What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of two characters: 请 (qǐng), which means to request, invite or politely ask and 求 (qiú), which means to seek, request or supplicate.
Which one should you use?
While 请求 is a polite request, 要求 (yāoqiú) is more forceful and implies a demand or requirement. For an even more formal or urgent version of a request, you can use 恳请 (kěnqǐng), which emphasizes the sincere and earnest nature of the communication in professional or official contexts.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For very formal or highly respectful settings, use 恳请 to express an earnest request. In informal settings, such as when speaking with friends, family or colleagues, you might use the phrase 麻烦你 (máfan nǐ) to politely ask for a favor or the casual expression 能不能 (néng bùnéng), which is similar to saying 'can you' in English.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Taiwan, the form 請求 is used to express a request. In Hong Kong, the phrase 麻煩你 (maa4 faan4 nei5) is used as a casual expression for a request.
How does it change in a sentence?
To indicate that a request has been made or is a completed action, you can add the aspect particle 了 (le) after the word, resulting in 请求了.
How do you pronounce it?
qǐngqiú
Did you know?
- In highly formal historical contexts, the concept of a 'request' to an emperor was not a 请求 but a 奏折 (zòuzhé), a specific type of memorial report that followed strict physical and linguistic protocols.
- While 请求 is a standard request, the related phrase 麻烦你 (máfan nǐ) literally translates to 'trouble you', turning the act of bothering someone into a polite social lubricant.
- The character 请 (qǐng) contains the radical for 'speech' on the left and 'blue/green' on the right, which historically evolved from a meaning of 'to invite' using a formal spoken address.
Examples in context
- 汤姆拒绝了我的请求。Tom turned down my request.This sentence shows how to use 请求 to describe a request being turned down.Tatoeba #13046542 by maina, translation #3410800 by CK
- 他拒绝了我加好友的请求。He refused my friend request.This sentence demonstrates the use of 请求 in the context of a friend request.Tatoeba #8463553 by gumblex, translation #1848923 by Spamster
- 他对他们的请求置若罔闻。He turned a deaf ear to their request.This sentence illustrates using 请求 to describe ignoring a request.Tatoeba #8835117 by crescat, translation #302566 by CM
- 恳请您的帮助I sincerely request your help.
- 请按照要求完成任务Please complete the task according to the requirements.
- 麻烦你帮忙拿一下Could you please help me carry this for a moment?
- 能不能借我这本书?Can you lend me this book?
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Xiao Wen is asking Zhi Qiang for a favor at work.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen志强，我想请求你帮我一个忙。Zhìqiáng, wǒ xiǎng qǐngqiú nǐ bāng wǒ yīgè máng.Zhi Qiang, I want to request your help with something.
- 志强 Zhiqiang没问题，是什么事情？Méi wèntí, shì shénme shìqíng?No problem, what is it?
- 晓雯 Xiaowen能不能请求你帮我核对这份报告？Néng bù néng qǐngqiú nǐ bāng wǒ héduì zhè fèn bàogào?Could I request that you help me check this report?
- 志强 Zhiqiang好的，我现在就看。Hǎo de, wǒ xiànzài jiù kàn.Okay, I will look at it right now.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
