Chinese word

请示

Pronunciation

Pinyinqǐng shì

Meaning

  • verbask for instructions

Example

我已经向领导请示了这个问题。wǒ yǐ jīng xiàng líng dǎo qǐng shì le zhè ge wèn tí

I have already asked my supervisor for instructions about this matter.

Illustration for 请示 (ask for instructions)

More examples

上课前，我向老师请示了这道题的解法。shàng kè qián wǒ xiàng lǎo shī qǐng shì le zhè dào tí de jiě fǎ

Before class, I asked my teacher for instructions on how to solve this problem.

Core concept

A matter is placed before a higher authority so the next action follows an authorized decision.

Common phrases

  • 向老师请示xiàng lǎo shī qǐng shì

    ask the teacher for instructions

  • 请示意见qǐng shì yì jiàn

    ask for an opinion

Similar words

请求qǐng qiú: Making a request for someone to take an action.
请教qǐng jiào: Seeking instruction from someone knowledgeable about how to understand or do something.
咨询zī xún: Consulting an expert or relevant person for useful information or an opinion.
汇报huì bào: Giving a superior or relevant person an account of work progress or results.

Definition in Chinese

向有权决定或处理事务的上级或部门说明情况，并请求其给予明确的处理意见或授权。xiàng yǒu quán jué dìng huò chú lǐ shì wù de shàng jí huò bù mén shuō míng qíng kuàng bìng qǐng qiú qí jí yǔ míng què de chú lǐ yì jiàn huò shòu quán

Word origin

请示 (qǐngshì, "ask for instructions") joins 请 (qǐng, "request") and 示 (shì, "show or indicate") to express a request for an authority's clear direction.

Usage tips

  • Treating this as a formal workplace action rather than a casual question helps explain why it often names a superior or department as the recipient.

Other meanings

  • submit for approvalverb
  • consultverb

Opposites

  • 擅自决定shàn zì jué dìngdecide without permissionverb
  • 自行决定zì xíng jué dìngdecide on one's ownverb

Word lists with this word