请教 qǐngjiào to ask for guidance
to ask for guidance; to consult
How to remember 请教: 请 please + 教 teach = to ask for guidance.
Characters
How it is used
- To ask someone (more knowledgeable) for guidance, politely - 向老师请教 (xiàng lǎoshī qǐngjiào) consult the teacher, 我想请教一个问题 may I ask you something.
- A humble, respectful way to ask, positioning the other as the expert; contrast plain 问 (just asking).
- Common polite formula: 请教一下 could I trouble you for advice.
Example sentences
- 您最好请教一下医生。 Nín zuìhǎo qǐngjiào yīxià yīshēng.You'd better consult the doctor.
- 你最好请教一下医生。 Nǐ zuìhǎo qǐngjiào yīxià yīshēng.You'd better consult the doctor.