一共多少钱？
yi gong duo shao qian?
How much in total?
Literally: One-together how-much money?
In 15 Seconds
- Use it to ask for the final bill or total price.
- Perfect for markets, restaurants, and shopping malls.
- Combine with 'Qingwen' for a more polite, friendly tone.
Meaning
This is the go-to phrase for asking the total price of everything you're buying. It's like saying 'What's the damage?' or 'How much do I owe you?' after a shopping spree or a big meal.
Key Examples
3 of 6Buying groceries at a local market
老板，这些一共多少钱？
Boss, how much for all of these?
Finishing a meal with colleagues
请问，一共多少钱？
Excuse me, how much is the total?
Splitting a bill via text message
昨天的晚饭一共多少钱？我转给你。
How much was dinner yesterday in total? I'll transfer it to you.
Cultural Background
This phrase reflects the efficiency of Chinese commerce. While bargaining was once the norm, the rise of digital scanning and barcodes has made the 'final total' the most important part of the interaction. In some regions, vendors might shave off a few cents as a 'friendship' gesture when you ask for the total.
The 'Scan' Culture
Often, you don't even need to speak. Just say the phrase, and the vendor will show you the price on their calculator or phone screen.
Don't Overuse with One Item
If you only have one item, just say 'Duōshǎo qián?'. Using 'Yīgòng' makes it sound like you're expecting a hidden fee!
In 15 Seconds
- Use it to ask for the final bill or total price.
- Perfect for markets, restaurants, and shopping malls.
- Combine with 'Qingwen' for a more polite, friendly tone.
What It Means
一共多少钱 (yī gòng duō shǎo qián) is your financial compass in China. It literally translates to 'altogether how much money.' It is the most common way to ask for a final total. Use it when you have a pile of items at a convenience store. Use it when the waiter brings the check. It is clear, direct, and very useful.
How To Use It
Place it at the very end of your transaction. You don't need fancy grammar here. Just point at your items or the bill and say the phrase. If you want to be extra polite, add 请问 (qǐng wèn) at the start. That means 'May I ask.' It turns a demand into a soft request. Most people will just tell you the number or show you their phone screen.
When To Use It
You will use this daily. Use it at the wet market while buying veggies. Use it at a milk tea shop for three drinks. It is perfect for group dinners when you're the designated 'payer.' It also works when texting a friend to settle a shared bill. It’s the universal signal that you are ready to pay and leave.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for single items. If you're holding one apple, just say 多少钱 (duō shǎo qián). Using 一共 (altogether) for one thing sounds a bit silly. It’s like asking 'What is the grand total of this one candy bar?' Also, avoid it in high-end negotiations like buying a car. There, language becomes more formal and indirect.
Cultural Background
In China, mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are king. When you ask 一共多少钱, the vendor might just point to a QR code. In some local markets, asking the total is the start of a friendly negotiation. However, in modern cities, the price is usually fixed. Paying the 'total' often involves a 'round down' culture in small street stalls. Sometimes they’ll drop the small change just to be nice!
Common Variations
You can shorten it to 一共多少 (yī gòng duō shǎo). People will still understand you perfectly. In the south, you might hear 一共几多 (yī gòng jǐ duō). If you are at a very fancy restaurant, they might say 买单 (mǎi dān). But 一共多少钱 is the 'Old Reliable' of Chinese phrases. It works everywhere from Beijing to Guangzhou.
Usage Notes
This is a neutral, highly versatile phrase. It is appropriate for almost any commercial transaction. The only 'gotcha' is ensuring you use it for multiple items to sound most natural.
The 'Scan' Culture
Often, you don't even need to speak. Just say the phrase, and the vendor will show you the price on their calculator or phone screen.
Don't Overuse with One Item
If you only have one item, just say 'Duōshǎo qián?'. Using 'Yīgòng' makes it sound like you're expecting a hidden fee!
The 'Small Change' Secret
In small family-run shops, if the total is 20.2 Yuan, they might say 'just give me 20.' It's a way to build customer loyalty!
Examples
6老板，这些一共多少钱？
Boss, how much for all of these?
Using 'Boss' (Lǎobǎn) makes you sound like a local.
请问，一共多少钱？
Excuse me, how much is the total?
Adding 'Qingwen' adds a professional touch to the request.
昨天的晚饭一共多少钱？我转给你。
How much was dinner yesterday in total? I'll transfer it to you.
Commonly used in WeChat chats to settle debts.
哇，这么多！一共多少钱？
Wow, so many! How much is it altogether?
Expresses slight shock at the volume of items.
这些衣服一共多少钱？太漂亮了！
How much were these clothes in total? They are so beautiful!
Focuses on the total cost of a shopping haul.
一共多少钱？可以用支付宝吗？
How much total? Can I use Alipay?
The most standard way to initiate payment in China.
Test Yourself
You are at a fruit stand with apples and bananas. Ask for the total.
苹果和香蕉 ___ 多少钱？
'Yīgòng' means 'altogether' or 'in total', which fits the context of multiple items.
Make the phrase more polite.
___ ，一共多少钱？
'Qǐngwèn' (May I ask) is the standard polite opener for questions.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of '一共多少钱？'
Shortened version used with friends.
一共多少？
Standard version for shops and markets.
一共多少钱？
Polite version for restaurants/hotels.
请问一共多少钱？
Where to use the phrase
Supermarket
At the checkout counter
Restaurant
When the bill arrives
Street Food
Ordering multiple snacks
Texting
Splitting costs with friends
Practice Bank
2 exercises苹果和香蕉 ___ 多少钱？
'Yīgòng' means 'altogether' or 'in total', which fits the context of multiple items.
___ ，一共多少钱？
'Qǐngwèn' (May I ask) is the standard polite opener for questions.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions一共 means 'altogether' or 'in total.' It combines 'one' and 'together' to signify a sum.
It's better not to. For one item, use 多少钱 (duō shǎo qián). 一共 implies a collection of things.
Not at all! It's very practical. If you want to be softer, start with 请问 (qǐng wèn).
You can say 服务员，一共多少钱？ (Fúwùyuán, yīgòng duōshǎo qián?). It's the standard way to ask for the bill.
Don't worry! Most vendors will show you a calculator or their phone screen with the digits.
Yes, you can just say 一共多少？ (yī gòng duō shǎo). Dropping the 钱 (money) is very common in fast-paced shops.
Yes, you can use it to confirm the final agreed price after haggling: 所以一共多少钱？
In formal invoices, you might see 总计 (zǒngjì), but in spoken business lunch settings, 一共多少钱 is still fine.
Putting the words in the wrong order. Remember: 'Altogether + How much + Money'.
No, this specific phrase is for currency. For a total number of people, you would say 一共多少人？
Related Phrases
多少钱？
How much money? (General)
买单
Check, please! (Used in restaurants)
太贵了
Too expensive!
便宜一点
A bit cheaper (used for bargaining)
