刷卡 in 30 Sekunden
- 刷卡 means to swipe or tap a card for payment or access.
- It is a verb-object compound: 刷 (swipe) + 卡 (card).
- Commonly used in stores, subways, and office buildings.
- Differs from 扫码 (scanning a QR code) which uses a phone.
The term 刷卡 (shuākǎ) is a quintessential modern Chinese verb-object compound that literally translates to "brush card." In practical everyday usage, it means to swipe a card, tap a card, or use any form of card-based payment or identification system. The first character, 刷 (shuā), means to brush, swipe, or scrub, mimicking the physical motion of sliding a magnetic strip card through a reader. The second character, 卡 (kǎ), is a phonetic loanword from the English word "card." Together, they represent the act of completing a transaction or gaining access via a plastic card. While China has rapidly shifted toward mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay (which use 扫码 sǎomǎ or scanning codes), 刷卡 remains a fundamental term for credit cards, debit cards, bus cards, and employee ID badges.
- Literal Meaning
- To brush or swipe a card.
- Modern Usage
- Used for credit cards, transit cards, and even hotel key cards.
- Grammatical Category
- Verb-Object (VO) compound, meaning it can be separated by other words.
Historically, this term gained popularity in the 1990s and early 2000s as banking infrastructure modernized in China. Before the advent of smartphone payments, "swiping" was the height of financial convenience. Even though modern machines often use "dipping" (inserting a chip) or "tapping" (NFC), the verb 刷 has stuck. You will use this word most frequently in retail settings, restaurants, and public transportation hubs. For instance, when entering a subway station, you don't just "use" your card; you "brush" it against the sensor. This physical imagery is key to understanding why the word feels so active and descriptive to native speakers.
我想刷卡付钱。 (Wǒ xiǎng shuākǎ fùqián.) - I want to pay by swiping a card.
In a cultural context, 刷卡 also carries a connotation of consumption. The phrase 刷爆卡 (shuā bào kǎ) means to "swipe the card until it explodes," or to max out a credit card. This reflects the consumerist shift in urban Chinese society. Furthermore, the word has expanded into the digital realm with terms like 刷屏 (shuāpíng), which means to "swipe the screen" or flood a social media feed with content. Understanding 刷卡 is not just about a financial transaction; it is about understanding the kinetic energy of modern Chinese life, where actions are fast, digital, and often involve the rhythmic "brushing" of surfaces.
请在这里刷卡。 (Qǐng zài zhèlǐ shuākǎ.) - Please swipe/tap your card here.
Using 刷卡 correctly requires an understanding of its structure as a Verb-Object (VO) compound. In Chinese, many verbs are made of two parts: the action and the object. 刷 (shuā) is the action, and 卡 (kǎ) is the object. This means that when you want to add details like "how many times" or "completed action," you often place those words between 刷 and 卡. For example, to say "swiped once," you would say 刷了一次卡 (shuā le yí cì kǎ), not 刷卡了一次.
- Basic Form
- Subject + 刷卡 (e.g., 我刷卡。 - I swipe the card.)
- Question Form
- 可以刷卡吗？ (Kěyǐ shuākǎ ma? - Can I swipe a card?)
- Separated Form
- 刷他的卡 (Shuā tā de kǎ - Swipe his card.)
When you are at a checkout counter, the cashier might ask 刷卡还是现金？ (Shuākǎ háishì xiànjīn?), which means "Card or cash?" This is a very common binary choice in traditional retail. If you are using a specific type of card, you can replace 卡 with a more specific noun, or keep 刷 and add the specific card after it. For instance, 刷信用卡 (shuā xìnyòngkǎ) means "swipe a credit card" and 刷公交卡 (shuā gōngjiāokǎ) means "swipe a bus card."
对不起，我们不能刷卡。 (Duìbuqǐ, wǒmen bùnéng shuākǎ.) - Sorry, we cannot accept card payments.
Another important usage is in the context of security and access. In many Chinese office buildings or residential compounds, you need to 刷卡 to enter the elevator or the front gate. In these cases, the word isn't about money; it's about authentication. You might hear a security guard say 请刷卡进门 (Qǐng shuākǎ jìnmén), meaning "Please swipe your card to enter the door." This versatility makes it a high-frequency word for any traveler or resident in a Chinese-speaking environment.
