Is bargaining common in China?

Bargaining is expected in street markets, small shops, and tourist areas — starting at 50-60% of the asking price is standard. However, fixed-price stores (malls, chain stores, supermarkets) and Taiwan's shops generally do not negotiate. Night markets in Taiwan sometimes allow mild bargaining for bulk purchases.

How does mobile payment work in China?

WeChat Pay (微信支付) and Alipay (支付宝) dominate payments in mainland China. You scan QR codes to pay at almost any business, from restaurants to street vendors. As a tourist, setting up these apps can be tricky — carry some cash as backup, especially for small purchases. Taiwan primarily uses cash and credit cards, with LINE Pay growing in popularity.

What are the best shopping phrases for tourists?

Start with 多少钱？(how much?), 太贵了 (too expensive), 可以便宜一点吗？(can you make it cheaper?), and 我要这个 (I want this one). These four phrases cover most tourist shopping situations. Also learn 可以试穿吗？(can I try it on?) for clothing.

How do I understand Chinese clothing sizes?

China uses its own sizing system. S/M/L/XL labels are common for international brands, but local sizes often use numbers like 160/80A or 165/84A. The first number is height in cm, the second is chest/waist measurement. When shopping, 试穿 (try on) is always the safest approach.

Shopping in Chinese: 80+ Essential Phrases for Markets, Stores, and Online Shopping

Shopping in a Chinese-speaking country is one of the most fun and practical ways to use your language skills. From bustling night markets in Taiwan to massive malls in Shanghai, every purchase is a chance to practice real conversation. But without the right vocabulary, you might overpay at a market, miss a great deal, or struggle to find the right size.

This guide covers 80+ shopping phrases organized by real situations you'll encounter: asking prices, bargaining at markets, buying clothes, grocery shopping, handling payment, and solving problems. Whether you're a tourist preparing for your first trip or a learner looking to build practical vocabulary, these phrases will make you a confident shopper in any Chinese-speaking environment.

Basic Shopping Phrases

These are the phrases you'll use in virtually every shopping situation, from convenience stores to luxury boutiques. Mastering these basics gives you the confidence to walk into any shop and communicate your needs clearly. Even if you forget everything else, these nine phrases will get you through most transactions.

One important cultural note: Chinese shop assistants are often very attentive and may follow you around the store. If you just want to browse without pressure, a polite 我看看 (wǒ kànkan — I'm just looking) is the perfect way to let them know. Conversely, if you need help finding something specific, 有没有…？ (yǒu méiyǒu…?) followed by the item name is your go-to phrase. When you are ready to leave without buying, 谢谢，不用了 (xièxie, bú yòng le) is polite and widely understood.

Chinese	Pinyin	English	When to Use
多少钱？	duōshǎo qián?	How much?	Any purchase
我要这个	wǒ yào zhège	I want this one	Pointing at items
我看看	wǒ kànkan	I'm just looking	When browsing
有没有…？	yǒu méiyǒu…?	Do you have…?	Looking for something
可以看一下吗？	kěyǐ kàn yīxià ma?	Can I take a look?	Items behind counter
买单 / 结账	mǎidān / jiézhàng	Check please / pay	Ready to pay
我不要了	wǒ bú yào le	I don't want it anymore	Changed your mind
谢谢，不用了	xièxie, bú yòng le	Thanks, no need	Declining an offer
需要袋子吗？	xūyào dàizi ma?	Do you need a bag?	Cashier may ask you

Pricing and Numbers

Understanding prices requires knowing how Chinese expresses money. The currency is 人民币 (rénmínbì, RMB) in mainland China and 台币 (táibì, TWD) in Taiwan. Use our Number Converter to practice reading Chinese numbers.

In spoken Chinese, prices are almost always expressed using the casual forms. You will hear 块 (kuài) instead of 元 (yuán) and 毛 (máo) instead of 角 (jiǎo) in daily conversation. For example, a shopkeeper will say 三十五块六毛 (sānshíwǔ kuài liù máo) for 35.6 yuan rather than the formal version. Knowing both forms helps you read price tags (which use formal characters) and understand spoken prices (which use casual terms).

Chinese	Pinyin	Meaning	Example
元/块	yuán/kuài	yuan (formal/casual)	十块钱 = 10 yuan
角/毛	jiǎo/máo	0.1 yuan (formal/casual)	五毛 = 0.5 yuan
打折	dǎzhé	discount	打八折 = 20% off
半价	bànjià	half price	今天半价 = half off today
买一送一	mǎi yī sòng yī	buy one get one free	Common promotion
免费	miǎnfèi	free (no charge)	免费试吃 = free sample

⚠️ Chinese Discounts Work Backwards!

