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B1 noun/verb #2,000 most common 8 min read

快递

kuaidi
Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 快递 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 快递 in your Level:
At the A1 level, you only need to know that '快递' (kuàidì) means a package or a fast delivery service. You can use it in very simple sentences like '我有快递' (I have a package) or '这是我的快递' (This is my package). Think of it as the word for anything you buy online that comes in a box. You will often hear it when someone knocks on your door or when you go to a small shop to pick up a box. It is a very important word for daily life in China because everyone uses it every day. Just remember: 'kuài' means fast, and 'dì' means to give. So, it is a 'fast-give' service!
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At the A2 level, you should be able to use '快递' with common verbs. For example, '寄快递' (jì kuàidì) means to send a package, and '取快递' (qǔ kuàidì) means to pick up a package. You might also start using measure words, like '一个快递' (one package). You can understand simple messages on your phone about your delivery, such as '快递到了' (The package has arrived). You should also know '快递员' (kuàidìyuán), the person who delivers the packages. In China, you might hear people call them '快递小哥' (kuàidì xiǎogē), which is a friendly way to say 'delivery guy'.
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At the B1 level, you can use '快递' in more complex situations, such as discussing shipping costs or delivery times. You can say '快递费太贵了' (The shipping fee is too expensive) or '这个快递要几天才能到？' (How many days will this express delivery take to arrive?). You are now comfortable using '快递' as both a noun and a verb. For instance, '你能帮我快递这个文件吗？' (Can you express-deliver this document for me?). You also understand the difference between '快递' and '邮寄' (yóujì - traditional mail), and you can handle basic problems, like a missing package or a wrong address, using this vocabulary.
At the B2 level, you understand the broader context of '快递' within the Chinese economy. You can discuss the '快递行业' (express delivery industry) and its impact on e-commerce. You are familiar with compound terms like '快递单号' (tracking number), '快递柜' (delivery locker), and '保价' (insurance for the package). You can use the word in professional settings, such as arranging logistics for a company. You also understand more nuanced verbs like '派送' (pàisòng - to distribute/deliver) and '签收' (qiānshōu - to sign for a delivery). You can explain the pros and cons of different courier companies like SF Express or ZTO.
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At the C1 level, you can use '快递' to discuss complex logistical and economic topics. You might analyze the '最后三公里' (last three kilometers) problem in urban delivery or the environmental impact of '快递包装' (express packaging). You can use the term in idiomatic or metaphorical ways, such as describing a process that is '快递式' (extremely rapid). Your vocabulary includes technical terms like '冷链快递' (cold chain delivery) and '跨境快递' (cross-border express). You can read and understand detailed terms and conditions from logistics providers and engage in high-level discussions about the future of automated delivery and drone technology in the 快递 sector.
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At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of '快递' and its associated socio-economic implications. You can speak fluently about the '快递业' as a barometer for China's internal consumption and macroeconomic health. You understand the historical evolution from the '驿站' (courier stations) of ancient China to the high-tech logistics hubs of today. You can critique government regulations regarding the express delivery industry and discuss the labor rights of '快递从业人员' (delivery industry workers) with precision. You can use the word in any register, from street slang to academic papers on supply chain management, with perfect accuracy and cultural depth.
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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

快递 in 30 Seconds

  • 快递 (kuàidì) is the essential Chinese term for express delivery services and the packages themselves, central to daily life and e-commerce.
  • It functions as both a noun (the parcel) and a verb (to send via express), commonly paired with 'jì' (send) or 'qǔ' (pick up).
  • The term is distinct from 'yóujì' (traditional mail) and 'wàimài' (food delivery), emphasizing speed and private-sector logistics.
  • In China, '快递小哥' (delivery guy) and '快递柜' (smart lockers) are ubiquitous cultural symbols of the modern urban experience.

In the modern Chinese linguistic landscape, the term 快递 (kuàidì) represents far more than a simple logistics service; it is the lifeblood of the world's largest e-commerce ecosystem. Etymologically, the word is composed of 快 (kuài) meaning 'fast' or 'quick' and 递 (dì) meaning 'to hand over' or 'to deliver'. Together, they describe the rapid transport and distribution of parcels, documents, and goods. Unlike the traditional postal service (邮政), which is often perceived as slower and more bureaucratic, 快递 implies a private-sector efficiency, door-to-door service, and real-time digital tracking. In daily life, it functions both as a noun—referring to the package itself or the service—and as a verb—referring to the act of sending something via express courier.

