When English-speaking parents start helping their child with Mandarin, one small question shows up a lot: “How do I say please in Chinese… and say it politely enough?”
The quick answer is that Chinese absolutely has polite expressions. In fact, it has many more than one neat little word. But they work a bit differently from English — tone, word choice, and context often matter more than repeating “please” in every sentence.
In this 2026 guide, we’ll walk through 80 common polite expressions in Chinese that your child can actually use in daily life. They’re grouped by situation so you can pick a few to focus on each week.
Let’s get straight into the expressions and see how “please in Chinese” fits inside a much bigger politeness toolbox.
How This List of Polite Expressions in Chinese Is Organized
To make things practical for busy families, these 80 polite expressions in Chinese are divided into six parts:
Basic polite words every beginner needs
Family expressions you can use at home
School phrases for teachers and classmates
Public and social situations like shops or restaurants
Thank-you and apology phrases
Softening phrases that make requests sound kinder — the “hidden” side of please in Chinese
For each expression, you’ll see:
Chinese characters
Pinyin
English meaning
A short note on how kids can use it
You don’t need to teach all 80 at once. Think of it as a menu — come back and pick what fits your child’s age and daily routine.
Part 1: Basic Polite Expressions in Chinese Every Child Should Know
These are the polite expressions in Chinese your child is likely to hear first, both in class and in daily life.
1. 您好 (nín hǎo) – Hello (polite) Use this to greet teachers, older people, or strangers. It’s the respectful big brother of 你好. Great for first impressions.
2. 你好 (nǐ hǎo) – Hello Very common, friendly, and safe to use with almost anyone. Even though it’s simple, it still counts as a polite greeting.
3. 请 (qǐng) – Please This is the standard word behind the phrase please in Chinese. Often used in more formal or clear request sentences, and on signs like “请排队” (Please line up).
4. 谢谢 (xiè xie) – Thank you Probably the first polite expression kids learn. You can encourage your child to say 谢谢 whenever someone helps them or gives them something.
5. 不客气 (bú kè qi) – You’re welcome The usual reply to 谢谢. Kids can say this when a friend thanks them for sharing a toy or explaining homework.
6. 对不起 (duì bu qǐ) – I’m sorry A key phrase when kids bump into someone, break a rule, or forget to do something. It’s stronger than a simple “oops”.
7. 没关系 (méi guān xi) – It’s okay / No problem A gentle reply to 对不起. Parents can use it to comfort kids, and kids can use it with classmates when the mistake is small.
8. 请问 (qǐng wèn) – Excuse me, may I ask… A very useful way to open questions politely, especially with teachers or strangers. It’s a natural entrance into please in Chinese in real conversation.
9. 打扰一下 (dǎ rǎo yí xià) – Sorry to bother you for a moment Soft and polite, good for getting someone’s attention, for example a waiter or a receptionist.
10. 麻烦你 (má fan nǐ) – Could I trouble you… This is one of those phrases that works like please in Chinese but feels more natural in Mandarin. It shows you know you’re asking for a bit of effort.
11. 劳驾 (láo jià) – Excuse me / Would you mind… A short, slightly formal phrase you might hear more often from adults, but older kids can learn it too. Useful when asking someone to move or help.
12. 辛苦了 (xīn kǔ le) – Thank you for your hard work Parents often say this to teachers, and kids can learn to say it to coaches or staff after an event. It shows polite appreciation, not just “thanks”.
Part 2: Family Polite Expressions in Chinese – For Everyday Home Life
Many parents wonder if kids really need to say please in Chinese at home all the time. In Chinese, politeness inside the family is often expressed through softer sentence patterns, not only through the word 请. These phrases feel natural around the dinner table or in the living room.
13. 可以给我一点水吗？(kě yǐ gěi wǒ yì diǎn shuǐ ma?) – Could I have some water? Gentle, clear, and easy. A good first step instead of translating “Can I have some water, please?” word-for-word.
14. 你可以帮我一下吗？(nǐ kě yǐ bāng wǒ yí xià ma?) – Can you help me for a moment? Perfect when a child needs help opening a package or reaching something high.
15. 我可以看一会儿电视吗？(wǒ kě yǐ kàn yí huìr diàn shì ma?) – May I watch TV for a bit? Teaches kids to ask for screen time politely rather than just grabbing the remote.
16. 可以先借我用一下吗？(kě yǐ xiān jiè wǒ yòng yí xià ma?) – Could I borrow it for a moment? Useful when sharing books, toys, or devices with siblings.
17. 麻烦你帮我关一下门。 (má fan nǐ bāng wǒ guān yí xià mén.) – Could you please help me close the door? Shows respect and softness even in small requests.
