收现金吗？
shou xian jin ma?
Do you accept cash?
Literalmente: Receive cash (question particle)?
En 15 segundos
- Ask this to use physical paper money for your purchases.
- Essential for travelers in China's highly digital, cashless economy.
- Short and direct; use it at markets, taxis, and small shops.
Significado
This is the go-to question when you want to pay with physical paper money instead of using a phone app or a credit card.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Buying street food
老板，收现金吗？
Boss, do you take cash?
In a taxi after a long ride
师傅，不好意思，收现金吗？
Driver, sorry, do you accept cash?
At a high-end hotel desk
请问，这里收现金吗？
Excuse me, do you accept cash here?
Contexto cultural
Mobile payments are king, but cash is still legally required to be accepted.
Be polite
Add '请问' (qǐngwèn) to the start.
En 15 segundos
- Ask this to use physical paper money for your purchases.
- Essential for travelers in China's highly digital, cashless economy.
- Short and direct; use it at markets, taxis, and small shops.
What It Means
This phrase is your survival tool in modern China. It literally asks if a vendor accepts physical banknotes. In a world of digital pixels, paper is rare. Use 收现金吗？ to see if your wallet is still useful.
How To Use It
Just say it as you approach the counter. Point to your wallet or a 100-yuan bill. It is a short, punchy, and direct question. You do not need a long introduction. Just catch the clerk's eye and ask. It is like asking if a dinosaur still lives nearby.
When To Use It
Use it at small street stalls or local markets. Use it in taxis if you forgot your phone. It is perfect for tiny shops in old alleys. Even at big malls, it is good to confirm. Sometimes their machines are broken or the signal is weak.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it at a self-service kiosk. Those machines usually only scan QR codes. Avoid using it if you see a 'Cash Only' sign. That would be a bit redundant, right? Also, do not ask this at a high-end charity gala. They usually want bank transfers or big checks.
Cultural Background
China is almost entirely cashless now. Most people use WeChat Pay or Alipay for everything. Carrying cash is actually becoming a 'tourist' or 'grandpa' move. Some small vendors might not even have change (找零). Asking this shows you are prepared for the digital divide.
Common Variations
可以付现金吗？(Can I pay with cash?)只收现金吗？(Do you only take cash?)不收现金。(We don't take cash.) - This is the answer you might fear!
Notas de uso
This phrase is neutral and safe for all daily interactions. In very formal settings, adding 'Excuse me' (Qǐngwèn) is recommended.
Be polite
Add '请问' (qǐngwèn) to the start.
Ejemplos
6老板，收现金吗？
Boss, do you take cash?
Using 'Boss' (Lǎobǎn) makes it friendly and local.
师傅，不好意思，收现金吗？
Driver, sorry, do you accept cash?
Adding 'sorry' is polite if they expect a digital payment.
请问，这里收现金吗？
Excuse me, do you accept cash here?
A more formal way to ask in a professional setting.
见面交易收现金吗？
Do you take cash for the in-person meetup?
Common for local classifieds or marketplace meetups.
我不收红包，只收现金！
I don't take digital red envelopes, only cash!
A funny way to demand physical money instead of an app transfer.
手机没电了，收现金吗？
My phone is dead, do you take cash?
Explains the urgent reason why you aren't using an app.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the correct phrase for asking about cash.
Which is correct?
This is the standard word order.
🎉 Puntuación: /1
Ayudas visuales
Formality of '收现金吗？'
To a friend or street vendor: '收现金？'
收现金？
Standard polite inquiry: '收现金吗？'
收现金吗？
At a bank or hotel: '请问收现金吗？'
请问收现金吗？
Where to ask about cash
Local Wet Market
Buying veggies
Taxi Cab
End of the ride
Small Boutique
Buying a souvenir
Old Neighborhood
Buying water
Banco de ejercicios
1 ejerciciosWhich is correct?
This is the standard word order.
🎉 Puntuación: /1
Preguntas frecuentes
1 preguntasNo, it is very practical.
Frases relacionadas
可以用支付宝吗？
contrastCan I use Alipay?
