# xin meaning in Vietnamese: to ask for (A1)

> xin means “to ask for” in Vietnamese. It can also mean polite request. Examples with audio, in Northern and Southern wording.

Source: https://vietnamesebuddy.com/words/xin-ask/ · Updated 2026-10-18

**xin**: ask for · polite request

Level: A1 (our estimate)

## 1. ask for (verb)

*Cho em xin …* is the polite way to ask for something: a menu, the bill, a phone number.

- Cho em xin số điện thoại nha. — Can I have your phone number?
- Saigon: Anh ơi, cho em xin cái muỗng. | Hà Nội: Anh ơi, cho em xin cái thìa. — Excuse me, could I have a spoon?

Level: A1

## 2. polite request (adverb)

please

A polite request. It softens what follows, as in *xin chào*, *xin lỗi*.

- Xin mời vào. — Please come in.
- Xin chờ một chút. — Please wait a moment.

Level: A1 · formal · polite · to recognize

Grammar: [Polite asking: xin + verb](https://vietnamesebuddy.com/grammar/xin-please/)

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