18. 请你说慢一点。 (qǐng nǐ shuō màn yì diǎn.) – Please speak a little more slowly. Mixes 请 with a clear request. Helpful when kids talk with grandparents or native-speaking relatives.
19. 先谢谢你啦。 (xiān xiè xie nǐ la.) – Thanks in advance. A slightly playful home-style phrase. The particle 啦 makes it sound casual and friendly.
20. 不好意思，打断一下。 (bù hǎo yì si, dǎ duàn yí xià.) – Sorry, let me cut in for a second. Teaches children how to politely join a conversation instead of shouting over others.
21. 可以请你再说一遍吗？ (kě yǐ qǐng nǐ zài shuō yí biàn ma?) – Could you please say it again? Strong link between please in Chinese and real home situations like homework help.
22. 这次真的谢谢你。 (zhè cì zhēn de xiè xie nǐ.) – I really appreciate it this time. Adds emotion and sincerity beyond a quick “thanks”.
23. 我来帮你吧。 (wǒ lái bāng nǐ ba.) – Let me help you. Polite offers count too. Kids can use this when a sibling is carrying something heavy.
24. 我可以晚一点再做吗？(wǒ kě yǐ wǎn yì diǎn zài zuò ma?) – Can I do it a bit later? A respectful way to negotiate chores without sounding rude.
Part 3: School & Classroom Polite Expressions in Chinese
At school, kids need slightly more formal polite expressions in Chinese. These phrases help them talk to teachers and classmates with confidence.
25. 老师好。 (lǎo shī hǎo.) – Hello, teacher. The classic classroom greeting. Simple, respectful, and used every day.
26. 同学好。 (tóng xué hǎo.) – Hello, classmates. Helpful when kids give a short presentation or lead an activity.
27. 老师，我可以问一个问题吗？ (lǎo shī, wǒ kě yǐ wèn yí gè wèn tí ma?) – Teacher, may I ask a question? A very natural way to be polite without repeating 请 too often.
28. 老师，请再说一遍。 (lǎo shī, qǐng zài shuō yí biàn.) – Teacher, please say it again. Here you see please in Chinese working together with the teacher’s title.
29. 可以请您帮我看一下吗？ (kě yǐ qǐng nín bāng wǒ kàn yí xià ma?) – Could you please take a look for me? Using 您 makes this extra polite, ideal for older students talking to teachers.
30. 不好意思，我迟到了。 (bù hǎo yì si, wǒ chí dào le.) – Sorry, I’m late. More gentle than just saying 对不起, and very practical for real life.
31. 对不起，我刚才没听懂。 (duì bu qǐ, wǒ gāng cái méi tīng dǒng.) – Sorry, I didn’t understand just now. Encourages children to be honest and proactive instead of silently guessing.
32. 可以借我一支笔吗？ (kě yǐ jiè wǒ yì zhī bǐ ma?) – Could I borrow a pen? A polite way to interact with classmates.
33. 谢谢你跟我一起做。 (xiè xie nǐ gēn wǒ yì qǐ zuò.) – Thanks for working on this with me. Keeps group projects friendly.
34. 没关系，我们一起再试一次。 (méi guān xi, wǒ men yì qǐ zài shì yí cì.) – It’s okay, let’s try again together. Shows supportive, polite language among kids.
35. 请先你说。 (qǐng xiān nǐ shuō.) – Please, you go first. Teaches turn-taking and respect during discussions.
36. 老师，麻烦您看一下我的作业。 (lǎo shī, má fan nín kàn yí xià wǒ de zuò yè.) – Teacher, could I trouble you to look at my homework? Brings 麻烦 and 您 together for a very polite request.
Part 4: Public & Social Polite Expressions in Chinese
These polite expressions in Chinese are handy when your family travels, eats out, or runs errands in a Chinese-speaking environment. They show how please in Chinese often appears on signs and in short service sentences.
37. 请进。 (qǐng jìn.) – Please come in. You’ll hear this when someone invites you into a room or office.
38. 请坐。 (qǐng zuò.) – Please sit down. Common in clinics, schools, or someone’s home.
39. 请稍等。 (qǐng shāo děng.) – Please wait a moment. You might hear this from staff at a shop. Kids can understand it early on.
40. 请排队。 (qǐng pái duì.) – Please line up. Often printed on signs. Good for teaching kids about public manners.
41. 不好意思，让一下。 (bù hǎo yì si, ràng yí xià.) – Excuse me, could you move a bit? Useful in crowds, on trains, or in busy hallways.
42. 麻烦您开一下门。 (má fan nín kāi yí xià mén.) – Could you please open the door? Combines 麻烦 + 您 + “yí xià” to make the request soft.
43. 麻烦给我看一下菜单。 (má fan gěi wǒ kàn yí xià cài dān.) – Could I see the menu, please? An easy restaurant phrase for families travelling together.
44. 谢谢你的服务。 (xiè xie nǐ de fú wù.) – Thank you for your service. Kids can say this to waiters or staff to show gratitude.
45. 不用客气。 (bú yòng kè qi.) – No need to be so polite. You’ll hear this from friendly shopkeepers or hosts replying to your thanks.
46. 麻烦帮我拍一张照片，可以吗？ (má fan bāng wǒ pāi yì zhāng zhào piàn, kě yǐ ma?) – Could you please take a photo for us? A very real travel sentence, and a fun one to practice.
47. 我排在你后面，可以吗？ (wǒ pái zài nǐ hòu mian, kě yǐ ma?) – Is it okay if I line up behind you? Teaches both politeness and queue behaviour.
48. 真不好意思，给您添麻烦了。 (zhēn bù hǎo yì si, gěi nín tiān má fan le.) – I’m really sorry to have troubled you. Strongly polite, great for older kids to recognise and gradually use.
Part 5: Thank-You & Apology Polite Expressions in Chinese
Lots of polite expressions in Chinese cluster around gratitude and apology. Here are more options beyond plain 谢谢 and 对不起. Some of these appear in dedicated guides on thank-you phrases.LingoAce+2LingoAce+2
49. 非常感谢。 (fēi cháng gǎn xiè.) – Thank you very much. A bit more formal and serious than 谢谢, but still common in everyday life.
50. 太谢谢你了。 (tài xiè xie nǐ le.) – Thank you so, so much. Sounds warm and emotional. Kids pick this up easily.
51. 真是帮大忙了。 (zhēn shì bāng dà máng le.) – You really helped a lot. Nice after someone spends extra time helping your family.
52. 多谢。 (duō xiè.) – Many thanks. Short and slightly formal; children will mainly hear adults saying it.
53. 感谢您的照顾。 (gǎn xiè nín de zhào gù.) – Thank you for taking care of us. Great when talking to homestay families, teachers, or coaches.
54. 实在不好意思。 (shí zài bù hǎo yì si.) – I really feel bad about this. Stronger than a basic apology. Shows genuine regret.
55. 给您添麻烦了。 (gěi nín tiān má fan le.) – I’ve caused you trouble. Very common polite phrase in Chinese, especially among adults, but kids can understand it too.
56. 谢谢你的理解。 (xiè xie nǐ de lǐ jiě.) – Thank you for understanding. Useful when schedules change or plans fall through.
57. 谢谢你的耐心。 (xiè xie nǐ de nài xīn.) – Thank you for your patience. Another phrase that works in both home and school settings.
58. 真不好意思，让你久等了。 (zhēn bù hǎo yì si, ràng nǐ jiǔ děng le.) – I’m really sorry to keep you waiting so long. Very natural in appointments, online classes, or meet-ups.
59. 希望没有打扰到你。 (xī wàng méi yǒu dǎ rǎo dào nǐ.) – I hope I didn’t disturb you. Softens the end of a request or favour.
60. 如果有哪里不方便，请告诉我。 (rú guǒ yǒu nǎ lǐ bù fāng biàn, qǐng gào sù wǒ.) – If anything is inconvenient, please tell me. Polite, considerate, and good for older kids to understand as they learn empathy.
Part 6: Softening Expressions – The “Hidden” Side of Please in Chinese
Here is where please in Chinese goes beyond just 请. Many polite expressions in Chinese work by softening a request rather than adding a single “please”. These are extremely useful for kids as they get more advanced.
61. 能不能…？ (néng bu néng…?) – Could you…? / Could I…? A gentle way to start a request. For example: 能不能帮我一下？(Could you help me?)
62. 可不可以…？ (kě bu kě yǐ…?) – Would it be okay to…? Similar to 能不能, and often slightly softer.
63. 方便…吗？ (fāng biàn… ma?) – Would it be convenient to…? Shows that you care about the other person’s time or situation.
64. 要不要…？ (yào bu yào…?) – Would you like to…? Useful for polite invitations: 要不要一起玩？(Would you like to play together?)
65. 我能不能麻烦你…？ (wǒ néng bu néng má fan nǐ…?) – Could I trouble you to…? Brings together 能不能, 麻烦, and please in Chinese style politeness.
66. 我想请你帮个忙。 (wǒ xiǎng qǐng nǐ bāng gè máng.) – I’d like to ask you for a favour. Good way to “prepare” someone before explaining your request.
67. 要不然我们这样吧。 (yào bu rán wǒ men zhè yàng ba.) – How about we do it this way instead? Softens suggestions and keeps teamwork polite.
68. 可以的话… (kě yǐ de huà…) – If it’s okay… Often used at the start of a sentence: 可以的话，今天先这样。(If it’s okay, let’s leave it here for today.)