他刷卡买了一台电脑。 (Tā shuākǎ mǎile yì tái diànnǎo.) - He swiped his card to buy a computer.
The most common place to hear 刷卡 is at the point of sale (POS). In large shopping malls like those in Shanghai, Beijing, or Guangzhou, the cashier will invariably ask about your payment method. Even though mobile payment is king, international tourists and high-end shoppers often prefer cards. You'll hear phrases like 您刷卡吗？ (Nín shuākǎ ma?) or 刷卡请在这边 (Shuākǎ qǐng zài zhèbiān). The sound of the word itself—the quick, sharp 'shuā' followed by the solid 'kǎ'—almost mimics the sound of a card clicking into a machine.
Public transport is another major arena for this word. In cities with extensive subway and bus systems, "swiping" is the primary way to pay for fares. You will see signs that say 请主动刷卡 (Qǐng zhǔdòng shuākǎ), meaning "Please swipe your card voluntarily." When a card's balance is low, the machine might make a specific sound, and the driver might tell you 卡里没钱了，刷不了 (Kǎ lǐ méi qián le, shuā bù liǎo), which means "There's no money in the card, it can't be swiped."
进站的时候记得刷卡。 (Jìnzhàn de shíhòu jìde shuākǎ.) - Remember to swipe your card when entering the station.
In office environments, 刷卡 is synonymous with "clocking in." Many companies use magnetic cards to track employee attendance. You might hear colleagues asking 你刷卡了吗？ (Nǐ shuākǎ le ma?) to check if someone has officially started their shift. This has led to the slang term 代刷卡 (dài shuākǎ), which refers to the (often forbidden) act of swiping a card for a friend who is running late. In high-security residential areas, guests are often told 上电梯需要刷卡 (Shàng diàntī xūyào shuākǎ), meaning "You need to swipe a card to use the elevator."
我忘了带员工卡，没法刷卡进公司。 (Wǒ wàngle dài yuángōng kǎ, méifǎ shuākǎ jìn gōngsī.) - I forgot my staff card, so I can't swipe in to the company.
One of the most common mistakes for English speakers is treating 刷卡 as a simple transitive verb that can take an object directly after it. Because we say "swipe the card" in English, learners often try to say 刷卡信用卡. However, 卡 is already the object. You should say 刷信用卡 (shuā xìnyòngkǎ) or simply 刷卡. Adding another "card" at the end is redundant and grammatically incorrect in Chinese.
- Incorrect Pattern
- 刷卡我的卡 (Shuākǎ wǒ de kǎ) - This is like saying "swipe-card my card."
- Correct Pattern
- 刷我的卡 (Shuā wǒ de kǎ) - Swipe my card.
Another mistake is confusing 刷卡 with 扫码 (sǎomǎ). In the current Chinese ecosystem, these are two very different physical actions. 刷卡 involves physical contact or close proximity between a plastic card and a reader. 扫码 involves using a phone camera to scan a QR code. If you tell a merchant you want to 刷卡 and then pull out your phone to scan their QR code, they will be confused. Be sure to specify 扫码支付 (sǎomǎ zhīfù) if you are using your phone.
错误：我想刷卡支付宝。 (Wǒ xiǎng shuākǎ Zhīfùbǎo.) - WRONG: I want to swipe-card Alipay.
A third subtle mistake involves the resultative complement. If a card doesn't work, learners often say 不刷卡 (bù shuākǎ), which means "to not swipe." But if the machine is broken or the card is invalid, you should say 刷不了 (shuā bù liǎo), which means "cannot be swiped successfully." This distinction between intention (I don't want to swipe) and potential (I can't swipe) is a common hurdle for CEFR A2-B1 learners. Lastly, don't forget the measure words when separating the verb. It is 刷一次卡, not 刷个卡 (though 刷个卡 is used informally, 次 is more standard for the action).
正确：我要刷信用卡。 (Wǒ yào shuā xìnyòngkǎ.) - CORRECT: I want to swipe a credit card.
While 刷卡 is specific to card transactions, there are several other terms you should know to navigate payments in Chinese-speaking regions. The most general term is 付钱 (fùqián), which simply means "to pay money." If you are unsure of the payment method, 付钱 is always a safe bet. However, in professional or digital contexts, 支付 (zhīfù) is more common. 支付 is the formal word for "payment," often seen in apps like 支付宝 (Zhīfùbǎo).