In Chinese, 打八折 (dǎ bā zhé) means you pay 80% — so it's 20% off. 打七折 = pay 70% (30% off). 打五折 = pay 50% (50% off). The number tells you how much you pay, not how much you save. This trips up many learners! For more on Chinese numbers, see our numbers guide.

Bargaining Like a Local

Bargaining is an art form in Chinese markets. Here's a step-by-step approach with the exact phrases you need at each stage. Remember that bargaining is only appropriate in certain settings: street markets, small independent shops, and some tourist-oriented stores. Never try to bargain in chain stores, supermarkets, malls, or restaurants where prices are clearly marked.

The key to successful bargaining is staying friendly and relaxed. Sellers expect it, and many actually enjoy the back-and-forth. Smiling while saying 太贵了 (tài guì le — too expensive) signals that you are a savvy shopper, not a rude customer. If you buy from the same vendor regularly, building a relationship with phrases like 老板，又来了 (lǎobǎn, yòu lái le — Boss, I'm back again) can earn you better prices over time.

Step-by-Step Bargaining Script

Step 1 — Ask the price:
你：这个多少钱？ (How much is this?)
卖家：一百块。 (100 yuan.)

Step 2 — Express shock:
你：太贵了！ (Too expensive!)

Step 3 — Counter-offer (50-60%):
你：五十块怎么样？ (How about 50?)

Step 4 — Negotiate:
卖家：不行，最少八十。 (No way, 80 minimum.)
你：六十吧，我买两个。 (60, I'll buy two.)

Step 5 — Walk away if needed:
你：算了，太贵了。 (Forget it, too expensive.)
Start walking — they'll often call you back with a lower price!

Essential bargaining phrases:

可以便宜一点吗？	Can you make it cheaper?
最低多少？	What's your lowest price?
买多一点可以打折吗？	Discount for buying more?
那边更便宜。	It's cheaper over there.
朋友价吧！	Give me the friend price!
老板，算便宜一点嘛。	Boss, give me a better deal.
我是学生，没什么钱。	I'm a student, I don't have much money.
成交！	Deal! (Agreeing on a price)

A common tactic is to pretend to walk away after hearing a price that seems too high. In Chinese markets, this is called 假装走 (jiǎzhuāng zǒu — pretend to leave). Many vendors will call you back with a lower offer. Another effective strategy is buying in bulk: 我买三个，便宜点吧 (wǒ mǎi sān gè, piányi diǎn ba — I'll buy three, make it cheaper) often works because sellers prefer volume sales. When you finally agree on a price, seal the deal with an enthusiastic 成交！ (chéngjiāo — Deal!).

Clothing and Accessories

Clothing shopping requires specific vocabulary for sizes, colors, and trying things on. See our colors guide for a full color vocabulary reference.

Understanding Chinese sizing is crucial because it differs from Western systems. Chinese clothing labels often use a format like 170/88A, where the first number is your height in centimeters, the second is a body measurement (chest for tops, waist for bottoms), and the letter indicates body type (A for standard, B for slightly larger). International sizes like S, M, L, and XL are also common, especially for imported or fast-fashion brands, but be aware that Asian sizing tends to run one size smaller than Western sizing. When in doubt, always try clothes on before purchasing.

Chinese	Pinyin	English
衣服	yīfu	clothes (general)
上衣	shàngyī	top/shirt
裤子	kùzi	pants/trousers
裙子	qúnzi	skirt/dress
外套	wàitào	jacket/coat
鞋子	xiézi	shoes
帽子	màozi	hat
包	bāo	bag/purse

Clothing shopping phrases:

可以试穿吗？ — Can I try it on?

有大一号的吗？ — Do you have one size bigger?

有小一号的吗？ — Do you have one size smaller?

有别的颜色吗？ — Do you have other colors?

试衣间在哪里？ — Where is the fitting room?

太大了/太小了。 — Too big / too small.

这件很好看。 — This one looks great.

Color vocabulary for shopping: When describing what you want, knowing colors is essential. The most common colors you will need while clothes shopping are: 红色 (hóngsè — red), 蓝色 (lánsè — blue), 黑色 (hēisè — black), 白色 (báisè — white), 绿色 (lǜsè — green), 黄色 (huángsè — yellow), and 粉色 (fěnsè — pink). To ask for a specific color, use the pattern 有没有 + [color] + 的？ For example, 有没有黑色的？(yǒu méiyǒu hēisè de? — Do you have it in black?). You can also describe patterns: 条纹 (tiáowén — striped), 格子 (gézi — plaid), and 素色 (sùsè — solid color/plain).

