请回复
qǐng huí fù
To RSVP in Chinese is 请回复 (qǐng huí fù).
The phrase 请回复 is commonly used at the end of formal event invitations to request a response.
Meaning: to reply to an invitation (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 请 (please) and 回复 (to reply/respond).
Which one should you use?
The phrase 请答复 is a formal way to request a response to an invitation.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The addition of 请 makes the phrase a polite request suitable for formal invitations. In casual or informal situations, 好的 can be used to express acceptance or confirmation. The phrase 不好意思，不能去 is an appropriate way to decline an invitation informally.
How do you pronounce it?
qǐng huí fù
Did you know?
- While 请回复 is the standard translation for 'RSVP', many modern Chinese wedding invitations use the English term 'RSVP' directly to signal a Western-style formal event.
- When declining an invitation, it is common to use 'face-saving' language that suggests a vague 'conflict' rather than a direct 'no', even when using the formal 回复 process.
- While 请回复 is a direct translation, some high-end Chinese banquet invitations use the phrase 敬请 (honorably request) followed by a response verb to increase the level of prestige and respect.
Examples in context
- 请您尽快回复我是否参加Please respond as soon as possible regarding your attendance.
- 非常感谢您的邀请。很抱歉，因为工作原因，我无法参加。希望您的活动圆满成功Thank you so much for your invitation. I am sorry that I am unable to attend due to work reasons. I sincerely hope your event is a great success.
- 好的！我会参加的Okay! I will attend for sure!
- 不好意思，我不能去，真是太遗憾了Sorry, I can't make it. What a pity!
- 没问题，我会去的！No problem, I will definitely go!
- 如果你能来，请回复我。Rúguǒ nǐ néng lái, qǐng huífù wǒ.If you can come, please reply to me.
- 请回复这份活动邀请。Qǐng huífù zhè fèn huódòng yāoqǐng.Please RSVP to this event invitation.
- 收到请回复。Shōudào qǐng huífù.Please reply once you have received this.
Example conversation
Haoran sends a wedding invitation to Xiaowen via text.
- 浩然 Haoran晓雯，这是我的婚礼邀请。Xiǎowén, zhè shì wǒ de hūnlǐ yāoqǐng.Xiaowen, this is my wedding invitation.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen太棒了！我一定会去的。Tài bàng le! Wǒ yīdìng huì qù de.That's great! I will definitely come.
- 浩然 Haoran收到后，请回复确认一下。Shōudào hòu, qǐng huífù quèrèn yīxià.After you receive it, please reply to confirm.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen没问题，我这就回复你。Méi wèntí, wǒ zhè jiù huífù nǐ.No problem, I will reply to you right now.
