When you're learning Chinese, you'll hear the word 市场 (shìchǎng) a lot. It simply means 'market'.
Think of places where people buy and sell things – that's a 市场. It could be a big supermarket, a local outdoor market, or even the stock market.
It's a really common and useful word to know, even at an A1 level, because markets are such a big part of daily life and culture in China.
Let's get straight to it. Today we're looking at 市场 (shìchǎng), which means 'market' in Chinese. It's an A1 word, so it's one of the first nouns you'll pick up. You'll hear this word a lot, both literally and figuratively. Think about how often we talk about 'the market' in English – the financial market, a farmers' market, the job market. It's the same in Chinese.
§ Basic Definition
- DEFINITION
- 市场 (shìchǎng): market (noun)
This is your fundamental meaning. Any place where buying and selling happens, whether it's for food, goods, or services, can be called a 市场.
我去市场买菜。
Translation hint: I go to the market to buy vegetables.
这个地方有一个很大的市场。
Translation hint: This place has a very big market.
§ In Real-World Contexts
Here's where you'll really hear 市场 in action. It's not just about buying your groceries. It pops up in discussions about the economy, business, and even everyday life.
- Work/Business: When you're talking about business or the economy, 市场 is unavoidable.
公司正在研究新的市场机会。
Translation hint: The company is researching new market opportunities.
股票市场今天表现很好。
Translation hint: The stock market performed well today.
- News: If you listen to Chinese news, especially financial news, you'll hear 市场 constantly. It's a key term for reporting on economic trends, consumer behavior, and global trade.
全球市场对新产品反应积极。
Translation hint: The global market reacted positively to the new product.
分析师预测明年房地产市场将保持稳定。
Translation hint: Analysts predict the real estate market will remain stable next year.
- Everyday Conversation (Figurative Use): Sometimes, 市场 can refer to a general 'demand' or 'need' for something, or even a 'scene' in a broader sense.
这个电影在年轻市场很受欢迎。
Translation hint: This movie is very popular in the young market (among young people).
So, whether you're talking about where to buy your apples, discussing the latest stock trends, or commenting on a popular new product, 市场 is the word you need. Get comfortable with it, and you'll find it incredibly useful.
Alright, let's talk about '市场' (shìchǎng). It means 'market'. Super useful word, and you'll hear it a lot. But Chinese, like English, has a few words that can feel similar. Let's break down '市场' and see how it stacks up against some others, so you know exactly when to use it.
§ What '市场' means
- DEFINITION
- Market. This can be a physical place where goods are bought and sold, or it can refer to the overall economic market (like the stock market, or the job market).
Think of '市场' as your general, all-purpose 'market'. If you're talking about going to buy groceries, or discussing the housing market, this is your go-to word.
我今天要去市场买菜。
Translation hint: I'm going to the market to buy vegetables today.
中国是很大的市场。
Translation hint: China is a very big market (economic sense).
§ Similar words and when to use them
While '市场' is broad, sometimes you need to be more specific. Here are a couple of related terms:
-
商场 (shāngchǎng) - Shopping mall / Department store
This is a specific type of market – a commercial complex designed for shopping, often indoors, with many different stores. Think Westfield, or any big mall you know.
我们周末去商场买衣服吧。
Translation hint: Let's go to the shopping mall to buy clothes this weekend.
-
超市 (chāoshì) - Supermarket
Another specific type of market, focused on groceries and household items. This is your Carrefour, Walmart, or local supermarket.
我去超市买牛奶。
Translation hint: I'm going to the supermarket to buy milk.
-
菜市场 (càishìchǎng) - Wet market / Vegetable market
This is a more traditional, often open-air market, primarily for fresh produce, meat, and seafood. It's a subset of '市场' but specifically for food items, often with vendors selling from stalls. You'll hear '菜市' (càishì) also, which is a shorter version of '菜市场'.
这个菜市场的菜很新鲜。
Translation hint: The vegetables at this wet market are very fresh.
