ceng2 man6請問请问

Jyutpingceng2 man6

Yalechéng mahn

語句Common

Definition

May I ask; excuse me; a polite expression used before asking a question.

neutralcommunication

How it's used

Using this phrase immediately signals that you are about to make a request or ask for information, which helps prepare the listener. It is standard for interactions with strangers or in formal service settings, but can feel overly stiff or distant if used with close friends or family members. In casual settings, people often skip this entirely or use a softer opener like 唔好意思.

Examples

ceng2請man6問nei1呢dou6度jau5有mou5冇wai6位co5坐aa4呀？

Excuse me, is there any seat available here?

ceng2請man6問nei5你zi1知m4唔zi1知ci3廁so2所喺hai2邊？

May I ask if you know where the restroom is?

Common phrases

ceng2請man6問jat1一haa5下

may I ask a quick question

Common mistake

Learners often overuse this in very casual situations where it sounds unnatural, like asking a close friend for the time. It is also unnecessary to pair this with 唔好意思 in the same sentence, as both function as polite openers.