- 付钱 (fùqián)
- General "pay money." Used in casual talk.
- 扫码 (sǎomǎ)
- Scanning a QR code. The dominant method in China today.
- 现金 (xiànjīn)
- Cash. Use this when you are not using any digital or card method.
Another interesting alternative is 感应 (gǎnyìng), which means "induction" or "sensing." While people still say 刷卡 for contactless cards, technically they are 感应卡 (gǎnyìng kǎ). In some technical manuals, you might see 挥卡 (huīkǎ), meaning "to wave the card," specifically for QuickPass or NFC payments. However, 刷卡 remains the colloquial umbrella term for all these actions. In the context of loyalty programs, you might hear 积分 (jīfēn), which means "to collect points," often done at the same time as you 刷卡.
我没带现金，只能刷卡。 (Wǒ méi dài xiànjīn, zhǐnéng shuākǎ.) - I didn't bring cash, I can only swipe a card.
Lastly, consider the term 转账 (zhuǎnzhàng), which means "to transfer money" (bank transfer). This is usually for larger sums or paying rent, where 刷卡 wouldn't be used. If you are using a phone but not scanning a code (like Apple Pay), you might hear 手机支付 (shǒujī zhīfù). Understanding these nuances helps you sound more natural. For example, if you are at a small street stall, asking 能刷卡吗？ might get a laugh because they obviously only have a QR code taped to a cardboard box; there, you should ask 能扫码吗？.
现在很多人不带现金，都刷卡或扫码。 (Xiànzài hěnduō rén búdài xiànjīn, dōu shuākǎ huò sǎomǎ.) - Nowadays many people don't carry cash; they all swipe cards or scan codes.
How Formal Is It?
Wusstest du?
The character '卡' was specifically chosen for 'card' because its top part (上) and bottom part (下) suggest something being stuck or held in the middle, which is how cards are often placed in slots.
Aussprachehilfe
- Pronouncing 'kǎ' as a flat tone instead of a dipping 3rd tone.
- Mixing up 'shuā' (1st tone) with 'shuà' (4th tone).
- Failing to retroflex the 'sh' sound, making it sound like 'suā'.
- Pronouncing 'kǎ' with an English 'a' sound (as in 'cat') instead of 'ah'.
- Treating it as one word and losing the distinctness between the two syllables.
Schwierigkeitsgrad
Characters are relatively simple. '卡' is very easy to recognize.
The character '刷' has many strokes and requires practice.
Easy to pronounce if you master the tones.
Distinct sound, usually easy to pick out in conversation.
Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest
Voraussetzungen
Als Nächstes lernen
Fortgeschritten
Wichtige Grammatik
Verb-Object (VO) Separation
刷了一次卡 (Swiped once).
Potential Complements
刷不了 (Cannot swipe successfully).
The 'Ba' Sentence (for cards)
把卡刷一下 (Swipe the card).
Serial Verbs
刷卡付钱 (Swipe card to pay).
Resultative Complements
刷爆了 (Swiped until exploded/maxed).
Beispiele nach Niveau
我刷卡。
I swipe [the] card.
Simple Subject + Verb-Object structure.
可以刷卡吗？
Can [I] swipe [a] card?
Using '可以...吗' to form a polite question.
刷卡还是现金？
Card or cash?
A common binary choice using '还是' (or).
请刷卡。
Please swipe [the] card.
Polite imperative using '请'.
他刷卡付钱。
He swipes [the] card to pay money.
Serial verb construction: 刷卡 (swipe) then 付钱 (pay).
我要刷卡。
I want to swipe [the] card.
Using '要' to express intention.
这是刷卡机。
This is a card swiping machine.
Noun phrase: 刷卡 (swiping) + 机 (machine).
在这里刷卡。
Swipe [the] card here.
Locative phrase '在这里' (at here).
我可以刷信用卡吗？
Can I swipe a credit card?
Replacing the general '卡' with '信用卡' (credit card).
进地铁要刷卡。
Entering the subway requires swiping a card.
Using '要' to indicate necessity.
他刷卡买了一本书。
He swiped his card and bought a book.
Using '了' to indicate a completed action.
我的卡不能刷卡。
My card cannot be swiped.