§ Key takeaway
Here’s the deal:
- 市场 (shìchǎng): General 'market', can be physical or abstract (economic).
- 商场 (shāngchǎng): 'Shopping mall' or 'department store' – a big, often indoor complex for diverse shopping.
- 超市 (chāoshì): 'Supermarket' – for groceries and daily necessities.
- 菜市场 (càishìchǎng): 'Wet market' or 'vegetable market' – for fresh produce, often open-air with stalls.
Knowing these differences will help you speak more precisely and sound more natural. Don't overthink it, but do pay attention to the context. You'll pick it up fast.
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What to Learn Next
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Examples by Level
这个周末，我会去市场买新鲜的水果和蔬菜。
This weekend, I will go to the market to buy fresh fruits and vegetables.
随着经济发展，中国市场变得越来越国际化。
With economic development, the Chinese market is becoming increasingly internationalized.
这家公司正在积极开拓海外市场。
This company is actively exploring overseas markets.
股票市场波动很大，投资者需要谨慎。
The stock market fluctuates greatly, and investors need to be cautious.
新的技术对劳动力市场产生了深远的影响。
New technologies have had a profound impact on the labor market.
这个产品在年轻消费者市场中很受欢迎。
This product is very popular in the young consumer market.
政府出台了新的政策来稳定房地产市场。
The government has introduced new policies to stabilize the real estate market.
我们正在研究市场需求，以开发更好的产品。
We are studying market demand to develop better products.
这家公司正在积极拓展海外市场，以增加其全球影响力。
This company is actively expanding its overseas markets to increase its global influence.
拓展 (tuòzhǎn) means to expand; 影响力 (yǐngxiǎnglì) means influence.
尽管经济不景气，但奢侈品市场依然保持强劲的增长势头。
Despite the economic downturn, the luxury goods market still maintains a strong growth momentum.
不景气 (bùjǐngqì) means recession; 奢侈品 (shēchǐpǐn) means luxury goods; 势头 (shìtóu) means momentum.
政府出台了一系列政策，旨在刺激国内市场消费，促进经济复苏。
The government has introduced a series of policies aimed at stimulating domestic market consumption and promoting economic recovery.
出台 (chūtái) means to issue; 刺激 (cìjī) means to stimulate; 复苏 (fùsū) means recovery.
由于市场竞争激烈，许多小企业难以维持生计。
Due to fierce market competition, many small businesses find it difficult to make a living.
激烈 (jīliè) means fierce; 维持生计 (wéichí shēngjì) means to make a living.
新兴技术正在改变传统市场的运作模式。
Emerging technologies are changing the operating models of traditional markets.
新兴 (xīnxīng) means emerging; 运作模式 (yùnzuò móshì) means operating model.
投资者对股市的未来走势持谨慎乐观态度。
Investors hold a cautiously optimistic attitude towards the future trend of the stock market.
走势 (zǒushì) means trend; 谨慎乐观 (jǐnshèn lèguān) means cautiously optimistic.
分析师指出，房地产市场可能面临结构性调整。
Analysts point out that the real estate market may face structural adjustments.
分析师 (fēnxīshī) means analyst; 结构性调整 (jiégòuxìng tiáozhěng) means structural adjustment.
这家跨国公司占据了该产品市场的大部分份额。
This multinational company occupies a large share of the market for this product.
跨国公司 (kuàguó gōngsī) means multinational company; 份额 (fèn'é) means share.
全球经济一体化背景下，新兴市场国家在世界经济格局中扮演着越来越重要的角色。
In the context of global economic integration, emerging market countries are playing an increasingly important role in the world economic landscape.
虽然该产品在技术上具有领先优势，但由于市场推广不足，其销量一直未能达到预期。
Although the product has a leading technological advantage, its sales have not met expectations due to insufficient market promotion.
面对激烈的市场竞争，企业必须不断创新，才能保持其核心竞争力。
In the face of fierce market competition, enterprises must continuously innovate to maintain their core competitiveness.
