In 15 Seconds
- Used when a physical product is completely sold out.
- Literally means 'severed supply' of goods.
- Common in shopping, e-commerce, and business supply discussions.
Meaning
This phrase is used when a product you want to buy is completely sold out or unavailable. It’s like arriving at the bakery only to find the last croissant was just sold.
Key Examples
3 of 6Checking for a specific phone at a store
不好意思，这款手机已经断货了。
Sorry, this phone model is already out of stock.
Texting a friend about a popular snack
我想买的那个零食居然断货了，好难过！
The snack I wanted to buy is actually out of stock, so sad!
A business meeting about inventory
由于物流延迟，我们的原材料断货了。
Due to logistics delays, our raw materials are out of stock.
Cultural Background
The phrase gained massive traction with the rise of 'Wanghong' (internet celebrity) culture. When a famous live-streamer like Li Jiaqi recommends a lipstick, it '断货s' instantly. It represents the high-speed, high-demand nature of the modern Chinese consumer market.
The 'Popularity' Signal
In China, saying a product is `断货` is often a compliment to the brand. It means the item is so trendy that everyone wants it.
Don't use for people
If your friend is unavailable, don't say they are `断货`. Use `没空` (no time) or `不在` (not here).
In 15 Seconds
- Used when a physical product is completely sold out.
- Literally means 'severed supply' of goods.
- Common in shopping, e-commerce, and business supply discussions.
What It Means
断货 (duàn huò) literally means the supply of goods has been severed. It is the most common way to say something is out of stock. You will see this on signs in shops or on e-commerce apps like Taobao. It implies that the item was there, but now it is gone. It feels a bit more dramatic than just 'sold out.' It sounds like the pipeline has been cut off.
How To Use It
You can use it as a verb or a noun. Most people use it simply to describe a situation. For example, you can say 'This lipstick is 断货.' You don't need fancy grammar. Just name the item and add the phrase. It works perfectly in short, frustrated texts to friends. It also works in professional settings when discussing inventory.
When To Use It
Use it whenever a physical product is missing. It is perfect for shopping trips or checking online stores. Use it when your favorite milk tea flavor is unavailable. It is also great for business meetings about supply chains. If a popular video game console is impossible to find, that is a classic 断货 situation.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for people or services. If a doctor is busy, they are not 断货. If a seat on a plane is gone, use 卖完了 (sold out) instead. 断货 is strictly for physical inventory. Also, don't use it if a store never carried the item. It only applies if they usually have it but ran out.
Cultural Background
In China, 'shopping festivals' like Double 11 (11.11) make this phrase very common. Millions of people rush to buy things at midnight. Within seconds, popular items will 断货. It has become a symbol of a product's popularity. If something is 断货, it must be good! Influencers often brag that their recommended products caused a 断货 wave.
Common Variations
You might hear 卖断货 (mài duàn huò). This adds the word 'sell,' meaning 'sold to the point of being out of stock.' It emphasizes that it was sold out because people loved it. Another one is 缺货 (quē huò), which is slightly more formal. It just means 'lacking goods.' But 断货 is the one you'll hear most in daily life.
Usage Notes
The phrase is very versatile and safe to use in almost any shopping or business context. Just remember it applies to physical goods, not services or time.
The 'Popularity' Signal
In China, saying a product is `断货` is often a compliment to the brand. It means the item is so trendy that everyone wants it.
Don't use for people
If your friend is unavailable, don't say they are `断货`. Use `没空` (no time) or `不在` (not here).
The 'Wanghong' Effect
If you see `网红断货款` (Internet celebrity out-of-stock style), it means the item is a viral hit that is constantly sold out.
Examples
6不好意思，这款手机已经断货了。
Sorry, this phone model is already out of stock.
Standard polite way for staff to inform customers.
我想买的那个零食居然断货了，好难过！
The snack I wanted to buy is actually out of stock, so sad!
Casual use showing disappointment.
由于物流延迟，我们的原材料断货了。
Due to logistics delays, our raw materials are out of stock.
Used in a formal supply chain context.
你每天喝三杯，难怪这家店断货了！
You drink three cups a day, no wonder this shop is out of stock!
Humorous exaggeration blaming a friend.
等了三个月，结果还是断货，太心碎了。
I waited for three months, and it's still out of stock, so heartbroken.
Emotional use for something highly anticipated.
老板，这个什么时候不再断货？
Boss, when will this no longer be out of stock?
Friendly inquiry at a local shop.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence about a sold-out item.
这家店的蛋糕太火了，下午两点就___了。
`断货` specifically refers to products/goods being unavailable.
Which phrase best fits a business report about missing supplies?
我们的工厂因为零件___而停工了。
In a professional context, `断货` describes the lack of necessary supplies or parts.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Out of Stock' Expressions
Used with friends or social media
卖光了 (Sold out)
Standard everyday use in shops
断货 (Out of stock)
Business reports or official notices
缺货 (Inventory shortage)
When to say 断货
Online Shopping
The 'Buy Now' button is greyed out.
Grocery Store
The shelf for eggs is empty.
Factory
Raw materials haven't arrived.
Social Media
Complaining about a viral product being gone.
Practice Bank
2 exercises这家店的蛋糕太火了，下午两点就___了。
`断货` specifically refers to products/goods being unavailable.
我们的工厂因为零件___而停工了。
In a professional context, `断货` describes the lack of necessary supplies or parts.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt literally means 'severed goods.' 断 means to break or cut off, and 货 means goods or products.
Yes, you can. If a specific dish is unavailable, you can say 这个菜断货了, though 卖完了 (sold out) is slightly more common for food.
It is neutral. You can use it while texting a friend or in a professional supply chain email.
卖完了 (mài wán le) just means sold out. 断货 implies a supply issue or that the stock is completely gone from the warehouse.
You can ask 什么时候会有货？ (When will there be goods?) or 什么时候补货？ (When will you restock?).
Usually no. Since digital items don't have a physical supply, they can't really 断货. Use it for physical things you can touch.
No, it is a standard vocabulary word, but it is used very frequently in online shopping culture.
It means 'sold to the point of being out of stock.' It emphasizes the action of selling out due to high demand.
No. Use 没有 (don't have). 断货 implies they usually have it but are currently out.
The opposite is 有货 (yǒu huò), which simply means 'in stock' or 'available.'
Related Phrases
卖完了 (Sold out)
缺货 (Shortage/Out of stock)
补货 (Restock)
有货 (In stock)
限购 (Limited purchase)