Negative form '不能' expressing inability.
请刷一下你的卡。
Please swipe your card once.
Using '一下' to soften the command and indicate a brief action.
刷卡比现金方便。
Swiping a card is more convenient than cash.
Comparative structure 'A 比 B + Adj'.
你带刷卡机了吗？
Did you bring the card swiping machine?
Question form using '了...吗'.
在这里刷卡进门。
Swipe the card here to enter the door.
Purpose construction: 刷卡 (action) 进门 (purpose).
我刚才刷了三次卡都不行。
I just swiped the card three times and it didn't work.
Inserting the number and measure word '三次' between the VO compound.
刷卡的时候请注意安全。
Please pay attention to safety when swiping your card.
Using '...的时候' to indicate time.
这张卡刷不了，换一张吧。
This card can't be swiped; change to another one.
Potential complement '刷不了' indicating the action cannot be completed.
刷卡进站后，请保管好车票。
After swiping in at the station, please keep your ticket safe.
Using '...后' to indicate after an action.
他刷卡买了一张去北京的机票。
He swiped his card and bought a plane ticket to Beijing.
Complex object after the second verb '买'.
你刷卡了吗？我没看到你刷。
Did you swipe? I didn't see you swipe.
Using '没' for past negation.
刷卡手续费是多少？
How much is the card swiping fee?
Compound noun: 刷卡 (swiping) + 手续费 (service fee).
请在这里刷卡确认身份。
Please swipe your card here to confirm your identity.
Using '确认' (confirm) as the purpose of the action.
随着移动支付的普及，刷卡的人越来越少了。
With the popularity of mobile payments, fewer and fewer people are swiping cards.
Using '随着' (along with) and '越来越' (more and more).
他因为过度刷卡，信用卡已经刷爆了。
Because of excessive swiping, his credit card is already maxed out.
Resultative complement '刷爆' (swiped until exploded/maxed).
刷卡消费记录可以作为报销的凭证。
Card swiping consumption records can serve as proof for reimbursement.
Using '作为' (serve as) in a formal context.
这家超市支持多种刷卡方式，包括非接触式。
This supermarket supports multiple swiping methods, including contactless.
Using '支持' (support) and '包括' (include).
为了安全起见，刷卡后请务必取回您的卡。
For safety's sake, please be sure to take back your card after swiping.
Formal phrase '为了...起见' (for the sake of...).
刷卡系统出现了故障，暂时无法使用。
The swiping system has malfunctioned and is temporarily unavailable.
Subject '刷卡系统' (swiping system).
他习惯于刷卡，不太习惯用手机支付。
He is used to swiping cards and not very used to using mobile payments.
Using '习惯于' (be accustomed to).
刷卡时如果连续输错三次密码，卡会被锁定。
If you enter the wrong password three times in a row when swiping, the card will be locked.
Conditional '如果...的话' structure (simplified here).
刷卡手续费的转嫁问题一直是商家和消费者争议的焦点。
The issue of passing on card swiping fees has always been a focus of dispute between merchants and consumers.
Abstract noun phrase '刷卡手续费的转嫁问题'.
尽管刷卡支付依然存在，但其市场份额正被扫码支付迅速蚕食。
Although card swiping payment still exists, its market share is being rapidly eroded by QR code payment.
Using '尽管...但' (although... but) and the metaphor '蚕食' (to nibble away like a silkworm).
由于磁条卡容易被克隆，现在刷卡更多地采用芯片技术。
Since magnetic strip cards are easily cloned, card swiping now more often employs chip technology.
Using '由于' (due to) and '采用' (to adopt/employ).
刷卡凭证上的商户名称与实际店名不符，引起了他的怀疑。
The merchant name on the card swipe receipt did not match the actual store name, which aroused his suspicion.
Complex subject and the verb '引起' (to cause/arouse).
在某些国家，刷卡时不需要输入密码，只需签名即可。
In some countries, you don't need to enter a password when swiping; a signature is sufficient.
Using '只需...即可' (only need... then it's fine).
他通过查询刷卡记录，终于发现了那笔异常的支出。
By checking the card swiping records, he finally discovered that abnormal expenditure.
Using '通过' (by means of) and '终于' (finally).
刷卡支付的安全性在很大程度上取决于加密技术的先进程度。
The security of card swiping payment depends to a large extent on the sophistication of encryption technology.