政府出台了一系列政策，旨在规范金融市场，防范系统性风险。
The government has introduced a series of policies aimed at regulating the financial market and preventing systemic risks.
随着消费者对健康饮食的关注度提升，有机食品市场呈现出快速增长的态势。
As consumers' attention to healthy eating increases, the organic food market is showing a trend of rapid growth.
分析师指出，房地产市场在经历了一段时期的过热之后，目前正面临调整。
Analysts point out that the real estate market, after a period of overheating, is currently facing adjustment.
公司决定投入巨资进行市场调研，以便更好地了解目标客户的需求。
The company decided to invest heavily in market research to better understand the needs of its target customers.
股票市场风云变幻，投资者需谨慎决策，切勿盲目跟风。
The stock market is constantly changing, and investors need to make prudent decisions and not blindly follow trends.
Often Confused With
This means 'marketing' (as in the business activity). It uses '市场' as part of a compound.
This means 'stock market'. It's a specific type of '市场'.
This means 'vegetable market' or 'wet market'. It's a common type of '市场'.
Grammar Patterns
Easily Confused
Both contain '场' (chǎng) and relate to shopping.
市场 (shìchǎng) is a general 'market', like a farmers' market or financial market. 商场 (shāngchǎng) specifically refers to a 'shopping mall' or 'department store'.
我今天在商场买了一件新衣服。(Wǒ jīntiān zài shāngchǎng mǎile yī jiàn xīn yīfu.) - I bought a new dress at the shopping mall today.
Both are places to buy things.
市场 (shìchǎng) is broader; it can be an open-air market, a specialized market, or a conceptual market. 超市 (chāoshì) is a 'supermarket'.
你可以去超市买牛奶。(Nǐ kěyǐ qù chāoshì mǎi niúnǎi.) - You can go to the supermarket to buy milk.
Both end with '场' (chǎng) and refer to open spaces.
市场 (shìchǎng) is a 'market'. 广场 (guǎngchǎng) is a 'public square' or 'plaza', usually an open area in a city for gatherings.
我们约在天安门广场见面。(Wǒmen yuē zài Tiān'ānmén Guǎngchǎng jiànmiàn.) - We agreed to meet at Tiananmen Square.
Both mean 'market'.
市场 (shìchǎng) is the more common and general term for 'market'. 集市 (jíshì) is often used for a 'fair' or 'bazaar', often implying a temporary or periodic market, like a farmers' market, but '市场' is much more versatile.
周末我们去赶集市。(Zhōumò wǒmen qù gǎnjíshì.) - We go to the fair on weekends.
Both relate to selling.
市场 (shìchǎng) is 'market' (general or conceptual). 卖场 (màichǎng) is a 'sales floor' or 'retail space', focusing on the act of selling within a store or venue.
这个卖场的销售额很高。(Zhège màichǎng de xiāoshòu'é hěn gāo.) - The sales volume of this sales floor is very high.
Sentence Patterns
Place + 有 (yǒu) + 市场 (shìchǎng)
这个城市有很多市场. (Zhège chéngshì yǒu hěn duō shìchǎng.) - This city has many markets.
去 (qù) + 市场 (shìchǎng) + verb
我们去市场买菜. (Wǒmen qù shìchǎng mǎi cài.) - We go to the market to buy vegetables.
市场 (shìchǎng) + 怎么样 (zěnmeyàng)?
这个市场怎么样？(Zhège shìchǎng zěnmeyàng?) - How is this market?
在 (zài) + 市场 (shìchǎng) + activity
她在市场工作. (Tā zài shìchǎng gōngzuò.) - She works at the market.
大 (dà) / 小 (xiǎo) + 市场 (shìchǎng)
这是一个大市场. (Zhè shì yīgè dà shìchǎng.) - This is a big market.
市场 (shìchǎng) + 的 (de) + noun
市场的菜很新鲜. (Shìchǎng de cài hěn xīnxiān.) - The market's vegetables are very fresh.
