Money and prices
块, 毛 and 元, and how to ask what something costs.
China's money is the 人民币 rénmínbì, counted in 元 yuán. In speech a yuan is 块 kuài and a tenth of one is 毛 máo; in writing they are 元 and 角 jiǎo. A hundredth of a yuan is 分 fēn in both. 钱 qián "money" often follows the amount.
- Zhè jiàn yīfu duōshao qián?How much is this piece of clothing?
- Yígòng sānshíbā kuài wǔ.That's 38.50 altogether.
Paying
Most people pay by phone, scanning a code with 微信 Wēixìn (WeChat) or 支付宝 Zhīfùbǎo (Alipay).
- Kěyǐ shuā kǎ ma?Can I pay by card?
- Wǒ sǎo nǐ de èrwéimǎ ba.Let me scan your QR code.
Bargaining
In markets you can ask for a lower price.
- Tài guì le, piányi yìdiǎnr ba.That's too expensive; make it a bit cheaper.
- Néng piányi diǎnr ma?Can you make it cheaper?
Cards from this guide
8 cardsEach card asks about one thing this guide teaches, and its back gives the answer with why and an example. They're reviewed with the rest of the Numbers, time and money cards.
What is a yuan called in speech?
块 (kuài).
How do you ask "How much is this?"
这个多少钱？
How do you say ¥5.50?
五块五 (wǔ kuài wǔ).
How do you say "altogether", as when a bill is added up?
一共 (yígòng).
How do you ask a seller to lower the price?
便宜一点儿吧 (piányi yìdiǎnr ba), or 能便宜点儿吗？
What is a tenth of a yuan called in speech?
毛 (máo).
What is China's money called?
人民币 (rénmínbì), counted in 元 (yuán).
How do you ask "Can I pay by card?"
可以刷卡吗？