A1 Expression Neutral 2 min read

免费送货吗?

mian fei song huo ma?

Is delivery free?

Literally: Free-of-charge send goods [question particle]?

In 15 Seconds

  • Ask this to avoid unexpected shipping fees.
  • Perfect for online shopping or buying large furniture.
  • Combines 'free' and 'deliver goods' with a question mark.

Meaning

This is the most direct way to ask if you have to pay for shipping or if the seller covers it for you.

Key Examples

3 of 6
1

Buying a sofa at a mall

请问,这个沙发免费送货吗?

Excuse me, is delivery free for this sofa?

2

Texting a seller on an app

亲,免费送货吗?

Hey dear, is delivery free?

3

Ordering a massive office lunch

我们订了三十份,可以免费送货吗?

We ordered thirty portions, can you deliver for free?

🌍

Cultural Background

The term '包邮' (shipping included) is more common than '免费送货' in online shopping. Free shipping is often tied to a minimum purchase amount.

💡

Use '包邮'

If you are on a website, use '包邮吗' instead. It sounds much more natural.

In 15 Seconds

  • Ask this to avoid unexpected shipping fees.
  • Perfect for online shopping or buying large furniture.
  • Combines 'free' and 'deliver goods' with a question mark.

What It Means

This phrase is your best friend when shopping in China. 免费 (miǎnfèi) means free. 送货 (sònghuò) means to deliver goods. The (ma) at the end turns it into a question. You are asking if the delivery fee is zero. It is simple, clear, and very practical.

How To Use It

You can say this to a shopkeeper or type it to an online seller. It works as a complete sentence. You don't need fancy grammar here. Just point at the item and ask. If you want to be more polite, add 请问 (qǐngwèn) at the start. That means 'May I ask.' It makes you sound like a pro.

When To Use It

Use it when buying furniture or heavy appliances. Use it when ordering a large meal for a party. It is perfect for Taobao or JD.com chats. If a price seems high, check if shipping is included. You might save enough for a bubble tea!

When NOT To Use It

Don't use this at a sit-down restaurant for your table service. That is just 'service.' Don't use it if you are picking up the item yourself. If you are at a tiny street stall, it might sound odd. They usually don't deliver at all. Use it only when a 'delivery' is actually involved.

Cultural Background

China has the world's most advanced delivery culture. Most people expect 包邮 (bāoyóu), which means 'shipping included.' This phrase became a national obsession with the rise of e-commerce. Sellers often use 'Free Shipping' as their main selling point. In the West, we wait a week; in China, we want it tomorrow for free!

Common Variations

You will often see 包邮吗? (bāoyóu ma?) online. That specifically refers to postal shipping. 免费送货 is broader and covers trucks or local couriers. If you are in a hurry, you might ask 什么时候能送到? (When can it arrive?). But always check the price first!

Usage Notes

This phrase is safe for A1 learners because it uses basic S-V-O structure. It is socially neutral and works in 90% of retail situations.

💡

Use '包邮'

If you are on a website, use '包邮吗' instead. It sounds much more natural.

Examples

6
#1 Buying a sofa at a mall

请问,这个沙发免费送货吗?

Excuse me, is delivery free for this sofa?

Adding 'Qingwen' makes it polite for a face-to-face interaction.

#2 Texting a seller on an app

亲,免费送货吗?

Hey dear, is delivery free?

Using 'Qin' (dear) is the standard friendly greeting for online shopping.

#3 Ordering a massive office lunch

我们订了三十份,可以免费送货吗?

We ordered thirty portions, can you deliver for free?

Using 'keyi' (can) makes it a negotiation for a bulk order.

#4 Negotiating with a grumpy vendor

如果不免费送货,我就不买了。

If delivery isn't free, I won't buy it.

A humorous but firm way to get a better deal.

#5 Confirming a gift delivery

我想送给朋友,是免费送货吗?

I want to send this to a friend, is delivery free?

Used when the delivery address is different from your own.

#6 Inquiry at a high-end boutique

请问贵店是否提供免费送货服务?

Does your esteemed store provide free delivery services?

A much more formal way to ask the same thing.

Test Yourself

Which is the correct way to ask about free shipping?

___

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 免费送货吗?

Adding '吗' at the end is the standard way to form a yes/no question.

🎉 Score: /1

Visual Learning Aids

Practice Bank

1 exercises
Which is the correct way to ask about free shipping? Choose A1

___

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 免费送货吗?

Adding '吗' at the end is the standard way to form a yes/no question.

🎉 Score: /1

Frequently Asked Questions

1 questions

No, it is neutral and can be used in almost any shopping situation.

Related Phrases

🔄

包邮

synonym

Shipping included

🔗

运费

similar

Shipping fee

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