Common size-related phrases: Beyond just asking for bigger or smaller sizes, these expressions help you communicate fit issues precisely: 太紧了 (tài jǐn le — too tight), 太松了 (tài sōng le — too loose), 太长了 (tài cháng le — too long), 太短了 (tài duǎn le — too short), 刚好 (gānghǎo — just right), and 合身 (héshēn — fits well). For shoes specifically, you might need 这双夹脚 (zhè shuāng jiā jiǎo — these pinch my feet) or 有宽一点的吗？ (yǒu kuān yīdiǎn de ma? — Do you have a wider one?).

Grocery and Market Shopping

Markets and supermarkets have their own vocabulary, especially around measure words for different food items.

Chinese	Pinyin	English	Example Usage
斤	jīn	catty (500g)	苹果多少钱一斤？
公斤	gōngjīn	kilogram	一公斤十块
新鲜	xīnxiān	fresh	这个新鲜吗？
保质期	bǎozhìqī	expiration date	Check 保质期 on packages
有机	yǒujī	organic	有机蔬菜 (organic vegetables)
称一下	chēng yīxià	weigh it	请帮我称一下

When shopping at a wet market, it helps to know how vendors communicate. They often shout out deals to attract customers: 便宜卖了！ (piányi mài le — Selling cheap!), 快来看看！ (kuài lái kànkan — Come take a look!), or 今天特价！ (jīntiān tèjià — Special price today!). To ask for a specific amount, use the pattern: 给我来 + [amount] + [measure word] + [item]. For example, 给我来两斤苹果 (gěi wǒ lái liǎng jīn píngguǒ — Give me one kilogram of apples). If you want to taste before buying, ask 可以尝一个吗？ (kěyǐ cháng yī gè ma? — Can I taste one?), which is generally welcome at fruit stalls and dried goods shops.

For a complete guide to food-related vocabulary, check our Chinese food vocabulary guide.

Payment Methods

Payment culture differs significantly between mainland China and Taiwan. Understanding these differences before you travel will save you from awkward situations at the register. In mainland China, mobile payment has become so dominant that some smaller vendors may actually struggle to make change for cash. In Taiwan, cash remains king for most transactions, though digital payments are growing steadily.

🇨🇳 Mainland China

微信支付 (wēixìn zhīfù) — WeChat Pay
支付宝 (zhīfùbǎo) — Alipay
扫码 (sǎo mǎ) — Scan QR code
现金 (xiànjīn) — Cash (less common)
刷卡 (shuā kǎ) — Swipe card

🇹🇼 Taiwan

现金 (xiànjīn) — Cash (most common)
信用卡 (xìnyòngkǎ) — Credit card
悠游卡 (yōuyóukǎ) — EasyCard
LINE Pay — Growing in popularity
发票 (fāpiào) — Receipt (lottery!)

Payment phrases:

可以刷卡吗？(Kěyǐ shuā kǎ ma?) — Can I pay by card?
可以用微信支付吗？(Kěyǐ yòng wēixìn zhīfù ma?) — Can I use WeChat Pay?
只收现金。(Zhǐ shōu xiànjīn.) — Cash only.
请给我发票。(Qǐng gěi wǒ fāpiào.) — Please give me a receipt.
我没有零钱。(Wǒ méiyǒu língqián.) — I don't have change.
可以开发票吗？(Kěyǐ kāi fāpiào ma?) — Can you issue an invoice/receipt?
有没有收据？(Yǒu méiyǒu shōujù?) — Is there a receipt?

A practical tip for tourists in mainland China: setting up WeChat Pay or Alipay as a foreigner has become easier in recent years, with some options now allowing international credit card linking. However, it is wise to carry a small amount of cash as a backup. For larger purchases, asking 可以刷卡吗？ (kěyǐ shuā kǎ ma? — Can I pay by card?) is important because not all stores accept international credit cards. In Taiwan, the 悠游卡 (yōuyóukǎ — EasyCard) is useful beyond transit, as it works at convenience stores, some restaurants, and vending machines.

Returns, Exchanges, and Problems

Things don't always go smoothly. These phrases help when you need to return something, exchange sizes, or resolve a problem. Return policies vary widely across Chinese-speaking regions. Department stores and chain retailers generally accept returns within 7 to 15 days with a receipt. However, small shops, market stalls, and street vendors typically have a no-return policy once the sale is complete. Always clarify the return policy before purchasing expensive items by asking 可以退换吗？ (kěyǐ tuìhuàn ma? — Can I return or exchange it?).

