinese language and culture exhibit regional variations, and sometimes the expressions used to say “please come” may differ based on the region. Here, we will explore a couple of examples:
1. 请进 (Qǐng Jìn) – Mandarin
As we mentioned earlier, “请进” (qǐng jìn) is widely used in Mandarin Chinese across various regions of China. However, it’s important to note that different regional dialects, such as Cantonese, may have variations in pronunciation and usage.
2. 請進 (Cing2 Zeon3) – Cantonese
In Cantonese, one of the most widely spoken regional dialects in China, the phrase “请进” is pronounced as “cing2 zeon3”. Although the pronunciation differs, the meaning remains the same, conveying the polite invitation to enter.
Wrap-Up
After going through this comprehensive guide, you now have a wide range of expressions to say “please come” in Chinese, both formal and informal. Remember to consider the context, level of formality, and your relationship with the person you are inviting while selecting the appropriate phrase. Using these Chinese phrases will not only improve your language skills but also showcase your respect for Chinese culture and customs. Keep practicing and embracing the rich linguistic diversity of the Chinese language!
Start incorporating these phrases into your daily conversations, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the warm reception you receive from native Chinese speakers.