Verb + 在 (zài) + 市场 (shìchǎng)
他们卖水果在市场. (Tāmen mài shuǐguǒ zài shìchǎng.) - They sell fruit at the market.
这是 (zhè shì) + 市场 (shìchǎng)
这是我们的市场. (Zhè shì wǒmen de shìchǎng.) - This is our market.
How to Use It
市场 (shìchǎng) is the general word for 'market' in Chinese. It can refer to a physical place where goods are sold, like a farmers' market, or a more abstract concept like the stock market. You'll often hear it in everyday conversations.
A common mistake for English speakers is to confuse 市场 with other words that might seem similar, such as 商场 (shāngchǎng - shopping mall) or 超市 (chāoshì - supermarket). While a shopping mall and a supermarket are types of markets, 市场 is the broader term. For example, if you're talking about a traditional outdoor market, 市场 is the correct word. If you're going to a specific shopping mall, you'd use 商场. If you're going to buy groceries, you'd probably use 超市.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Going to the market to buy groceries or other items.
- 我去市场买菜。
- Wǒ qù shìchǎng mǎi cài.
- I go to the market to buy vegetables.
Talking about the stock market or financial markets.
- 股票市场最近怎么样？
- Gǔpiào shìchǎng zuìjìn zěnmeyàng?
- How's the stock market recently?
Discussing a particular market for products or services.
- 这个产品在中国市场很有竞争力。
- Zhège chǎnpǐn zài Zhōngguó shìchǎng hěn yǒu jìngzhēnglì.
- This product is very competitive in the Chinese market.
Referring to a farmer's market or a specific type of market.
- 我喜欢去农贸市场买新鲜水果。
- Wǒ xǐhuān qù nóngmào shìchǎng mǎi xīnxiān shuǐguǒ.
- I like to go to the farmer's market to buy fresh fruit.
Asking where the market is located.
- 最近的市场在哪里？
- Zuìjìn de shìchǎng zài nǎlǐ?
- Where is the nearest market?
Conversation Starters
"你喜欢去市场买东西吗？"
"Nǐ xǐhuān qù shìchǎng mǎi dōngxi ma?"
"Do you like going to the market to buy things?"
"你们国家的市场和中国市场有什么不同？"
"Nǐmen guójiā de shìchǎng hé Zhōngguó shìchǎng yǒu shénme bùtóng?"
"What are the differences between markets in your country and Chinese markets?"
"你觉得哪个市场最好玩？"
"Nǐ juédé nǎge shìchǎng zuì hǎowán?"
"Which market do you think is the most interesting?"
"你上次去市场是什么时候？"
"Nǐ shàng cì qù shìchǎng shì shénme shíhòu?"
"When was the last time you went to the market?"
"你通常在市场买什么？"
"Nǐ tōngcháng zài shìchǎng mǎi shénme?"
"What do you usually buy at the market?"
Journal Prompts
描述一次你去市场的经历，你看到了什么，买了什么？
Miáoshù yī cì nǐ qù shìchǎng de jīnglì, nǐ kàn dàole shénme, mǎile shénme?
Describe an experience you had going to the market. What did you see and what did you buy?
你对不同类型的市场有什么看法？
Nǐ duì bùtóng lèixíng de shìchǎng yǒu shénme kànfǎ?
What are your thoughts on different types of markets?
如果你要开一个市场，你会卖什么？
Rúguǒ nǐ yào kāi yīgè shìchǎng, nǐ huì mài shénme?
If you were to open a market, what would you sell?
你觉得科技发展对传统市场有什么影响？
Nǐ juédé kējì fāzhǎn duì chuántǒng shìchǎng yǒu shénme yǐngxiǎng?
What impact do you think technological development has on traditional markets?
写一篇关于你理想中的市场的文章。
Xiě yī piān guānyú nǐ lǐxiǎng zhōng de shìchǎng de wénzhāng.
Write an essay about your ideal market.
Test Yourself 54 questions
Which of these means 'market'?
市场 (shìchǎng) is the correct word for 'market'. 商店 (shāngdiàn) means 'store', 学校 (xuéxiào) means 'school', and 医院 (yīyuàn) means 'hospital'.
