Picture this: you’re at a lively street market in China. Bright fabrics, sizzling snacks, and tables full of colorful souvenirs. You find something you love and want a good price—what do you say? Today, you’ll learn practical Mandarin shopping phrases, how to bargain politely, and key measure words to sound natural. Let’s get you ready to shop and save!

Essential shopping words and phrases

Here are the must-know words you’ll use at markets and small shops. Read them, then try the short exercises after each section.

Example mini-dialog

Use these lines to start a friendly price conversation.

这T恤多少钱？

那裤子太贵了。

Asking prices politely

To ask for price, use:

• 这个多少钱？ (How much is this?)
• 请问，这个怎么卖？ (Excuse me, how do you sell this?/What’s the price?) Add a friendly tone with 请问 (excuse me), and a smile goes a long way.

Bargaining basics

In markets and street stalls, bargaining (砍价) is common. Be friendly and soft:

• 能便宜一点吗？ (Can it be a bit cheaper?)
• 能不能再便宜一点？ (Could it be even cheaper?)
• 如果我买两个，可以打折吗？ (If I buy two, can I get a discount?)
• 现金可以更便宜吗？ (Is it cheaper if I pay cash?)

Try a short bargaining dialogue

Reorder the conversation to make a natural flow. Notice how both sides stay polite and brief.

Check useful lines from the dialogue

Paying and extras

When you’re ready to pay:

• 我用现金。/ 我刷信用卡。 (I’ll pay cash. / I’ll pay by credit card.)
• 我可以试试吗？ (May I try it on?)
• 有别的颜色吗？ (Do you have another color?)
• 可以开发票吗？ (Can you issue a receipt/invoice?)

多少钱这个？ → 这个多少钱？ Question words go at the end in Mandarin. Put 这个 before the noun/phrase, then 多少钱 at the end. 我可以便宜一点你吗？ → 可以便宜一点吗？ No need to add 你 here. The subject is understood; make a general polite request.

Quick practice quiz

Choose the best answer for common shopping situations.

Culture notes: when bargaining works

• Bargaining is common at street markets, tourist stalls, and small vendors. In big malls, chain stores, supermarkets, and most convenience stores, prices are usually fixed (不讲价).
• Stay friendly: smile, use 请问 and polite forms. A soft tone wins more discounts than being aggressive.
• Numbers often get shortened in speech: 一百五 means 150; 八十块 means 80 yuan.
• Sellers may use a calculator or phone to show a price—feel free to type your counteroffer.
• Cash can sometimes lead to a small discount; you can ask: 现金可以更便宜吗？

Final practice: put it all together

Try this short role-play:

1. Point to an item: 这个多少钱？
2. React: 太贵了。
3. Bargain: 能不能再便宜一点？
4. Offer quantity: 如果我买两个，可以打折吗？
5. Close the deal: 好的，我买这个。谢谢！

You’ve learned the key phrases to ask, react, and bargain politely. Keep practicing with real items around you—pretend your water bottle is “这件T恤” and your notebook is “那条裤子.” Speak out loud, keep it friendly, and have fun saving a few 块 next time you shop!