The Noun Usage
Refers to the physical parcel. Example: '你的快递到了' (Your package has arrived). It can also refer to the industry or the specific courier company.
The Verb Usage
Refers to the action of sending. Example: '把这份文件快递给他' (Send this document to him via express delivery).

“在现代中国，没有快递的生活是难以想象的，它连接了城市与乡村，也连接了消费与生产。”

— Modern Logistics Commentary

The scale of 快递 in China is staggering. During peak seasons like the 'Double 11' (双十一) shopping festival, billions of packages move across the country. This has birthed a unique vocabulary including terms like '快递小哥' (delivery brother) and '丰巢' (smart lockers). Understanding 快递 is essential for anyone living in or doing business with China, as it reflects the country's technological integration and the high expectations for speed in the service industry. It is the physical manifestation of the digital economy.

// Example of tracking status

[10:00] 您的快递正在派送中...

Furthermore, the word has evolved to describe the 'speed' of delivery in other sectors. You might hear people talk about '快递式' (express-style) to describe anything that happens with extreme efficiency. It is a word that encapsulates the 'China Speed' (中国速度) phenomenon. Whether you are ordering a new laptop from JD.com or sending homemade dumplings to a friend in another province, 快递 is the mechanism that makes it possible.

Using 快递 (kuàidì) correctly requires understanding its flexibility across different grammatical structures. It primarily functions as a noun, but its verbal application is frequent in business and informal requests. Below are the primary ways to integrate this word into your Chinese communication.

As a Direct Object (Noun)
Commonly used with verbs like '取' (qǔ - to pick up), '寄' (jì - to send), '等' (děng - to wait for), and '收' (shōu - to receive).
Example: 我去取快递。(I am going to pick up my package.)
As a Verb
Used to indicate the method of sending. It often takes a direct object (the item) and a recipient.
Example: 请把合同快递到上海。(Please express the contract to Shanghai.)

Common Sentence Structure:

Subject + [寄/发] + 快递 + 给 + Recipient

Example: 我寄了快递给你。(I sent a package to you.)

In professional settings, 快递 is often paired with specific company names to specify the service level. For instance, '发顺丰' (fā Shùnfēng) implies using SF Express, which is known for premium speed and safety. In casual conversation, '我的快递' is a very common phrase used when checking the status of an online order. You will also see it in compound nouns like '快递单' (waybill/shipping label) and '快递费' (shipping fee).

When interacting with a courier, you might use the phrase '放快递柜' (fàng kuàidì guì), which means 'put it in the express locker.' This is a crucial phrase for modern urban living in China. If you are complaining about a delay, you would say '快递还没到' (The express delivery hasn't arrived yet). The word is highly versatile and essential for navigating the logistics-heavy lifestyle of 21st-century China.

You will encounter the word 快递 (kuàidì) in almost every corner of daily life in China, from the bustling streets of Shanghai to remote mountain villages. It is a ubiquitous term that bridges the gap between the digital and physical worlds.

At Home or the Office
The most common place is via a phone call or SMS. Couriers (快递员) will call to say: '你好，有你的快递' (Hello, there is a package for you). You will also hear colleagues asking, '你的快递到了吗？' (Has your package arrived?).
E-commerce Platforms
On apps like Taobao, JD.com, and Pinduoduo, the word '快递' is everywhere. You'll see buttons for '查看快递' (Check delivery status) and '快递详情' (Delivery details).
“师傅，麻烦把快递放在门口就行。”

— A common phrase said to couriers over the phone.

In public spaces, you will see '快递站' (delivery stations) or '菜鸟驿站' (Cainiao stations) where people congregate to pick up their parcels. The sound of tape being ripped and boxes being stacked at these stations is a characteristic sound of modern Chinese neighborhoods. You'll also hear it in news reports discussing the economy, as '快递业务量' (express delivery volume) is a key indicator of consumer spending power.

Finally, in business negotiations, the speed of '快递' is often a selling point. A supplier might promise, '我们今天发快递，明天就能到' (We will send it via express today, and it will arrive tomorrow). This ubiquity makes it one of the first practical words a learner should master to function effectively in a Chinese-speaking environment.

While 快递 (kuàidì) is a relatively straightforward term, learners often make subtle errors in usage, collocation, and context. Understanding these pitfalls will help you sound more like a native speaker.

Confusing with 邮寄 (yóujì)
Learners often use '邮寄' for everything. However, '邮寄' usually refers to the official postal service (China Post) and is often used for letters or official documents. '快递' is for the fast, private courier services used for online shopping.
Incorrect Measure Words
The correct measure word for a package is '个' (gè) or '件' (jiàn). Avoid using '封' (fēng), which is strictly for letters (信).

❌ Incorrect:

我有一封快递。(Wǒ yǒu yī fēng kuàidì.)

✅ Correct:

我有一个快递。(Wǒ yǒu yī gè kuàidì.)

Another common mistake is using '快递' when you actually mean '外卖' (wàimài - food delivery). While both involve someone delivering something to your door, '快递' is for goods and parcels, whereas '外卖' is specifically for prepared meals. Saying '我叫了快递' when you are waiting for pizza will cause confusion.

Lastly, be careful with the word '快递员' (kuàidìyuán). While technically correct, in daily life, people almost always say '快递小哥' (kuàidì xiǎogē) to refer to the delivery person. Using the formal term in a casual setting can sound a bit stiff or overly academic. Mastering these nuances will ensure your communication is both accurate and natural.

To truly master 快递 (kuàidì), it is helpful to understand its relationship with other words in the logistics and transportation family. Chinese has several terms that overlap in meaning but differ in scope and formality.

邮寄 (yóujì)
This is the general term for 'to send by mail.' It is more formal and covers both standard mail and express mail. If you are at a post office, you '邮寄' things.
外卖 (wàimài)
Specifically refers to food delivery. While the logistics are similar, the vocabulary is distinct. You '点外卖' (order food delivery) but '寄快递' (send a package).
物流 (wùliú)
This means 'logistics.' It is a broader, more industrial term. 快递 is a subset of the 物流 industry. You might check your '物流信息' (logistics information) to see where your 快递 is.

速递 (sùdì)

Synonym for 快递, often used in company names (e.g., EMS 全球邮政特快专递).

托运 (tuōyùn)

To check luggage or send large freight via train/plane.

Another related term is 配送 (pèisòng), which means 'distribution' or 'delivery.' This is often used by supermarkets or large retailers (like JD.com) to describe the final leg of the delivery process. While a consumer says '我的快递到了,' the company says '商品正在配送中' (The product is being delivered/distributed).

Understanding these distinctions allows you to choose the most precise word for the situation. For example, if you are sending a heavy sofa, you would use '物流' or '货运' (huòyùn - freight), but for a pair of shoes bought online, '快递' is the only natural choice.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

The 'Ba' (把) construction for moving objects.

Resultative complements (e.g., 寄到, 收到).

Directional complements (e.g., 寄过来, 寄回去).

Time duration (e.g., 寄了三天).

Passive voice with 'Bei' (被) (e.g., 快递被拿走了).

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Examples by Level

1

我有快递。

I have a package.

Simple Subject + Verb + Object structure.

2

快递在哪儿？

Where is the package?

Using '在哪儿' to ask for location.

3

这是你的快递。

This is your package.

Possessive '你的' before the noun.

4

快递很林。

The delivery is fast.

Adjective '快' describing the service.

5

我不寄快递。

I don't send packages.

Negative '不' before the verb '寄'.

6

谢谢快递小哥。

Thank you, delivery guy.

Common social phrase.

7

快递在门口。

The package is at the door.

Prepositional phrase '在门口'.

8

我的快递呢？

Where is my package? (What about my package?)

Using '呢' for a soft 'where' question.

1

我去取快递。

I am going to pick up a package.

Verb '取' (to fetch/pick up).

2

你要寄快递吗？

Do you want to send a package?

Question with '吗'.

3

快递费是多少？

How much is the shipping fee?

Compound noun '快递费'.

4

快递员给我打电话了。

The delivery man called me.

Subject + 给 + Object + Verb structure.

5

这个快递很重。

This package is very heavy.

Adjective '重' (heavy).

6

请把快递放在这儿。

Please put the package here.

Using '把' for disposal/placement.

7

我收到了一个快递。

I received a package.

Verb '收到' (to receive).

8

快递公司几点关门？

What time does the express company close?

Asking for time with '几点'.

1

你能帮我取一下快递吗？

Can you help me pick up the package for a moment?

Using '一下' for a brief action.

2

快递还没到，我有点担心。

The package hasn't arrived yet, I'm a bit worried.

Using '还没' for 'not yet'.

3

顺丰快递比别的公司快。

SF Express is faster than other companies.

Comparison structure 'A 比 B + Adj'.

4

我想把这个礼物快递给妈妈。

I want to express-deliver this gift to my mom.

Using '快递' as a verb with '给'.

5

快递单上的地址写错了。

The address on the waybill was written incorrectly.

Resultative complement '写错'.

6

现在的快递服务非常方便。

Current express services are very convenient.

Adverb '非常' modifying '方便'.

7

请问快递柜的密码是多少？

Excuse me, what is the password for the delivery locker?

Noun '快递柜' (express locker).

8

如果快递丢了，该怎么办？

If the package is lost, what should be done?

Conditional '如果...该怎么办'.

1

快递行业的发展改变了人们的购物习惯。

The development of the express delivery industry has changed people's shopping habits.

Abstract noun '快递行业'.

2

由于天气恶劣，快递可能会延迟几天。

Due to bad weather, the delivery might be delayed for a few days.

Formal conjunction '由于'.

3

请在签收快递前检查包装是否完好。

Please check if the packaging is intact before signing for the delivery.

Formal verb '签收' (sign and receive).

4

你可以通过快递单号查询物流信息。

You can check the logistics information using the tracking number.

Using '通过' (through/via).

5

这家公司的快递业务遍布全国。

This company's express delivery business covers the whole country.

Verb '遍布' (to be spread all over).

6

我建议你给这个贵重物品办个快递保价。

I suggest you get shipping insurance for this valuable item.

Specific term '保价' (declared value/insurance).

7

快递员每天的工作量都非常大。

The daily workload of delivery men is very large.

Noun '工作量' (workload).

8

国际快递通常需要进行海关申报。

International express delivery usually requires customs declaration.

Specific term '海关申报'.

1

快递包装产生的垃圾已经成为了一个环保难题。

The waste generated by express packaging has become an environmental challenge.

Complex noun phrase as subject.

2

各大快递公司正在通过技术手段优化配送效率。

Major express companies are optimizing delivery efficiency through technological means.

Using '通过...优化'.

3

农村快递网点的普及促进了农产品的上行。

The popularization of rural express delivery points has promoted the upward flow of agricultural products.

Economic terminology '农产品上行'.

4

快递员的劳动权益保障问题引起了社会广泛关注。

The issue of protecting the labor rights of delivery workers has attracted widespread social attention.

Formal phrase '引起...关注'.

5

为了应对双十一，快递公司增加了临时人手。

To cope with Double 11, express companies have increased temporary staff.

Purpose clause '为了应对'.

6

冷链快递技术的发展保证了生鲜食品的质量。

The development of cold chain delivery technology ensures the quality of fresh food.

Technical term '冷链快递'.

7

快递末端配送的智能化是未来的发展趋势。

The intelligence of last-mile delivery is a future development trend.

Industry term '末端配送' (last-mile delivery).

8

他以快递般的速度完成了这项紧急任务。

He completed this urgent task with express-like speed.

Metaphorical use of '快递'.

1

快递业的蓬勃发展折射出中国内需市场的巨大潜力。

The booming development of the express industry reflects the huge potential of China's domestic demand market.

Sophisticated verb '折射' (reflect/refract).

2

政府出台了一系列政策以规范快递市场的竞争秩序。

The government has introduced a series of policies to regulate the competitive order of the express market.

Formal structure '出台...以规范'.

3

快递物流体系的完善是构建全国统一大市场的基石。

The improvement of the express logistics system is the cornerstone of building a unified national market.

Metaphorical term '基石' (cornerstone).

4

快递包装的绿色化转型是实现碳中和目标的重要环。

The green transformation of express packaging is an important link in achieving carbon neutrality goals.

Policy-heavy vocabulary '碳中和'.

5

快递从业人员的社会流动性与城市化进程紧密相连。

The social mobility of express delivery workers is closely linked to the process of urbanization.

Sociological term '社会流动性'.

6

在数字化浪潮下，传统邮政正面临着来自民营快递的巨大冲击。

Under the wave of digitalization, traditional postal services are facing a huge impact from private express companies.

Idiomatic '面临...冲击'.

7

快递价格战的背后是行业巨头对市场份额的激烈争夺。

Behind the express price war is the fierce competition for market share among industry giants.

Business term '市场份额'.

8

快递服务质量的差异化将成为企业核心竞争力的体现。

The differentiation of express service quality will become an embodiment of the core competitiveness of enterprises.

