In this workshop, you will practice making polite requests in Chinese using the pattern for 'could you.' You will also practice understanding and giving simple directions. The lesson uses short recorded lines so you can hear the exact pronunciation and rhythm. You will first listen and repeat, then choose the right reply, and finally recall the lines from memory. This is active speaking practice, so say every line out loud. If you are unsure, replay the recording and try again. The goal is to build confidence, not perfection.
Making a Polite Request
A polite request in Chinese often starts with a phrase that means 'could you.' This softens the request and makes it sound friendly. Listen to the recording «能不能帮我？». It means 'Could you help me?' Notice how the voice rises slightly at the end. Repeat it slowly, then at normal speed. Next, listen to «能不能请你再说一遍？». It means 'Could you please say it again?' This is useful when you did not hear something. The word for 'again' comes at the end. Practice both lines until they feel natural. You can use these when you need help or when you want someone to repeat. Always say the line out loud, even if you are alone.
Asking for Things and Favors
You can also use the same polite pattern to ask for an object or a favor. Listen to «能不能借我你的笔？». It means 'Could you lend me your pen?' The word for 'pen' is at the end. Now listen to «能不能帮我一个忙？». It means 'Could you do me a favor?' This is a general way to ask for help before you explain what you need. A common reply is «当然可以，什么事？», which means 'Of course, what is it?' Practice saying «能不能帮我一个忙？» and then «当然可以，什么事？» as a short exchange. Imagine you are talking to a classmate. Say the request, then switch roles and give the reply. This helps you get used to both sides of a polite conversation.
Asking for and Giving Directions
The polite request pattern also works for asking directions. Listen to «能不能告诉我怎么走？». It means 'Could you tell me how to get there?' The phrase for 'how to get there' is at the end. Now listen to «能不能告诉我地铁站怎么走？». It means 'Could you tell me how to get to the subway station?' This is a longer version with a specific place. When someone asks you, you can give a simple direction. Listen to «一直走，然后左转。». It means 'Go straight, then turn left.' Notice that 'turn left' is an action, not a location. Practice saying «能不能告诉我地铁站怎么走？» and then «一直走，然后左转。» as a pair. Imagine you are a visitor asking a local person. Say the question, then switch roles and give the direction.
Listen once, then say the phrase yourself. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Checking available voices…
能不能帮我？
Could you help me?
Néng bù néng bāng wǒ?
能不能请你再说一遍？
Could you please say it again?
Néng bù néng qǐng nǐ zài shuō yí biàn?
能不能借我你的笔？
Could you lend me your pen?
Néng bù néng jiè wǒ nǐ de bǐ?
能不能告诉我怎么走？
Could you tell me how to get there?
Néng bù néng gào su wǒ zěn me zǒu?
Read one side aloud, then answer in your own words. The goal is to make the exchange yours.
能不能帮我一个忙？
Could you do me a favor?当然可以，什么事？
Of course, what is it?能不能告诉我地铁站怎么走？
Could you tell me how to get to the subway station?一直走，然后左转。
Go straight, then turn left.Your turn
Try each prompt out loud. Choose a guided start, the full sequence, or a challenge pass after your first attempt.
Guided Exchange: Ask for Help
You will practice a short polite exchange. Imagine you are in a classroom and you need help. You will play both roles.
Your task: First, listen to «能不能帮我？» and repeat it out loud. Then listen to «当然可以，什么事？» and repeat it out loud. Now say «能不能帮我？» as if you are asking a classmate. Then switch roles and say «当然可以，什么事？» as if you are the classmate replying. Do this three times, getting a little faster each time.
Reply Comprehension: Choose the Right Response
You will hear a request and choose the correct reply from two options. This checks if you understand the meaning.
Your task: Listen to «能不能帮我一个忙？». It means 'Could you do me a favor?' Now choose the best reply: A) «当然可以，什么事？» or B) «一直走，然后左转。». Say your choice out loud. Then listen to «能不能告诉我地铁站怎么走？». It means 'Could you tell me how to get to the subway station?' Choose the best reply: A) «一直走，然后左转。» or B) «当然可以，什么事？». Say your choice out loud.
Recall and Role-Play: Ask and Answer
You will recall the lines from memory and use them in two short role-plays. This helps you speak without reading.
Your task: First, cover the text. Say «能不能借我你的笔？» from memory. It means 'Could you lend me your pen?' Then say «能不能帮我一个忙？» from memory. It means 'Could you do me a favor?' Then say «当然可以，什么事？» as a reply to the favor request. Next, say «能不能告诉我地铁站怎么走？» from memory. It means 'Could you tell me how to get to the subway station?' Then say «一直走，然后左转。» as a reply. Do this once as the asker and once as the responder.
Common questions
Do I need to memorize every line perfectly?
No, the goal is to practice speaking and understanding. It is fine to replay the recordings and repeat. Focus on saying the lines clearly and politely. With practice, they will become easier to remember.
Can I use these lines with anyone?
These lines are polite and can be used in many everyday situations, such as asking a classmate for a pen or asking a local person for directions. The tone is friendly and respectful, so they are suitable for most casual conversations.
Sources and further reading
- chinese: softening requests with couldChecked September 2026
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