prices, markets, mobile payment
Chinese phrases for shopping and paying in China
Ask the price, find the right size and understand the question you will hear at almost every checkout.
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Five useful sentences chosen for this exact travel moment.多少钱？
How much is it?The essential first question in a shop or market.
我要两个
I’ll take twoChange the number to 一个 (one), 三个 (three) or hold up fingers as you say it.
可以便宜一点吗？
Can it be a little cheaper?Useful at markets; not expected in fixed-price stores.
有大一点的吗？
Do you have a larger one?Change 大 to 小 when you need something smaller.
我用支付宝
I’ll use AlipayA clear answer when the cashier asks how you will pay.
我用微信
I’ll use WeChat PayThe other common answer at checkout—WeChat Pay works like Alipay.
可以刷卡吗？
Can I pay by card?Ask before purchase because foreign cards are not accepted everywhere.
支付失败了，怎么办？
The payment failed—what should I do?Ask calmly if the payment does not go through; the shopkeeper can help you retry.
Hear the moment
before you meet it.
Leave your first class able to complete a simple purchase and recognise the most common payment questions.
这个多少钱？
zhè ge duō shao qiánHow much is this?一百二十块。
yì bǎi èr shí kuài120 yuan.我可以用支付宝吗？
wǒ kě yǐ yòng zhī fù bǎo maCan I pay with Alipay?可以。
kě yǐYes.支付宝还是微信 is a question, not an instruction
At checkout you may hear ‘Alipay or WeChat?’ Practise recognising it quickly, then answer 我用支付宝 or 我用微信. Also keep a backup payment method for your trip.After class 1, you can
- Ask and understand a price✓
- Say how many you want✓
- Request another size✓
- Answer a payment question✓
- Ask for help if a payment fails✓
Before you practise
Will this help me set up Alipay or WeChat Pay?
The class focuses on the spoken interaction at checkout, not technical account setup, financial advice or payment guarantees. Setup steps differ by country and change often.
Do shops in China accept foreign cards?
Acceptance varies. We teach you how to ask before committing to a purchase and how to name your payment method.
What if my payment fails at the till?
You will practise a simple way to ask for help and retry. We also recommend a backup payment method so one failed scan does not end your shopping.
Is bargaining always appropriate?
No. We explain where a polite price question may fit and where prices are normally fixed.
Do I need cash, or is mobile payment everywhere?
Most shops accept Alipay or WeChat Pay, but a small amount of cash is a useful backup. We practise how to ask the price and how to name your payment method clearly.
How do I ask for a receipt?
Try 可以给我发票吗 (may I have an invoice) or 可以给我小票吗 for a simple till receipt. Your teacher can adjust it to the kind of purchase you expect.
Know someone visiting China?
Share this page — a friend heading to China will thank you for it.