请求

• Pinyin: qǐng qiú
• Hanzi breakdown: 请 (qǐng) = 讠(speech) + 青 (green, phonetic); 求 (qiú) — to seek, to beg

Meaning

To request; a request. To ask someone formally for something, or the act of making such an ask.

More formal than simply asking (问 or 要求). Used when making a polite or earnest request. Can function as both a verb and a noun. Common in more formal or serious contexts, such as asking for help, permission, or official actions. Carries a tone of sincerity and respect.

Examples

1. 我想请求你帮个忙。 I would like to request your help with something.
2. 他的请求被同意了。 His request was approved.
3. 她请求老师多给一天时间。 She asked the teacher for one more day.

Usage Guide

Context: formal requests, work, official matters

Tone: polite

Do Say

• 我请求您给我一次机会。(I request that you give me one chance.)
• 他向公司提出了请求。(He submitted a request to the company.)

Don't Say

• 日常小事不用说请求 (Don't use 请求 for small everyday asks — it's too formal; for casual requests use 拜托 or just 请 + verb)

Origin & History

请 (qǐng, to please/to invite) + 求 (qiú, to seek/to beg). Both characters imply asking, together forming a polite but earnest request.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal