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 6Buying a sofa at a mall
请问,这个沙发免费送货吗?
Excuse me, is delivery free for this sofa?
Texting a seller on an app
亲,免费送货吗?
Hey dear, is delivery free?
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 吗 (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.
亲,免费送货吗?
Hey dear, is delivery free?
Using 'Qin' (dear) is the standard friendly greeting for online shopping.
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.
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.
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.
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?
___
Adding '吗' at the end is the standard way to form a yes/no question.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercises___
Adding '吗' at the end is the standard way to form a yes/no question.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsNo, it is neutral and can be used in almost any shopping situation.
Related Phrases
包邮
synonymShipping included
运费
similarShipping fee