Survival scene course
Shopping Chinese Phrases
Use these Chinese shopping phrases to ask prices, buy items, pay by card, request receipts, and find stores.
This scene is useful in shops, markets, malls, pharmacies, and supermarkets.
Start with the phrases that matter first
Identify the item, confirm its version and quantity, then check the total. A question about a larger size does not ask for more pieces or establish a payment method.
In a real conversation
Distinguish the price question from the purchase decision. A number from the seller still needs to be connected to the exact item you intend to buy.
zhè ge duō shao qián?
How much is this?
sān shí kuài.
Thirty yuan.
kě yǐ shuā kǎ ma?
Can I pay by card?
How this scene usually goes
Shopping in China starts relaxed. Staff greet you, and browsing quietly is fine; 我随便看看 (I am just looking) ends most unwanted attention politely. When something interests you, you ask the price, and in a market you may negotiate a little, while in a mall or supermarket the price is fixed. Trying a different size or color is normal and expected. Paying is the part that surprises visitors: most people pay by scanning a code with WeChat Pay or Alipay, cards are accepted in larger stores, and cash still works but shops may struggle to give change for large notes. If you need proof of purchase, ask for a receipt before you leave the counter. The phrases on this page follow that order, from 这个多少钱 to 请给我收据.
Good to know
- Bargaining belongs in markets and small independent shops. Offer politely with 可以便宜一点吗 and be ready to accept no. Supermarkets, malls, and chain stores do not bargain.
- Clothing sizes in China often run smaller than US or European sizes. Trying things on, or checking the size chart carefully, avoids a difficult return.
- Returns are stricter than many visitors expect. Before paying, ask 可以退吗？(kě yǐ tuì ma) if the item is expensive.
- For business expenses you may need a 发票 (fā piào), an official tax invoice, which is different from a simple receipt. Ask at the time of purchase; it can be hard to get later.
Common mistakes
- Do not only learn numbers. You also need 这个多少钱 and 可以刷卡吗.
- Do not overuse cheap. Use 可以便宜一点吗 politely when bargaining is appropriate.
- Do not forget 收据 if you need a receipt.
Quick practice
- Say 这个多少钱 while pointing to an item.
- Practice one payment phrase and one item phrase.
- Use Save for phrases you need before shopping.
Related scenes
Shopping Chinese FAQ
How do I ask how much something costs?
Say 这个多少钱.
How do I ask if I can pay by card?
Say 可以刷卡吗.
Is bargaining always okay in China?
It depends on the place. Markets may allow it, but supermarkets and malls usually do not.
How do I say I am just looking?
Say 我随便看看 (wǒ suí biàn kàn kan). It is friendly and tells staff you do not need help yet.
How do I ask for another color?
Say 有别的颜色吗？(yǒu bié de yán sè ma). The same pattern works for sizes with 有别的号吗？
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Keep learning
Chinese Shopping and Payment Phrases: Check the item's version, the unit price, and the total before payment.
Chinese Mobile Payment Phrases: Understand who scans whose code and whether payment is pending or confirmed.
Chinese Phrases for Trying on Clothes: Describe fit and keep the same style when requesting another size.
Read a price tag
- ¥ 58.00
- 五十八块Fifty-eight yuan
- Example price
Looking for a different word? Search the full practice library.