Shopping in China can be a thrilling experience, whether you’re haggling in a bustling market or browsing through the latest fashions in a sleek department store. To enhance your shopping experience, it’s beneficial to know some essential Chinese phrases and vocabulary. Here, we’ll explore some key phrases that will help you navigate through any shopping scenario in China.
购物 (gòu wù) – Shopping
我喜欢在周末去购物。
This phrase literally means “to shop.” It is used to describe the activity of shopping in general.
商店 (shāng diàn) – Shop/Store
这家商店卖很多漂亮的衣服。
This word is used to refer to any shop or store, whether it’s a small boutique or a large department store.
市场 (shì chǎng) – Market
我们去市场买新鲜的水果。
A market, often open-air, where vendors sell goods such as food, clothing, or other household items.
超市 (chāo shì) – Supermarket
超市里的食品种类很多。
A large store offering a wide variety of food and household products, organized into aisles.
价格 (jià gé) – Price
这个包的价格是多少？
This term refers to the cost of an item. It’s crucial to know when discussing or comparing prices.
便宜 (pián yi) – Cheap/Affordable
这件衣服很便宜。
Used to describe something that is low in price or a good deal.
昂贵 (áng guì) – Expensive
这块手表太昂贵了，我买不起。
This describes items that are high in price.
打折 (dǎ zhé) – Discount
今天所有的衣服都在打折。
Used when an item is on sale or when a store is offering a discount on its products.
买 (mǎi) – To buy
我想买这本书。
This verb is used to express the action of purchasing something.
卖 (mài) – To sell
他们卖很多种电子产品。
Opposite of ‘buy’, this verb is used when someone is selling something.
还价 (huán jià) – To bargain
在这个市场你可以还价。
An essential skill in many Chinese markets, bargaining can help you get a better price.
试穿 (shì chuān) – To try on (clothing)
你可以先试穿这件衣服。
Used when you want to try on a piece of clothing before making a purchase.
合适 (hé shì) – Suitable/Fitting
这件衣服大小很合适。
Describes something that is appropriate or fits well, often used in the context of clothing.
退货 (tuì huò) – To return (goods)
如果你不满意，可以退货。
Used when you need to return an item to the store.
换货 (huàn huò) – To exchange (goods)
这件衣服有点小，我可以换一个大一点的吗？
This phrase is used if you need to exchange something you’ve bought for a different size or item.
收银台 (shōu yín tái) – Cashier/Checkout
你可以在收银台付款。
The place in a store where you pay for your items.
付款 (fù kuǎn) – To pay
请跟我来付款。
This verb is used when you are ready to pay for your purchases.
发票 (fā piào) – Receipt/Invoice
你需要发票吗？
Often needed for business travelers for reimbursement purposes, or to keep track of expenses.
优惠券 (yōu huì quàn) – Coupon
我有一个优惠券，可以用吗？
This term refers to a voucher that gives you a discount or some other type of savings on your purchases.
Understanding these phrases and vocabulary will not only make your shopping experience more enjoyable but also help you navigate through your retail adventures in China more efficiently. Whether you’re bargaining for a beautiful silk scarf or looking for the freshest ingredients at the local market, these phrases will come in handy. Happy shopping!
