Qing gei wo (请给我…): Please give me…

请给我…

qǐng gěi wǒ…

Please give me…

Character breakdown

请

please

qǐng

给

to give

gěi

我

wǒ

Grammar and structure

The structure is qǐng (please) + gěi (to give) + wǒ (me), followed by the item. It is a polite imperative: "please give me [item]."

Variations and politeness

麻烦你给我…

máfan nǐ gěi wǒ…

Could you please give me… — More polite, using 'trouble you'.

帮我…

bāng wǒ…

Help me with… — More casual and informal.

Mini dialogue

请给我一杯水。

qǐng gěi wǒ yī bēi shuǐ.

Please give me a glass of water.

好的，马上来。

hǎo de, mǎ shàng lái.

Sure, coming right up.

When to use it

Appropriate

When you want to ask for something politely in a shop, restaurant, or service setting.
When you need a direct but courteous request for an object or item.
When you are a customer or guest and want to get someone's attention to fulfill a need.

Avoid when

When you are offering something to someone else; this phrase is only for requesting.
When you are speaking to close friends in a very casual setting; it may sound overly formal or stiff.

Frequently asked questions

How do you say 'please give me' in Chinese?

You say 'qǐng gěi wǒ…' followed by the item you want. For example, 'qǐng gěi wǒ yī bēi shuǐ' means 'please give me a glass of water'.

How do you pronounce 'qǐng gěi wǒ'?

It is pronounced roughly like 'ching gay waw'. The tones are: qǐng (third tone), gěi (third tone), wǒ (third tone).

When should I use 'qǐng gěi wǒ' instead of other request phrases?

Use it when you want a polite but direct request for an item, especially in service situations. For a softer tone, you can add 'qǐng wèn' (excuse me) before it, or use 'máfan nǐ gěi wǒ' for extra politeness.