5 Useful Chinese Phrases for Shopping in Convenience Stores

Let’s explore 5 Chinese phrases used in convenience stores that will help you communicate in Mandarin while shopping and improve your Chinese listening skills in daily life.

1. Welcome! 欢迎光临 (Huānyíng guānglín)

If you’ve ever stepped into a convenience store in China, chances are you’ve heard this phrase right away. “欢迎光临” is the standard greeting used by staff in stores like FamilyMart or LAWSON.

Together 欢迎光临 literally means “welcome to pay a visit”. It’s one of the most common Chinese phrases used in stores and a great example of customer service expressions in Chinese. If you’re learning basic Chinese for shopping, this is a must-know greeting that helps build your real-world Chinese vocabulary.

2. Membership Card 有会员卡吗? (Yǒu huìyuánkǎ ma?)

When shopping in a Chinese convenience store, you’ll often hear this question “有会员卡吗?” means “Do you have a membership card?”

会员卡 (huìyuánkǎ) refers to membership cards, widely used in popular chains like FamilyMart and LAWSON in China. Nowadays, these membership cards are mostly digital membership cards linked to WeChat mini-programs apps.

Using a membership card in Chinese stores lets you collect points, enjoy loyalty rewards and get special discounts for frequent shoppers. Knowing how to ask about membership cards in Chinese is essential for anyone who wants to shop smart and save money in China.

3. Buy 1 Get 1 Free Promotion (买一送一 – Mǎi yī sòng yī)

Watch out for the popular “Buy One Get One Free (BOGO)” deals in Chinese stores and cafes. This promo lets you get two items for the price of one. For example, two cups of coffee often available on Mondays. If you miss the sign don’t worry: the shop assistants usually remind customers about ongoing promotions.

4. Heat It Up? (需要加热吗? – Xūyào jiārè ma?)

Many convenience stores in China sell ready-to-eat meals and snacks, so it’s common for staff to ask: “Would you like me to heat it up for you?”.

If you want your food heated just say “yes” (需要 xūyào). If not politely decline with “no thank you” (不需要 谢谢 bù xūyào xièxie). If you want to request heating yourself use the phrase “to heat up” (加热, jiārè) — literally “add hot”.

5. Need a Bag? (需要袋子吗? – Xūyào dàizi ma?)

Note that plastic bags in China have mostly been replaced by non-woven fabric bags for environmental protection. Also, convenience stores usually charge a small fee for bags to encourage less waste.

BONUS

Popular Chinese Convenience Store Names

Beijing

FAQ: 5 Chinese Phrases for Shopping at a Convenience Store

01. What are the most useful Chinese phrases for convenience store shopping?

If you are in China and want to grab a quick snack or drink, you will often hear basic phrases like:

• 欢迎光临 Huānyíng guānglín – Welcome
• 会员卡吗 Nǐ yǒu huìyuán kǎ ma – Do you have a membership card
• 买一送一 Mǎi yī sòng yī – Buy one get one free
• 需要加热吗 Xūyào jiārè ma – Would you like it heated
• 要袋子吗 Yào dàizi ma – Do you need a bag

These phrases are short but super common. They help you understand promotions and answer staff questions confidently.

02. How do you say “Do you need a bag” in Chinese?

The phrase is 要袋子吗? (Yào dàizi ma?).
You will hear this often at the cashier when you’re paying for items. It is helpful to understand this so you can say yes or no quickly.

03. What is the Chinese phrase for “Buy One Get One Free”?

In Chinese it is 买一送一 (Mǎi yī sòng yī).
This is a common deal you will see on snacks drinks and instant meals at convenience stores in China.

04. What does 欢迎光临 mean?

It means “Welcome”. You will hear it as soon as you walk into most stores or restaurants in China. It is a polite and standard greeting used by store staff.

05. Why should I learn convenience store Chinese phrases?

Because these phrases are used every day. If you are living in China or visiting even for a short time, learning them will help you shop confidently, understand offers and communicate with staff without confusion.

06. Are these Chinese shopping phrases beginner-friendly?

Yes, they are simple and short which makes them perfect for beginners. If you are just starting to learn Chinese these phrases are an easy win. You can memorize them quickly and start using them immediately in real life.

07. Where can I learn more Chinese phrases for everyday use?

You can learn more everyday Chinese phrases through programs like That’s Mandarin. We offer in-person and online lessons that focus on practical language. We teach phrases you will actually use in real situations like shopping eating out or asking for help.