Show pageOld revisionsBacklinksBack to top This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong. ====== qǐngqiú: 请求 - To Request, Request ====== ===== Quick Summary ===== * **Keywords:** 请求, qǐngqiú, how to say request in Chinese, formal request in Chinese, make a request in Chinese, Chinese for request, what is qingqiu, qǐngqiú vs yāoqiú, apply in Chinese, ask for in Chinese. * **Summary:** Learn how to use **请求 (qǐngqiú)**, the essential Chinese word for "to request" or a formal "request". This comprehensive guide explores its meaning, cultural significance, and practical use in business, technical, and official situations. Understand the crucial difference between a polite **请求 (qǐngqiú)** and a firm **要求 (yāoqiú)** to communicate effectively and respectfully in Mandarin Chinese. ===== Core Meaning ===== * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** qǐngqiú * **Part of Speech:** Verb, Noun * **HSK Level:** HSK 4 * **Concise Definition:** To formally or politely ask for something; a formal request. * **In a Nutshell:** **请求 (qǐngqiú)** is your go-to word for making a polite and formal request. Think of it as a step above a simple "ask" and a step below a "demand." It's used when you want to show respect, acknowledge the other person's authority or right to refuse, or when the situation requires formality (like in business, legal, or official contexts). ===== Character Breakdown ===== * **请 (qǐng):** This character means "please," "to ask," or "to invite." It's composed of the "speech" radical (讠) on the left and a phonetic component 青 (qīng) on the right. The speech radical tells you this word is related to speaking or making a request. * **求 (qiú):** This character means "to seek," "to beg," or "to ask for." It conveys a sense of actively seeking out something you need or desire. * When combined, **请求 (qǐngqiú)** literally translates to "please seek" or "to ask and seek." This combination elevates a simple "ask" into a more formal, polite, and considered action. You are politely asking someone to grant you something that you are seeking. ===== Cultural Context and Significance ===== In Western cultures, particularly American culture, directness in making requests is often valued for its efficiency. One might say, "I need you to send me that report by 3 PM." In Chinese culture, however, maintaining harmony and showing respect, especially in hierarchical relationships (like employee-to-boss), is paramount. This is where **请求 (qǐngqiú)** becomes crucial. It's the linguistic tool for navigating these social dynamics. Using **请求** instead of a more direct command signals: 1. **Respect:** You acknowledge the other person's position or the effort required to fulfill the request. 2. **Politeness:** You are framing your need as a humble request, not an entitled demand. 3. **Face (面子 - miànzi):** You give the other person "face" by allowing them the clear option to decline without embarrassment. A direct demand can cause someone to lose face if they cannot comply. By using **请求**, you are not just asking for something; you are participating in a social ritual that reinforces respect and harmony within a given context. ===== Practical Usage in Modern China ===== **请求** is not typically used for casual, everyday requests between friends (e.g., "Can you pass the water?"). Its use is reserved for specific, more formal contexts. === In Business and Formal Communication === This is the most common environment for **请求**. It's used in emails, official documents, and formal meetings. * **请求批准 (qǐngqiú pīzhǔn):** To request approval (e.g., for a project or leave) * **请求协助 (qǐngqiú xiézhù):** To request assistance * **请求提供信息 (qǐngqiú tígōng xìnxī):** To request that information be provided === In Technical Contexts === In IT and computer science, **请求** is the standard term for a "request" in client-server communication. * **HTTP 请求 (HTTP qǐngqiú):** An HTTP request * **发送一个请求 (fāsòng yīgè qǐngqiú):** To send a request (to a server) === As a Noun === When used as a noun, **请求** means "a request" itself. * **提出一个请求 (tíchū yīgè qǐngqiú):** To raise/make a request * **拒绝请求 (jùjué qǐngqiú):** To deny/refuse a request ===== Example Sentences ===== * **Example 1:** * 我在此**请求**批准我下周休假。 * Pinyin: Wǒ zài cǐ **qǐngqiú** pīzhǔn wǒ xià zhōu xiūjià. * English: I hereby request approval for my vacation leave next week. * Analysis: This is a classic example of a formal, written request to a superior. Using **请求** is professional and respectful. * **Example 2:** * 他拒绝了我的**请求**。 * Pinyin: Tā jùjuéle wǒ de **qǐngqiú**. * English: He rejected my request. * Analysis: Here, **请求** is used as a noun. The sentence implies the request was of a formal or serious nature. * **Example 3:** * 我们**请求**贵公司提供一份详细的产品目录。 * Pinyin: Wǒmen **qǐngqiú** guì gōngsī tígōng yī fèn xiángxì de chǎnpǐn mùlù. * English: We request that your esteemed company provide a detailed product catalog. * Analysis: A standard, polite business-to-business request. The word 贵公司 (guì gōngsī - your esteemed company) further enhances the formality. * **Example 4:** * 如果您需要帮助，请随时向我们提出**请求**。 * Pinyin: Rúguǒ nín xūyào bāngzhù, qǐng suíshí xiàng wǒmen tíchū **qǐngqiú**. * English: If you need help, please feel free to make a request to us at any time. * Analysis: Here, **请求** is a noun. This is a polite, customer-service-oriented phrase. * **Example 5:** * 客户端向服务器发送了一个登录**请求**。 * Pinyin: Kèhùduān xiàng fúwùqì fāsòngle yīgè dēnglù **qǐngqiú**. * English: The client sent a login request to the server. * Analysis: This demonstrates the technical usage of **请求** as "request" in the context of computing. * **Example 6:** * 我真诚地**请求**你的原谅。 * Pinyin: Wǒ zhēnchéng de **qǐngqiú** nǐ de yuánliàng. * English: I sincerely request your forgiveness. * Analysis: While **请求** is formal, it can be used in serious personal situations. It carries much more weight and sincerity than simply saying "对不起 (duìbuqǐ)". * **Example 7:** * 律师代表其当事人向法庭**请求**延期审理。 * Pinyin: Lǜshī dàibiǎo qí dāngshìrén xiàng fǎtíng **qǐngqiú** yánqī shěnlǐ. * English: The lawyer, on behalf of their client, requested a postponement from the court. * Analysis: A perfect example of **请求** in a legal context, where formality and precise language are essential. * **Example 8:** * 这是一个非常合理的**请求**。 * Pinyin: Zhè shì yīgè fēicháng hélǐ de **qǐngqiú**. * English: This is a very reasonable request. * Analysis: Using **请求** as a noun to describe the nature of the request itself. * **Example 9:** * 市民们**请求**政府关注日益严重的污染问题。 * Pinyin: Shìmínmen **qǐngqiú** zhèngfǔ guānzhù rìyì yánzhòng de wūrǎn wèntí. * English: The citizens requested that the government pay attention to the increasingly serious pollution problem. * Analysis: Used for formal petitions or requests from a group to an authority. * **Example 10:** * 他向我**请求**支援，我立刻同意了。 * Pinyin: Tā xiàng wǒ **qǐngqiú** zhīyuán, wǒ lìkè tóngyìle. * English: He requested support from me, and I agreed immediately. * Analysis: This shows a request for significant help or backup, making the formality of **请求** appropriate even between colleagues. ===== Nuances and Common Mistakes ===== * **请求 (qǐngqiú) vs. 要求 (yāoqiú):** This is the most critical distinction for learners. * **请求 (qǐngqiú)** is a polite //request//. It implies the other person can say no. (e.g., I request your help.) * **要求 (yāoqiú)** is a //demand// or //requirement//. It implies obligation. (e.g., The job requires three years of experience.) * **Incorrect Usage:** `我要求你帮我一下。` (Wǒ yāoqiú nǐ bāng wǒ yīxià.) - This sounds very rude, like "I demand you help me." * **Correct Usage:** `我请求你帮我一下。` (Wǒ qǐngqiú nǐ bāng wǒ yīxià.) - This is formal but correct. For a casual situation, you'd just say: `你能帮我一下吗？` (Nǐ néng bāng wǒ yīxià ma?) * **请求 (qǐngqiú) vs. 问 (wèn):** * **问 (wèn)** is used for asking a //question// to get information. * **请求 (qǐngqiú)** is for asking someone to //do something// or for //permission//. * **Incorrect:** `我请求现在几点了？` (Wǒ qǐngqiú xiànzài jǐ diǎnle?) * **Correct:** `我问一下，现在几点了？` (Wǒ wèn yīxià, xiànzài jǐ diǎnle?) * **Overusing Formality:** Do not use **请求** for small, everyday favors among friends or family. Asking your friend `我请求你把盐递给我` (I request you to pass me the salt) would sound bizarre and sarcastic. Just say `请把盐递给我` (Please pass the salt) or `能给我盐吗？` (Can you give me the salt?). ===== Related Terms and Concepts ===== * [[要求]] (yāoqiú) - To demand; to require; a requirement. Much stronger and less polite than **请求**. * [[申请]] (shēnqǐng) - To apply for. Used specifically for formal applications like a visa, a job, a patent, or university admission. * [[需要]] (xūyào) - To need; a need. States a necessity, but is not a direct request to another person. * [[请]] (qǐng) - Please; to invite; to ask. The basic building block of politeness in requests. * [[问]] (wèn) - To ask (a question). Used for inquiries, not for actions or favors. * [[拜托]] (bàituō) - To implore; to entreat; "please, I'm begging you!" More informal and personal than **请求**, often used when you're in a bind. * [[恳求]] (kěnqiú) - To beseech; to implore. Even more earnest and emotionally charged than **拜托**. Used in very serious or desperate situations.