69. 要是你方便的话… (yào shì nǐ fāng biàn de huà…) – If it’s convenient for you… Very considerate; children will hear this in adult speech.
70. 麻烦你有空的时候… (má fan nǐ yǒu kòng de shí hou…) – When you have time, could you…? Shows that the request is not urgent and respects the other person’s schedule.
71. 我可以试试看吗？ (wǒ kě yǐ shì shi kàn ma?) – May I give it a try? Encourages kids to ask for chances politely.
72. 如果不麻烦的话… (rú guǒ bù má fan de huà…) – If it’s not too much trouble… Very close to how English speakers use “if you don’t mind”.
73. 你觉得可以吗？ (nǐ jué de kě yǐ ma?) – Do you think that would work? A polite way to check for agreement instead of pushing an idea.
74. 要是有什么需要帮忙的，告诉我。 (yào shì yǒu shén me xū yào bāng máng de, gào su wǒ.) – If you need any help, just let me know. Makes offers sound warm and supportive.
75. 我可以坐这里吗？ (wǒ kě yǐ zuò zhè lǐ ma?) – May I sit here? Simple, but a good daily example of please in Chinese without directly saying 请.
76. 请多多指教。 (qǐng duō duō zhǐ jiào.) – Please guide me / I’m in your hands. Often used when meeting new teachers or teams. Polite and humble.
77. 以后请多关照。 (yǐ hòu qǐng duō guān zhào.) – Please take care of me in the future. Another humble expression, common when joining a new class or group.
78. 打扰你这么久，真不好意思。 (dǎ rǎo nǐ zhè me jiǔ, zhēn bù hǎo yì si.) – I’m sorry to have taken so much of your time. A very polite way to close a long request or conversation.
79. 请慢用。 (qǐng màn yòng.) – Please enjoy (your food). Hosts may say this when serving a meal. Polite and a bit formal.
80. 欢迎下次再来。 (huān yíng xià cì zài lái.) – You’re welcome to come again next time. A warm, polite way to end a visit, which kids can easily learn and copy.
Culture Corner: What “Please in Chinese” Really Looks Like
If you compare this list to a classic reference like Carl Gene Fordham’s well-known overview of Chinese polite expressions, you’ll notice something: there is a wide variety of polite words, not just one direct translation of “please”.
Modern blogs from Chinese-teaching platforms also confirm that, for children and beginners, it’s more helpful to learn short, ready-to-use polite expressions in Chinese than to worry about a single magic word.For your child, that means:
It’s okay if they don’t say 请 in every sentence.
It’s more important that their whole sentence sounds kind and respectful.
Practising real situations — at home, at school, in shops — is the fastest way to make these expressions stick.
In other words, please in Chinese is less about one word and more about how your child talks to people in different relationships.
How to Practise These Polite Expressions in Chinese at Home
You don’t have to turn this list into a serious “vocabulary test”. Here are a few simple ways to use it in daily life:
Pick 3–5 expressions per week. Maybe start with numbers 13–18 for home requests, then move on to school phrases later.
Turn them into mini-role-plays. Act out a restaurant scene or a classroom moment. Swap roles: sometimes you’re the waiter, sometimes your child is.
Post phrases on the fridge or near the door. Visual reminders help kids remember to use polite language when leaving home or coming back.
Connect English and Chinese gently. Instead of saying “Say ‘please’ in Chinese now,” try “How would you ask this in Chinese so it sounds polite?”
In LingoAce classes, teachers often weave these polite expressions into stories, games, and dialogues so kids see them as part of real communication, not just a checklist of words. That’s exactly what you can mirror at home in a small way.
Recommended Resources to Go Deeper
If you’d like a few solid, kid-friendly places to explore more polite expressions in Chinese, these are good starting points:
LingoAce Blog – Useful Chinese Phrases for Kids: focuses on high-impact phrases overseas children can use in daily life.
LingoAce Blog – Guides on Saying “Thank You” in Chinese: explores multiple gratitude expressions with family-friendly examples.
You can bookmark one or two of these alongside this list so your child sees the same polite expressions in different formats: videos, stories, exercises, and live classes.
Bringing These Polite Expressions in Chinese into Your Child’s Day
Politeness in Mandarin isn’t about sounding stiff or memorising long sentences. It’s about helping your child communicate with respect — whether they’re asking for water at home, borrowing a pencil at school, or ordering noodles on a family trip.
If you slowly fold these 80 polite expressions in Chinese into the situations your child already knows, they’ll start to feel how Chinese speakers show care and respect in everyday life.
And if you’d like your child to practise these expressions with experienced teachers who understand overseas families, you can book a trial online Chinese class with LingoAce and let them try using 您好, 麻烦你, and 请问 in real-time interaction. Over time, please in Chinese will stop being a mystery and become part of your child’s natural voice.
