Chinese phrase
您方便写推荐信吗？ nín fāng biàn xiě tuī jiàn xìn ma
Meaning
Would it be convenient for you to write a recommendation letter?
When to use it
It asks if the listener can write a recommendation letter. Its respectful wording suits a formal request to a teacher, professor, or other senior contact.
Example dialogue
我最近准备申请美国的博士，您方便写推荐信吗？ wǒ zuì jìn zhǔn bèi shēn qǐng měi guó de bó shì nín fāng biàn xiě tuī jiàn xìn ma
I'm preparing to apply to a US PhD program. Would you have time to write a recommendation letter?
很抱歉，我最近很忙，恐怕帮不了你。 hěn bào qiàn wǒ zuì jìn hěn máng kǒng pà bāng bù liǎo nǐ
I am sorry, but I have been very busy lately and am afraid I cannot help you.