Using '取决于' (depends on) and '在很大程度上' (to a large extent).
该政策旨在规范刷卡市场，打击非法套现行为。
The policy aims to regulate the card swiping market and crack down on illegal cash-out behaviors.
Formal verbs '旨在' (aims to) and '打击' (crack down on).
从现金交易到刷卡支付，再到如今的生物识别，支付手段的演变折射出科技的飞跃。
From cash transactions to card swiping, to today's biometrics, the evolution of payment methods reflects the leap in technology.
Using '从...到...再到...' to show a progression.
刷卡行为所产生的大数据，为银行进行精准营销提供了宝贵的数据支持。
The big data generated by card swiping behavior provides valuable data support for banks to conduct precision marketing.
Using a long relative clause modifying '大数据'.
在后刷卡时代，物理卡片的消失是否意味着金融隐私的进一步丧失？
In the post-card era, does the disappearance of physical cards mean the further loss of financial privacy?
Rhetorical question using '是否意味着' (whether it means).
刷卡手续费的定价机制需要平衡银行、清算机构与商家的多方利益。
The pricing mechanism for card swiping fees needs to balance the interests of banks, clearing institutions, and merchants.
Using '平衡...多方利益' (balance multi-party interests).
跨境刷卡时的汇率转换损耗，往往是消费者容易忽略的隐形成本。
The exchange rate conversion loss when swiping cards across borders is often a hidden cost that consumers easily overlook.
Using '隐形成本' (hidden cost) and '往往' (often).
刷卡支付系统的稳健性是国家金融基础设施安全的重要组成部分。
The robustness of the card swiping payment system is an important component of the security of national financial infrastructure.
Formal academic phrasing: '...的重要组成部分'.
通过对刷卡频次和地点的分析，可以有效地识别并防范信用卡欺诈风险。
By analyzing the frequency and location of card swiping, credit card fraud risks can be effectively identified and prevented.
Using '识别并防范' (identify and prevent).
刷卡这一动作，在某种意义上已经成为了现代城市生活的一种仪式感。
The act of swiping a card has, in a sense, become a kind of ritual in modern urban life.
Abstract philosophical observation using '在某种意义上'.
Synonyme
Gegenteile
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
— To max out a credit card. Literally 'swipe until it explodes'.
她买太多东西，把卡刷爆了。
— To swipe a card on behalf of someone else (often used for attendance).
严禁代刷卡上班。
— People who prefer using cards for everything. Similar to 'plastic people'.
现在的年轻人大多是刷卡族。
— The number of times a card has been swiped.
每年需要达到一定的刷卡次数。
— The credit limit or amount allowed for swiping.
我的刷卡额度不够了。
— The receipt or slip generated after a card swipe.
请在刷卡单上签字。
— Discounts or perks obtained by using a card.
这家餐厅有刷卡优惠。
— A gift given for using a specific card for a purchase.
刷卡满一千元送刷卡礼。
— Cashback rewards from card swiping.
这张信用卡主打刷卡返现。
— The overall infrastructure that handles card transactions.
刷卡系统正在维护中。
Wird oft verwechselt mit
Scanning a QR code with a phone. This is the biggest source of confusion for new learners in China.
Clocking in for work. While it often involves a card, '打卡' is about the attendance, '刷卡' is the physical act.
Inserting a card (chip). While '刷卡' is the general term, '插卡' is specifically for the dipping motion.
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
— To flood a screen with messages or posts, derived from the swiping motion.
他的照片在朋友圈刷屏了。
Slang— To use facial recognition for payment or access.
现在进站可以刷脸了。
Modern— To do things just to get noticed (literally 'swipe' one's sense of presence).
他一直在群里发消息刷存在感。
Slang— To paint something white or to make something clean, using the 'brush' meaning.
墙壁被刷白了。
Literal— To gild or cover with gold, using the 'brush' meaning.
这个佛像刷了金。
Artistic— In gaming, to farm reputation points through repetitive actions.
我在这个副本里刷声望。
Gaming— In gaming, to repeatedly clear a dungeon for loot.
我们今晚去刷副本吧。
Gaming— To wash dishes (using a brush or sponge).
吃完饭该你刷碗了。
Daily Life— To brush teeth.
