A1 Expression Neutral 2 min read

可以送货吗？

ke yi song huo ma?

Do you deliver?

Literally: Can [you] send goods [question particle]?

Practice it

In 15 Seconds

  • Ask this to get items brought to your home or office.
  • Use it at markets, furniture stores, or local restaurants.
  • Combines 'can' (kěyǐ) with 'deliver goods' (sònghuò).

Meaning

This is the go-to phrase for asking if a shop, restaurant, or seller can bring your items directly to your door. It is simple, polite, and essential for modern life in China.

Key Examples

3 of 6
1

Buying a heavy bag of rice at a local store

老板，这袋米可以送货吗？

Boss, can you deliver this bag of rice?

2

Inquiring at a high-end furniture boutique

请问，这套沙发可以送货吗？

Excuse me, can this sofa set be delivered?

3

Texting a fruit vendor on WeChat

我想买五个西瓜，可以送货吗？

I want to buy five watermelons, do you deliver?

🌍

Cultural Background

Delivery is ubiquitous. You can even get groceries delivered in 30 minutes. Delivery is common, but people often use '外送' for food. Delivery is often called '送貨' (using traditional characters).

💡

Be specific

If you want it to your house, add '上门' (shàngmén).

💬

Delivery is standard

Don't be afraid to ask; it's a very common service.

In 15 Seconds

  • Ask this to get items brought to your home or office.
  • Use it at markets, furniture stores, or local restaurants.
  • Combines 'can' (kěyǐ) with 'deliver goods' (sònghuò).

What It Means

可以送货吗？ is your golden ticket to convenience. It literally asks if delivery is an option. In the age of apps, you might use it at a local market or a furniture store. It is short, clear, and very practical.

How To Use It

Just drop this at the end of your order or inquiry. You do not even need a subject like 'you.' The 可以 (kěyǐ) means 'can' or 'may.' The 送货 (sònghuò) means 'to deliver goods.' The 吗 (ma) turns it into a question. It is like a verbal magic trick for your heavy grocery bags.

When To Use It

Use it when buying something bulky like a watermelon or a desk. Use it at a restaurant if you are not sure they are on delivery apps yet. It is perfect for those 'I cannot carry this home' moments. Even at a flower shop, it works perfectly.

When NOT To Use It

Do not use this for digital services or sending emails. It is strictly for physical objects. Also, do not use it for people. Asking if you can 'deliver' a person sounds like a scene from a spy movie. Keep it to things you can hold or eat.

Cultural Background

China has the world's most advanced delivery culture. From Waimai (food) to Kuaidi (packages), everything moves fast. Asking this phrase connects you to a massive network of couriers. It is a sign of how much the 'lazy economy' has flourished. Everyone expects things to be deliverable now.

Common Variations

  • 能送货吗？ (Néng sònghuò ma?) - A bit more focused on physical capability.
  • 可以送外卖吗？ (Kěyǐ sòng wàimài ma?) - Specifically for food delivery.
  • 包邮吗？ (Bāo yóu ma?) - 'Is shipping free?' (The favorite phrase of online shoppers).

Usage Notes

This phrase is neutral and safe for all daily interactions. It works equally well with a street vendor or a clerk in a luxury mall.

💡

Be specific

If you want it to your house, add '上门' (shàngmén).

💬

Delivery is standard

Don't be afraid to ask; it's a very common service.

Examples

6
#1 Buying a heavy bag of rice at a local store

老板，这袋米可以送货吗？

Boss, can you deliver this bag of rice?

Using 'Boss' (Lǎobǎn) makes it friendly and local.

#2 Inquiring at a high-end furniture boutique

请问，这套沙发可以送货吗？

Excuse me, can this sofa set be delivered?

Adding 'Qǐngwèn' (Excuse me) adds a layer of politeness.

#3 Texting a fruit vendor on WeChat

我想买五个西瓜，可以送货吗？

I want to buy five watermelons, do you deliver?

Direct and efficient for messaging.

#4 Asking a shop that looks very small and busy

现在人很多，还可以送货吗？

It's very busy now, can you still deliver?

Acknowledges the situation while making the request.

#5 A humorous moment with a friend carrying too many shopping bags

你拿不动了，要不要问问老板可以送货吗？

You can't carry those, why not ask the boss if they deliver?

Teasing a friend about their shopping habits.

#6 Feeling tired and asking a restaurant for a favor

我今天太累了，你们可以送货吗？

I'm so tired today, can you guys deliver?

Sharing a bit of personal context to get sympathy.

Test Yourself

Which is the most natural way to ask for delivery in a shop?

A) 可以送货吗？ B) 可以送东西吗？

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: A

'送货' is the standard term for commercial delivery.

Complete the sentence: 请问你们可以____吗？

Choose the best fit.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 送货

You want goods delivered, not people or money.

🎉 Score: /2

Visual Learning Aids

Practice Bank

2 exercises
Which is the most natural way to ask for delivery in a shop? Choose A1

A) 可以送货吗？ B) 可以送东西吗？

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: A

'送货' is the standard term for commercial delivery.

Complete the sentence: 请问你们可以____吗？ Fill Blank A1

Choose the best fit.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 送货

You want goods delivered, not people or money.

🎉 Score: /2

Frequently Asked Questions

2 questions

No, it is a standard business question.

Yes, but '送外卖' is more common for food.

Related Phrases

🔗

送货上门

specialized form

Deliver to the door

🔗

外卖

similar

Takeout/Food delivery

🔗

包邮

builds on

Free shipping

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