In 15 Seconds
- Formal way to say an item is completely sold out.
- Commonly seen on shopping apps, websites, and official signs.
- Combines 'sell' with 'exhausted' to show zero stock remains.
Meaning
This phrase means something is completely sold out or out of stock. You'll see it on signs or apps when that concert ticket or milk tea you wanted is gone.
Key Examples
3 of 6Checking a shopping app
很抱歉，您心仪的商品已售罄。
We are sorry, the item you like is sold out.
Reporting sales to a boss
老板，今天的特价套餐已经售罄了。
Boss, today's special combo is already sold out.
Texting a friend about concert tickets
太惨了，周杰伦的门票秒售罄！
So sad, Jay Chou's tickets sold out in seconds!
Cultural Background
The term reflects the high-speed consumer culture in modern China, especially during massive online shopping festivals. The character '罄' (qìng) has deep roots in classical Chinese, originally referring to an empty vessel, giving the phrase a more sophisticated and definitive tone than common speech.
The 'Already' Rule
You will almost always see `已` (yǐ) before `售罄`. `已售罄` is the most natural way to see it written.
Don't say it to your mom
If you tell your mom the milk is `售罄`, she'll think you've been reading too many business textbooks. Just say `没了`.
In 15 Seconds
- Formal way to say an item is completely sold out.
- Commonly seen on shopping apps, websites, and official signs.
- Combines 'sell' with 'exhausted' to show zero stock remains.
What It Means
售罄 is a fancy way to say 'sold out.' The first character 售 means to sell. The second character 罄 means empty or exhausted. Together, they mean every single unit is gone. It is more formal than the everyday 卖完了. Think of it as the difference between 'It's gone' and 'Inventory exhausted.'
How To Use It
You usually see this written rather than spoken. It appears on e-commerce buttons or movie theater screens. If you do say it, you are likely being professional. You don't need a long sentence. Just the item name plus 已售罄 (already sold out) does the trick. It sounds definitive and final. No use checking the back of the store!
When To Use It
Use it when you want to sound precise. It is perfect for business reports or formal announcements. If you run an online shop, use this on your 'Out of Stock' labels. It tells customers you are a serious professional. It’s also great for describing high-demand events. 'The Jay Chou tickets were 售罄 in seconds!' sounds very dramatic and impressive.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this at a casual street stall. If you're buying a pancake, just say 卖完了. Using 售罄 there makes you sound like a robot. Also, don't use it for things that aren't for sale. You can't say your patience is 售罄. That would just be weird. Stick to products, tickets, and inventory.
Cultural Background
In China's massive e-commerce culture, this word is everywhere. During the 'Double 11' shopping festival, 售罄 is the nightmare of every shopper. The character 罄 comes from ancient bronze containers. It literally meant a vessel was empty. Now, it mostly refers to your favorite sneakers being gone forever. It carries a sense of 'first come, first served' urgency.
Common Variations
卖完了 is the casual cousin you use daily. 抢购一空 means 'snapped up instantly' and adds more excitement. 无货 simply means 'no stock' and is very dry. If you see 已售完, it's almost identical to 售罄. However, 售罄 has that extra 'premium' feel to it. It makes the item seem more desirable because it's totally gone.
Usage Notes
Mainly used in written form or professional announcements. It carries a high level of finality and formality compared to daily spoken Chinese.
The 'Already' Rule
You will almost always see `已` (yǐ) before `售罄`. `已售罄` is the most natural way to see it written.
Don't say it to your mom
If you tell your mom the milk is `售罄`, she'll think you've been reading too many business textbooks. Just say `没了`.
The 'Second' Sale
In China, people often say `秒售罄` (miǎo shòu qìng) to describe items that sell out in one second. It's a badge of honor for popular brands!
Examples
6很抱歉，您心仪的商品已售罄。
We are sorry, the item you like is sold out.
Standard automated message on apps like Taobao or Meituan.
老板，今天的特价套餐已经售罄了。
Boss, today's special combo is already sold out.
Using formal language shows respect and professionalism in a work setting.
太惨了，周杰伦的门票秒售罄！
So sad, Jay Chou's tickets sold out in seconds!
Adding '秒' (second) emphasizes how fast they disappeared.
今日面包已全部售罄，明天请早。
All bread is sold out today, please come early tomorrow.
A polite way to inform customers the shop is effectively closed.
想约你吃饭真难，你的时间表是售罄了吗？
It's so hard to grab dinner with you, is your schedule sold out?
Using a formal retail term for a personal schedule creates a funny contrast.
由于需求量大，首批产品已售罄。
Due to high demand, the first batch of products is sold out.
Classic PR language for successful product launches.
Test Yourself
Choose the most appropriate word for an official website notice.
对不起，本场电影票已___。
While '卖了' and '没了' mean 'sold' or 'gone', '售罄' is the standard formal term for official notices.
Complete the sentence to describe a very popular product.
这款手机太火了，上线五分钟就___了。
The context of a 'hot' product and a time limit (5 minutes) implies it sold out quickly.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum: 'Sold Out'
Used in daily speech with friends.
卖完了 (mài wán le)
Standard way to say no stock.
卖完了 / 没货了
Used in business, apps, and signs.
售罄 (shòu qìng)
Where you will see 售罄
E-commerce App
Button is greyed out
Movie Theater
Screen shows 'Sold Out'
Concert Website
Tickets gone in seconds
Business Report
Inventory status
Practice Bank
2 exercises对不起，本场电影票已___。
While '卖了' and '没了' mean 'sold' or 'gone', '售罄' is the standard formal term for official notices.
这款手机太火了，上线五分钟就___了。
The context of a 'hot' product and a time limit (5 minutes) implies it sold out quickly.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it is strictly for goods and services. If a person is 'unavailable,' use 没空 or 忙.
售罄 is formal and written, while 卖完了 is casual and spoken. You see 售罄 on an app but say 卖完了 at a market.
It functions as a verb phrase. You can say 商品售罄了 (The goods have sold out).
It is pronounced 'qìng' (fourth tone). It sounds exactly like the word for 'celebrate' (庆), but the character is much more complex!
Yes! Even though digital items don't 'run out,' limited edition NFTs or digital tickets are often described as 售罄.
Not necessarily. It just means the current stock is zero. To say it's gone forever, you'd use 停产 (discontinued).
Yes, if you are talking about something like concert tickets or a limited drop, it adds a bit of 'official' drama to the news.
It means 'sold out in a second.' It's very common in internet slang to describe extremely popular items like iPhones or star-concert tickets.
Yes, it is understood across the Chinese-speaking world, though they might also use 售完 or 沽清 (especially in Cantonese).
Yes, especially on a high-end menu or a digital ordering tablet. It looks more professional than just crossing it out.
Related Phrases
卖完了 (Sold out - casual)
抢购一空 (Snapped up/cleaned out)
缺货 (Out of stock/shortage)
售完 (Sold out - neutral formal)
供不应求 (Supply falls short of demand)