早晚都要刷牙。
Daily Life— To polish or enhance one's resume, often by adding many small experiences.
多参加实习是为了刷简历。
ProfessionalLeicht verwechselbar
Both use the verb '刷' (brush).
'刷牙' is for teeth; '刷卡' is for cards. One is hygiene, one is finance.
我先刷牙，再去刷卡买早饭。
Related to the verb '刷'.
'刷子' is the noun 'brush' (the tool); '刷卡' is the action of swiping.
我用刷子刷鞋，用卡刷卡。
Both use '卡'.
'卡住' (kǎzhù) means to be stuck. '刷卡' uses '卡' as a noun for card.
卡片在机器里卡住了。
Both use '刷'.
'刷新' means to refresh (a page) or set a new record. '刷卡' is physical.
他在刷卡支付前刷新了网页。
Both are types of 'cards'.
'名片' (míngpiàn) is a business card (paper). You don't '刷' a business card.
这是我的名片，不是刷卡的银行卡。
Satzmuster
我可以...吗？
我可以刷卡吗？
要...才能...
要刷卡才能进门。
刷了...次
我刷了两次卡。
...不了
我的卡刷不了。
随着...的普及...
随着刷卡的普及，现金变少了。
因为...而...
他因为过度刷卡而欠债。
...取决于...
安全性取决于刷卡系统。
...折射出...
刷卡方式的改变折射出社会进步。
Wortfamilie
Substantive
Verben
Verwandt
So verwendest du es
Extremely high in urban areas, though slightly declining in favor of mobile payments.
-
刷卡信用卡
→
刷信用卡
You don't need to say 'card' twice. '卡' is already part of '刷卡'.
-
我刷卡了三次。
→
我刷了三次卡。
In Chinese, frequency goes between the verb and the object in VO compounds.
-
我不可以刷卡。
→
我的卡刷不了。
Use '刷不了' to mean the card/machine is failing, rather than you are forbidden.
-
刷卡我的卡
→
刷我的卡
Possessives go before the object, and you drop the redundant '卡' from the verb.
-
我想刷卡支付宝。
→
我想用支付宝扫码。
You don't 'swipe' Alipay; you 'scan' it. Use the right verb for the technology.
Tipps
Separable Verbs
Remember that '刷卡' is separable. Put '了', '过', or numbers in the middle: 刷了卡, 刷过卡, 刷一次卡.
Mobile vs Card
In Mainland China, always look for a QR code first. '刷卡' is common in big stores, but '扫码' is everywhere else.
Retroflex 'sh'
Don't forget to curl your tongue for 'shuā'. If it sounds like 'suā', it means 'sour'!
Specific Cards
If you know the type of card, replace '卡' with '信用卡' (credit), '储蓄卡' (savings), or '学生卡' (student).
Asking Permission
Always ask '可以刷卡吗？' before you start shopping if you don't have cash or a phone payment app.
Loanword 'Kǎ'
The character '卡' was specifically designed to represent 'card'. It's one of the few loanwords that feels native.
PIN Security
When you '刷卡', you usually need to '输入密码' (enter password). Always cover the keypad.
Transit Cards
In Hong Kong, you '刷' your Octopus card. In London, you '刷' your Oyster card. The verb is the same!
Gaming Slang
Learning '刷' will help you understand gamers who talk about '刷怪' (farming monsters).
Stroke Order
The character '刷' has 8 strokes. Practice the right-side 'knife' radical (刂) carefully.
Einprägen
Eselsbrücke
Think of 'shuā' as the 'shwa-shwa' sound a card makes when it slides through a machine. 'Kǎ' sounds exactly like the first syllable of 'card'.
Visuelle Assoziation
Imagine a giant toothbrush 'brushing' a giant credit card. The motion is exactly the same as swiping.
Word Web
Herausforderung
Try to find 3 different places today where you can '刷卡' (a bus, a store, a gym) and say the word in your head each time.
Wortherkunft
The term '刷卡' is a modern invention following the introduction of magnetic strip cards. '刷' (shuā) is an ancient Chinese character meaning 'to brush', while '卡' (kǎ) is a phonetic transliteration of the English word 'card' that appeared in the 20th century.
Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To brush a card (referring to the physical slide of a magnetic strip through a reader).
