Traditional Chinese - Politeness

請問，我可以___嗎？

Qǐngwèn, wǒ kěyǐ ___ ma?

Can I ___, please?

Meaning: 請問，我可以___嗎？ (Qǐngwèn, wǒ kěyǐ ___ ma?) means “Can I ___, please?” It is a polite way to ask permission for yourself.

When to use: Use it when you want to do something politely, like sit here, use a pen, or ask a question.

Tip: Don’t forget 嗎 (ma) at the end when you are asking a yes/no question.

謝謝你的___。

Xièxie nǐ de ___.

Thanks for ___.

Meaning: 謝謝你的___ (Xièxie nǐ de ___) means “Thanks for ___.” It thanks someone for a specific thing.

When to use: Use it with a noun or thing someone gave you, like help, time, water, or a pen.

Tip: This frame works best with a noun after 的 (de), not a full sentence.

請稍等一下

Qǐng shāoděng yíxià.

Just a moment, please.

Meaning: 請稍等一下 (Qǐng shāoděng yíxià) means “Just a moment, please.”

When to use: Use it when you need someone to wait briefly, especially in service situations or when finding something.

來，給你

Lái, gěi nǐ.

Here you go.

Meaning: 來，給你 (Lái, gěi nǐ) means “Here you go.”

When to use: Use it when handing something to someone, like a drink, ticket, pen, or paper.

沒關係

Méi guānxi.

Don't worry.

Meaning: 沒關係 (Méi guānxi) means “Don’t worry” or “It’s okay.”

When to use: Use it after someone apologizes or makes a small mistake, like bumping into you or being late.

Tip: 關係 (guānxi) has a neutral tone on 係 (xi) in this phrase; keep it light and quick.

這樣可以嗎

Zhèyàng kěyǐ ma?

Is that okay?

Meaning: 這樣可以嗎？ (Zhèyàng kěyǐ ma?) means “Is that okay?”

When to use: Use it when you want to check if an arrangement, action, or small change is acceptable.