Strategic term '核心竞争力'.

Synonyms

速递 邮递 派送 托运

Antonyms

平邮 慢递

Common Collocations

寄快递
取快递
查快递
快递员
快递公司
快递单
快递费
快递点
顺丰快递
国际快递

Common Phrases

收快递
发快递
等快递
拆快递
快递小哥
快递柜
快递驿站
快递单号
快递保价
快递延误

Often Confused With

快递 vs 邮寄

快递 vs 外卖

快递 vs 货运

Idioms & Expressions

"风雨无阻 (Feng yu wu zu - Unstoppable by wind or rain, often used to describe couriers)"
"马不停蹄 (Ma bu ting ti - Without stopping, describing the speed of delivery)"
"日夜兼程 (Ri ye jian cheng - Traveling day and night)"
"分秒必争 (Fen miao bi zheng - Every second counts)"
"送货上门 (Song huo shang men - Deliver to the door)"
"货真价实 (Huo zhen jia shi - Genuine goods at a fair price)"
"物尽其流 (Wu jin qi liu - Goods flowing freely)"
"通达天下 (Tong da tian xia - Reaching everywhere in the world)"
"使命必达 (Shi ming bi da - Mission must be accomplished)"
"分秒不差 (Fen miao bu cha - Not a second off)"

Easily Confused

快递 vs

快递 vs

快递 vs

快递 vs

快递 vs

Sentence Patterns

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How to Use It

politeness

Always use '麻烦你' when asking a courier to do something extra.

verb vs noun

In '我快递你', 快递 is a verb. In '我的快递', it is a noun.

Common Mistakes
  • Using '邮寄' for Taobao orders.
  • Using '封' as a measure word for packages.
  • Confusing '快递' with '外卖'.
  • Forgetting to use '给' when 快递 is a verb.
  • Pronouncing 'dì' as 'de'.

Tips

Check the box

Always check the condition of the box before signing for it.

Use the app

Download the 'Cainiao' (菜鸟) app to manage all your 快递 in one place.

Phone calls

If you see a call from an unknown local number, it's likely your 快递小哥.

Measure words

Use '件' (jiàn) when you want to sound more professional or formal.

Tracking

Memorize '单号' (dānhào) so you can ask for your tracking number.

Politeness

Calling the courier 'shīfu' (master/sir) is also a respectful alternative to 'xiǎogē'.

Privacy

It's a good habit to shred or black out your address on the 快递单 before throwing the box away.

SF Express

If it's urgent, always ask for 'Shùnfēng' (顺丰).

Free shipping

Look for the characters '包邮' (bāoyóu) to save money on delivery.

Lost package

If a package is lost, use the '投诉' (tóusù - complain) function in the app.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a 'FAST' (快) runner 'DELIVERING' (递) a box to your door.

Word Origin

Modern compound. '快' (fast) + '递' (deliver). It emerged with the rise of private logistics in the late 20th century.

Cultural Context

The busiest time for 快递, with billions of parcels sent in one week.

While a tough job, couriers are vital to the functioning of urban life.

Using smart lockers like 'Fengchao' is the standard way to receive goods in cities.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"你的快递到了吗？ (Has your package arrived?)"

"你通常用哪家快递公司？ (Which express company do you usually use?)"

"最近快递怎么这么慢？ (Why is the express delivery so slow lately?)"

"帮我取一下快递好吗？ (Could you help me pick up a package?)"

"这个快递费要多少钱？ (How much is the shipping for this?)"

Journal Prompts

Describe the last thing you bought online and the 快递 process.

How has 快递 changed the way people live in your country vs China?

Write a thank you note to a 快递小哥.

Imagine a day without 快递. What would happen?

Discuss the environmental impact of 快递 packaging.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

SF Express (顺丰) is the most premium, while ZTO, YTO, and STO are very common for e-commerce.

You can use the '快递单号' on the company's website or apps like WeChat and Alipay.

It is a smart locker where couriers leave packages if you are not home. You get a code to open it.

No, domestic 快递 is very cheap compared to Western countries, often starting at 8-12 RMB.

There are strict regulations; usually, you need to declare them and use specific services.

It means 'free shipping,' a very common term on shopping sites.

You should '拒收' (refuse to sign) and contact the seller immediately.

Usually 1-3 days for domestic delivery between major cities.

No, tipping is not a custom in China, but a 'thank you' is appreciated.

Yes, using services like DHL, FedEx, or China Post's EMS.

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