Sino-Tibetan (Chinese) with a loanword component.Kultureller Kontext
Be aware that in very rural parts of China, '刷卡' might not be possible, and cash is still king.
In English, we say 'swipe', 'dip', or 'tap'. Chinese uses '刷' (swipe/brush) for all three physical actions.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
At a supermarket checkout
- 刷卡还是现金？
- 我可以刷卡吗？
- 刷卡机在哪里？
- 刷卡成功了吗？
Taking the bus or subway
- 请刷卡。
- 我的卡刷不了。
- 记得下车刷卡。
- 我要充值公交卡。
At the office entrance
- 进门请刷卡。
- 我忘了刷卡了。
- 你的卡能刷开门吗？
- 刷卡记录不对。
At a hotel
- 刷卡进房间。
- 房卡刷不开门。
- 电梯需要刷卡。
- 请在这儿刷卡交押金。
Talking about finances
- 他刷爆了信用卡。
- 我不喜欢刷卡消费。
- 刷卡有很多积分。
- 查一下刷卡账单。
Gesprächseinstiege
"请问，这里可以刷国际信用卡吗？ (Excuse me, can I swipe an international credit card here?)"
"你平时喜欢刷卡还是用支付宝？ (Do you usually like swiping cards or using Alipay?)"
"我的公交卡刷不了，你能帮我看看吗？ (My bus card can't be swiped; can you help me take a look?)"
"这家店刷卡有优惠吗？ (Is there a discount for swiping a card at this store?)"
"你觉得刷卡消费容易让花钱变多吗？ (Do you think card swiping makes it easier to spend more money?)"
Tagebuch-Impulse
描述一次你刷卡失败的尴尬经历。 (Describe an embarrassing experience when your card swipe failed.)
你认为刷卡支付和扫码支付哪个更安全？为什么？ (Which do you think is safer: card swiping or QR code scanning? Why?)
记录你今天所有的刷卡行为（公交、买饭、进门）。 (Record all your card swiping actions today.)
想象一下如果没有了卡，我们的生活会变成什么样？ (Imagine what our lives would be like if cards no longer existed.)
写一段对话，关于在餐厅刷卡结账的过程。 (Write a dialogue about the process of swiping a card to settle the bill at a restaurant.)
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenWhile Apple Pay uses NFC (tapping), most people still say '刷手机' or '感应支付'. However, if you say '刷卡', people will understand you want to use the card terminal.
It means to max out your credit card. '刷' (swipe) + '爆' (explode). It's a common slang for overspending.
Yes, it is the standard term in Taiwan for paying with a credit or debit card, and it is used even more frequently there than in Mainland China.
No, but you can '刷脸' (swipe face), which means using facial recognition payment.
Even if it's a chip card or contactless, the term '刷卡' is still used as the general verb for the transaction.
You can say '刷卡机坏了' (Shuākǎjī huài le).
It is primarily a verb-object phrase, but it can act as a noun (gerund) in phrases like '刷卡很方便' (Swiping cards is convenient).
In China, for most small transactions, you don't. For large ones, you might need to '签名' (sign).
'付钱' is the general act of paying. '刷卡' is the specific method of using a card.
You can say '我刷错卡了' (Wǒ shuā cuò kǎ le).
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Summary
The word 刷卡 (shuākǎ) is your go-to term for any card-based interaction. Whether you're at a high-end mall or entering a subway station, knowing how to say '我可以刷卡吗？' (Can I swipe a card?) is essential for navigating modern China.
- 刷卡 means to swipe or tap a card for payment or access.
- It is a verb-object compound: 刷 (swipe) + 卡 (card).
- Commonly used in stores, subways, and office buildings.
- Differs from 扫码 (scanning a QR code) which uses a phone.
Separable Verbs
Remember that '刷卡' is separable. Put '了', '过', or numbers in the middle: 刷了卡, 刷过卡, 刷一次卡.
Mobile vs Card
In Mainland China, always look for a QR code first. '刷卡' is common in big stores, but '扫码' is everywhere else.
Retroflex 'sh'
Don't forget to curl your tongue for 'shuā'. If it sounds like 'suā', it means 'sour'!
Specific Cards
If you know the type of card, replace '卡' with '信用卡' (credit), '储蓄卡' (savings), or '学生卡' (student).
Beispiel
你可以用现金或者刷卡。
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