To bargain in Chinese, say 还价 (huán jià), literally “to return the price.” The phrase that does the work at any stall is 可以便宜一点吗? (kě yǐ pián yi yì diǎn ma?), “Can it be a little cheaper?” Add 太贵了 (tài guì le), “too expensive,” and the vendor knows the game has started. This guide gives […]
The Taobao package finally arrives after a week of tracking, you open it, and the jacket is two sizes too small. Your money is sitting in the seller’s account, the interface is all in Chinese, and the clock on your return window is ticking. The word that gets your money back is 退款 (tuì kuǎn), […]
The most common way how to say pay bill in Chinese is 结账 (jié zhàng). It literally means “settle account” and works in almost every situation: restaurants, shops, hotels, and even hospitals. At a restaurant, you can simply say “服务员, 结账” (fú wù yuán, jié zhàng) and the server will bring your bill. In casual […]
With twelve years in China, an HSK5 certification, and an Intercultural Studies background, I help people navigate real-life Chinese situations. Today, we are covering a word every expat and traveler in China needs to understand: how to say insurance in Chinese. Whether you are buying health coverage, dealing with a car accident, or signing a […]
With twelve years in China, an HSK5 certification, and an Intercultural Studies background, I help people navigate real-life Chinese situations. Today, we are covering a word every car owner and driver in China needs: how to say car dealership in Chinese. Whether you are buying a new car in Beijing, getting your vehicle serviced in […]
You are at the checkout in China, wallet in hand, and the cashier says something you cannot quite catch. The word you need is 信用卡 (xìn yòng kǎ): credit card. This guide gives you the word, the tones, the characters behind it, and the phrases that get you through any payment situation in China, from […]
Wondering how to say want in Chinese? The word is 要 (yào), one of the most versatile verbs you will use every single day. Whether you want water, want to go somewhere, or need to leave, this one syllable covers it all. If you have ever pointed at a menu or held up fingers at […]
Wondering how to say buy in Chinese? The word is 买 (mǎi), a single-character verb you’ll use almost every day in China. Whether you’re at a market, a restaurant, or shopping online, knowing this word is essential. In this guide, you’ll learn the pronunciation, basic usage, related vocabulary, and real-world sentences. I’ll also share what […]
When you are traveling in China or living here long-term, one word you will use surprisingly often is expensive. Whether you are haggling at a market, comparing prices online, or just complaining about rent in Shanghai, knowing how to say expensive in Chinese is essential. The word is 贵 (guì), and it is one of […]
Wondering how to say wallet in Chinese? The word is 钱包 (qián bāo), which literally means “money bag.” After twelve years in Tianjin, HSK5 certification, and a Bachelor of Arts in Intercultural Studies, I can tell you this is one of the first words you’ll need when handling everyday transactions in China. When I first […]
Wondering how to say cheap in Chinese? The word is 便宜 (pián yi), and you’ll use it every time you score a deal at the market, haggle at a tourist trap, or brag about your 5-yuan lunch. After twelve years in Tianjin and an HSK5 certification under my belt, I’ve said 便宜 roughly ten thousand […]
Need to know how to say market in Chinese? The word is 市场 (shì chǎng), which literally means “market” or “marketplace.” You’ll use this word almost every day in China, whether you’re shopping for fresh vegetables or just exploring the neighborhood. When I first moved to Tianjin, I was blown away by the sheer variety […]
