After you
AHF-ter-yoo /ˈɑːftə juː/
Neutral Polite
What it really means
Said when letting someone go through a door, into a lift, or ahead of you in any small situation: "After you." The polite response is "Thank you" — and sometimes both people insist and a tiny polite standoff happens. It's an easy phrase that instantly reads as well-mannered.
Chinese explanation
在门口、电梯口或任何小场合让别人先走时说："After you."（您先请。）礼貌的回应是"Thank you"——有时两人互相谦让，还会出现一场小小的"客气僵局"。这句话简单好用，一说出口就显得很有教养。
Example conversation
A: After you.
B: No, no, after you.
A: Well, thank you very much.
A：您先请。
B：不不，您先请。
A：那就多谢啦。
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· Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake