In 15 Seconds
- Used for returning purchased items to a store or seller.
- Essential for navigating China's massive online shopping ecosystem.
- Combines 'return' (退) and 'goods' (货) into one simple verb.
Meaning
This phrase is what you say when you've bought something that doesn't fit or is broken and you want to give it back to the store for a refund.
Key Examples
3 of 6At a clothing store mall
这件衣服尺寸不对，我想退货。
The size of this clothing is wrong; I want to return it.
Texting an online seller
亲，收到货不满意，可以退货吗？
Dear, I'm not happy with the item I received, can I return it?
A formal customer service call
由于产品质量问题，我要求退货。
Due to product quality issues, I am requesting a return.
Cultural Background
The rise of e-commerce giants like Alibaba has turned 'returning goods' into a national pastime in China. The '7-day unconditional return' policy is now a standard expectation for consumers, reflecting a massive shift in retail culture and consumer protection laws over the last decade.
The 'Qin' Factor
When returning items online, always start your message with `亲` (qīn). It makes the seller more likely to be helpful and process your `退货` faster!
Keep the Tags
Most stores won't allow a `退货` if you've removed the tags or the original packaging. Chinese sellers are very strict about the item being 'resellable'.
In 15 Seconds
- Used for returning purchased items to a store or seller.
- Essential for navigating China's massive online shopping ecosystem.
- Combines 'return' (退) and 'goods' (货) into one simple verb.
What It Means
退货 is your go-to phrase for shopping regrets. It literally means 'returning goods.' You use it when a product doesn't meet your expectations. It covers everything from a shirt that's too small to a phone that won't turn on. It is a very practical, everyday term.
How To Use It
Using it is super simple. You usually pair it with the verb 想 (want) or 要 (need). For example, 我想退货 (I want to return this). In the world of online shopping, you'll see a button that says 申请退货. That just means 'apply for a return.' It’s a direct and clear action word.
When To Use It
You use this at physical service counters. You also use it when chatting with customer service bots on apps like Taobao. Use it when the product is faulty. Use it if you simply changed your mind. It’s the standard term for any consumer return process.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use 退货 for people or services. If you want to 'return' a person, that’s a different story! Also, if you are returning a borrowed book, use 还 (huán). 退货 is strictly for things you bought with money. Don't use it for food you've already started eating at a restaurant unless there is a serious health issue.
Cultural Background
In China, the 'Seven-day no-reason return' policy is a big deal. Online shopping giants like JD.com and Tmall made 退货 incredibly easy. Because of this, people 退货 much more often than they used to. There is even a funny term '退货狂' for people who return almost everything they buy. It’s a sign of how much consumer rights have grown.
Common Variations
If you want your money back specifically, you might say 退款 (tuì kuǎn). If you want to swap the item for a new one, use 换货 (huàn huò). Sometimes people combine them into 退换 (tuì huàn). This covers both returning and exchanging in one breath. It’s the ultimate shopping survival vocabulary.
Usage Notes
It is a neutral term suitable for all shopping environments. Remember to keep your receipts (发票) as they are often required for a successful `退货`.
The 'Qin' Factor
When returning items online, always start your message with `亲` (qīn). It makes the seller more likely to be helpful and process your `退货` faster!
Keep the Tags
Most stores won't allow a `退货` if you've removed the tags or the original packaging. Chinese sellers are very strict about the item being 'resellable'.
The 'No Reason' Rule
Look for the phrase `七天无理由退货`. This is the gold standard of shopping in China—it means you can return it for any reason within 7 days.
Examples
6这件衣服尺寸不对，我想退货。
The size of this clothing is wrong; I want to return it.
A standard way to initiate a return in person.
亲，收到货不满意，可以退货吗？
Dear, I'm not happy with the item I received, can I return it?
Using '亲' (qīn) is the standard friendly way to address online sellers.
由于产品质量问题，我要求退货。
Due to product quality issues, I am requesting a return.
Using '要求' (yāoqiú) makes the request more firm and formal.
这个男朋友不听话，可以退货吗？
This boyfriend doesn't listen, can I return him?
A common joke used among friends regarding 'faulty' partners.
我真的太后悔买这个了，必须退货。
I really regret buying this; I must return it.
Expresses strong regret using '必须' (must).
请问你们店支持七天无理由退货吗？
Excuse me, does your store support 7-day no-reason returns?
A very common question in Chinese retail.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence regarding a broken vase.
花瓶碎了，我要___。
`退货` is the action of returning the physical item, which is the most common response to a broken product.
How do you ask if a return is possible?
我不喜欢这个颜色，可以___吗？
`退货` fits the context of wanting to return an item because you dislike the color.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 退货
Joking with friends about returning a gift.
能退货吗？
Standard shopping return.
我想退货。
Official request or legal dispute.
申请退货处理。
When to use 退货
Online Shopping
Clicking the return button on Taobao.
Department Store
Talking to a clerk at the counter.
Faulty Electronics
Returning a laptop that won't start.
Wrong Size
Returning shoes that are too tight.
Practice Bank
2 exercises花瓶碎了，我要___。
`退货` is the action of returning the physical item, which is the most common response to a broken product.
我不喜欢这个颜色，可以___吗？
`退货` fits the context of wanting to return an item because you dislike the color.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt combines 退 (to return/retreat) and 货 (goods). Together, it means to return merchandise you purchased.
No, 退货 is only for physical goods. For a service, you would ask for a 退款 (refund).
Yes, it is a neutral, standard term. Just add 我想 (I would like to) at the beginning to be polite: 我想退货.
You can use 退款 (tuì kuǎn). Often, people say 退货退款 to mean they want to return the item and get their money back.
退货 means giving it back for money, while 换货 (huàn huò) means exchanging it for a different one.
Yes, it is used in professional supply chain contexts as well. For example, 批次退货 means returning a whole batch of goods.
No, use 还 (huán) for returning borrowed items. 退货 implies a commercial transaction happened.
You can say 我要投诉 (I want to complain) or contact the platform's customer service.
Not exactly, but people sometimes use it jokingly about people, like saying a child is 'faulty' and needs to be 退货.
Not necessarily. It can be for any reason, including just changing your mind, as long as the store policy allows it.
Related Phrases
退款
Refund (money back)
换货
Exchange goods
包邮
Free shipping
客服
Customer service
