In 15 Seconds
- The cost of shipping or delivering goods.
- Used constantly in online shopping and logistics.
- Commonly paired with 'free' or 'expensive'.
Meaning
This is the cost you pay to have something delivered to your door. It is the 'shipping fee' or 'delivery charge' you see when shopping online.
Key Examples
3 of 6Asking about shipping on an app
请问，寄到北京运费多少？
Excuse me, how much is the shipping fee to Beijing?
Complaining to a friend
这件衣服不贵，但是运费太贵了！
This clothing isn't expensive, but the shipping fee is too much!
Business negotiation
如果买得多，可以免运费吗？
If I buy more, can you waive the shipping fee?
Cultural Background
In China's massive e-commerce culture, 'free shipping' (包邮) is expected. The 'Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai' region is famous for having the lowest shipping rates and fastest delivery times. Paying for shipping often feels like a personal defeat for many Chinese online shoppers.
The Magic Word
If you want to sound like a pro, ask '包邮吗？' (Bāo yóu ma?). It's the most common way to ask if shipping is free.
Not for Food
Don't use `运费` for your Meituan or Ele.me food orders. Use `配送费` (pèisòng fèi) instead.
In 15 Seconds
- The cost of shipping or delivering goods.
- Used constantly in online shopping and logistics.
- Commonly paired with 'free' or 'expensive'.
What It Means
运费 is the price of moving goods from point A to point B. In the age of online shopping, it is the most talked-about number after the price of the item itself. It covers the logistics, the fuel, and the delivery person's hard work.
How To Use It
You will mostly use it when asking about costs. You can say 运费多少？ to ask for the price. If you want to know if it is free, ask 包邮吗？ which is the magic phrase for 'is shipping included?'. You treat it like any other noun representing a cost.
When To Use It
Use it whenever money and moving objects are involved. It is perfect for checking out on Taobao or sending a package at the post office. It is also common when discussing business logistics or moving house. If you are split-shipping an order with a friend, this word is essential.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use 运费 for people. If you take a taxi, you pay a 车费 (fare). If you fly, you pay for a 机票 (ticket). 运费 is strictly for inanimate objects, like that new rice cooker or a box of snacks. Don't use it for food delivery apps either; that is usually 配送费.
Cultural Background
China has the world's most advanced delivery network. Because of this, 运费 is a sensitive topic. Many shoppers will refuse to buy an item if there is even a small shipping fee. The phrase 包邮 (free shipping) is a powerful marketing tool that can make or break a sale. It is almost a national sport to find ways to avoid paying 运费.
Common Variations
You will often see 免运费 which means 'free shipping'. In business, you might hear 运费到付, which means the receiver pays upon arrival. If you are talking about heavy cargo, you might hear 货运费. But for 90% of your life, the simple two-syllable 运费 is all you need.
Usage Notes
The phrase is very versatile and safe to use in any context involving goods. Just remember to distinguish it from 'fare' (for people) and 'postage' (specifically for mail).
The Magic Word
If you want to sound like a pro, ask '包邮吗？' (Bāo yóu ma?). It's the most common way to ask if shipping is free.
Not for Food
Don't use `运费` for your Meituan or Ele.me food orders. Use `配送费` (pèisòng fèi) instead.
The 'Jiang-Zhe-Hu' Perk
If you live in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, or Shanghai, you almost never pay `运费` because the warehouses are right there!
Examples
6请问，寄到北京运费多少？
Excuse me, how much is the shipping fee to Beijing?
A standard way to ask for a quote before buying.
这件衣服不贵，但是运费太贵了！
This clothing isn't expensive, but the shipping fee is too much!
A very common frustration among online shoppers.
如果买得多，可以免运费吗？
If I buy more, can you waive the shipping fee?
Using shipping as a bargaining chip.
我们一起买吧，可以省运费。
Let's buy together so we can save on shipping.
Common social strategy to split costs.
为了省十块钱运费，我多花了两百块凑单。
To save 10 yuan on shipping, I spent 200 more to hit the free shipping threshold.
Relatable humor about 'add-on' items.
退货的运费谁付？
Who pays the shipping fee for the return?
A practical question for returns.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence about online shopping.
这家店满99元免___。
Online stores often offer free shipping (免运费) if you spend over a certain amount.
How do you ask 'How much is the shipping?'
___是多少？
运费 is shipping fee, while 路费 is travel expenses and 电费 is electricity bill.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of '运费'
Texting friends about Taobao
运费好贵啊！
Standard shopping inquiries
运费多少钱？
Logistics contracts
甲方承担所有运费。
Where you'll see '运费'
Online Shopping
Check out page
Post Office
Sending a parcel
Business Meeting
Supply chain costs
Moving House
Hiring a van
Practice Bank
2 exercises这家店满99元免___。
Online stores often offer free shipping (免运费) if you spend over a certain amount.
___是多少？
运费 is shipping fee, while 路费 is travel expenses and 电费 is electricity bill.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions邮费 (yóufèi) specifically refers to postage for letters or small parcels via the post office. 运费 is a broader term for any shipping or freight cost.
No, for a taxi you should use 车费 (chēfèi). 运费 is only for moving goods, not people.
You can say 免运费 (miǎn yùnfèi) or the very popular colloquial term 包邮 (bāoyóu).
It is neutral. You can use it with a CEO or with your best friend when talking about a package.
It means 'shipping insurance.' It's a small fee you pay so that if you return an item, the return shipping is covered.
You can ask 这个价格含运费吗？ (Zhège jiàgé hán yùnfèi ma?).
Yes, but for international shipping, people often use 国际运费 (guójì yùnfèi) to be specific.
This means 'Cash on Delivery' for the shipping cost only. The person receiving the package pays the courier.
It might be because you are in a 'remote area' (偏远地区) like Xinjiang or Tibet, where shipping is much more expensive.
Not really, but 包邮 (bāoyóu) is the 'internet slang' equivalent for the concept of shipping being handled.
Related Phrases
包邮
Free shipping / Shipping included
快递
Express delivery / Courier
配送费
Delivery fee (usually for food or local groceries)
物流
Logistics