Chinese	Pinyin	English
可以退吗？	kěyǐ tuì ma?	Can I return it?
可以换吗？	kěyǐ huàn ma?	Can I exchange it?
这个坏了	zhège huài le	This is broken/defective
尺寸不对	chǐcùn bú duì	Wrong size
颜色不对	yánsè bú duì	Wrong color
找错钱了	zhǎo cuò qián le	You gave wrong change
我要退款	wǒ yào tuìkuǎn	I want a refund
有保修吗？	yǒu bǎoxiū ma?	Is there a warranty?
跟图片不一样	gēn túpiàn bù yīyàng	It doesn't match the picture
少了一个	shǎo le yī gè	One item is missing

When dealing with problems, staying calm and polite will always get you further than getting angry. Use 请问 (qǐngwèn — excuse me, may I ask) at the beginning of your complaint to keep the tone respectful. For online purchases, the phrase 跟图片不一样 (gēn túpiàn bù yīyàng — it doesn't match the picture) is particularly useful, as discrepancies between product photos and the actual item are a common complaint. If you bought electronics or appliances, always ask 有保修吗？ (yǒu bǎoxiū ma? — Is there a warranty?) and keep the receipt and warranty card safe.

Types of Stores and Markets

Knowing the names of different shopping venues helps you navigate any city. Each type of store has its own culture, price expectations, and level of formality. Understanding these differences helps you shop more effectively and avoid cultural missteps like trying to bargain in a department store or expecting fixed prices at a street market.

Chinese	Pinyin	English	Notes
超市	chāoshì	supermarket	Fixed prices
便利店	biànlìdiàn	convenience store	7-Eleven, FamilyMart
商场 / 百货	shāngchǎng / bǎihuò	shopping mall	Fixed prices, brands
夜市	yèshì	night market	Taiwan specialty!
菜市场	càishìchǎng	wet market	Fresh produce, bargaining OK
药店	yàodiàn	pharmacy	Fixed prices
书店	shūdiàn	bookstore	Fixed prices
网购	wǎnggòu	online shopping	淘宝, 京东, 虾皮

Online shopping vocabulary: E-commerce is massive in Chinese-speaking markets, and knowing the key terms helps whether you are browsing from abroad or shopping locally. The biggest platforms are 淘宝 (Táobǎo), 京东 (Jīngdōng / JD.com), and 拼多多 (Pīnduōduō) in mainland China, and 虾皮 (Xiāpí / Shopee) in Taiwan. Here are the essential online shopping terms:

Chinese	Pinyin	English
加入购物车	jiārù gòuwùchē	Add to cart
下单	xiàdān	Place an order
付款	fùkuǎn	Make payment
收货地址	shōuhuò dìzhǐ	Delivery address
快递	kuàidì	Express delivery
包邮	bāoyóu	Free shipping
评价	píngjià	Review/rating
客服	kèfú	Customer service
优惠券	yōuhuìquàn	Coupon/discount code
已发货	yǐ fāhuò	Shipped
确认收货	quèrèn shōuhuò	Confirm receipt
申请退款	shēnqǐng tuìkuǎn	Apply for refund

Online shopping platforms in China feature a unique communication culture. Most stores have a live chat feature where you can message the seller directly using the built-in 客服 (kèfú — customer service) button. Buyers commonly ask questions like 有货吗？ (yǒu huò ma? — Is it in stock?), 发什么快递？ (fā shénme kuàidì? — Which courier do you use?), and 几天能到？ (jǐ tiān néng dào? — How many days until delivery?). Reading product reviews, called 评价 (píngjià), is essential for avoiding low-quality items. Look for reviews that include photos, as these are called 晒图 (shài tú — posted photos) and tend to be more reliable than text-only reviews.

One major difference between Western and Chinese e-commerce is the shopping festival culture. Events like 双十一 (Shuāng Shíyī — Double 11, November 11th) and 618 (Liù Yāo Bā — June 18th) offer massive discounts across all platforms. During these festivals, you will encounter terms like 预售 (yùshòu — presale), 定金 (dìngjīn — deposit), 满减 (mǎn jiǎn — spend-more-save-more), and 秒杀 (miǎoshā — flash sale). Understanding these terms can help you take advantage of significant savings.

Shopping vocabulary connects to many essential topics in Chinese. Review Chinese numbers to handle any price, learn greetings for friendly interactions with shopkeepers, and check our travel phrases guide for more practical conversation skills. Use the Number Converter tool to practice reading large prices in Chinese.