能退吗？

Use this when you are holding an item at a counter. You can also use it over chat apps like Taobao. Just point at the item and say the phrase. If you want to be more specific about a refund, you can say 能退钱吗 (Can I get the money back?). It is like a verbal 'undo' button for your wallet. Most sellers will understand you immediately without extra fluff.

You will use this most at clothing stores or electronic shops. It is also perfect for online shopping when a shirt arrives looking like a potato sack. Use it if a service was never provided, like a pre-paid gym class. It works for physical goods and digital bookings. If you bought the wrong train ticket, this is your magic spell.

Do not use this for food you have already eaten. That is just awkward and won't work. Avoid using it for 'final sale' items marked with 不退不换. Don't use it to ask a person to 'return' to a place; that uses a different verb. It is strictly for returning products or canceling paid services. Using it for a bad date might be funny, but it is not grammatically correct.

In China, the 'return culture' has shifted massively due to e-commerce. Platforms like Taobao and JD.com have made 七天无理由退货 (7-day no-reason return) a standard. However, in small street markets, the answer might be a firm 'no.' Asking 能退吗 is a standard part of the bargaining and buying process. It shows you are a savvy consumer who knows your rights.

You can add 能不能 (néng bù néng) to make it 'Can or can't I return it?' This sounds a bit more inquisitive. If you want to be extra polite, add 请问 (qǐng wèn) at the start. For a full refund, people often say 全额退款 (quán é tuì kuǎn). If you just want to exchange it for a different size, use 能换吗 (néng huàn ma).