Where do people usually buy food and other things?
You typically buy food and other items at a 市场 (shìchǎng), or market. 图书馆 (túshūguǎn) is a library, 电影院 (diànyǐngyuàn) is a cinema, and 公园 (gōngyuán) is a park.
I want to go to the ____ to buy vegetables.
If you want to buy vegetables, you go to the 市场 (shìchǎng), the market. 家 (jiā) means home, 公司 (gōngsī) means company, and 银行 (yínháng) means bank.
You can buy books at the 市场 (shìchǎng).
While some markets might have a few books, typically a 市场 (shìchǎng) is for food and daily necessities, not primarily books. You would go to a bookstore for books.
People usually go to the 市场 (shìchǎng) in the morning.
Yes, many traditional markets (市场, shìchǎng) are busiest in the morning when people buy fresh produce.
市场 (shìchǎng) means 'school'.
No, 市场 (shìchǎng) means 'market'. The word for 'school' is 学校 (xuéxiào).
You are going to the market to buy some fruit. Write a short sentence about what you want to buy.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我去市场买水果。
Describe a market you have visited in 1-2 sentences. What did you see there?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我去了北京的一个大市场，那里有很多新鲜的蔬菜和水果。
Imagine you are explaining to a friend where the closest market is. Write a simple sentence to give directions.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
最近的市场就在学校附近。
根据这段文字，今天作者去了哪里？
Read this passage:
今天天气很好，我想去市场买一些菜。市场里人很多，也很热闹。我买了一些苹果和香蕉。
根据这段文字，今天作者去了哪里？
文章中明确提到“我想去市场买一些菜”。
文章中明确提到“我想去市场买一些菜”。
根据这段文字，人们在周末喜欢来市场做什么？
Read this passage:
这个市场很大，里面有各种各样的东西。你可以买到新鲜的鱼、肉，还有很多漂亮的衣服。很多人喜欢周末来这里逛逛。
根据这段文字，人们在周末喜欢来市场做什么？
文章中提到“很多人喜欢周末来这里逛逛”。
文章中提到“很多人喜欢周末来这里逛逛”。
根据这段文字，为什么作者经常走路去市场？
Read this passage:
我的家离市场很近，所以我经常走路去买东西。市场的东西很便宜，而且种类很多。
根据这段文字，为什么作者经常走路去市场？
文章中明确指出“我的家离市场很近，所以我经常走路去买东西”。
文章中明确指出“我的家离市场很近，所以我经常走路去买东西”。
这个城市有一个很大的跳蚤___，每周六都会开放。
跳蚤市场 (tiào zǎo shì chǎng) means 'flea market'.
我们的产品在国际___上很有竞争力。
国际市场 (guó jì shì chǎng) means 'international market'.
为了了解顾客需求，我们需要进行___调研。
市场调研 (shì chǎng diào yán) means 'market research'.
这家公司的目标是扩大在亚洲___的份额。
市场份额 (shì chǎng fèn é) means 'market share'.
新鲜蔬菜和水果在农贸___上随处可见。
农贸市场 (nóng mào shì chǎng) means 'farmers' market'.
政府出台了新政策来稳定房地产___。
房地产市场 (fáng dì chǎn shì chǎng) means 'real estate market'.
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence: 这家商店在______旁边。
The sentence means 'This store is next to the market.' '市场' (shìchǎng) means market.
Which of the following is most likely to be found at a '市场'?
'市场' (shìchǎng) is a market, where fresh vegetables are commonly sold.
If you want to buy some fruits, where would you most likely go?
You would go to a market (市场) to buy fruits.
In China, you can usually buy clothes and shoes at a '市场'.
Many Chinese markets (市场) sell a variety of goods, including clothes and shoes, in addition to food.
You typically go to a '市场' to watch a movie.
You go to a cinema (电影院) to watch a movie, not a market (市场).
A '市场' is always a very quiet place.
Markets (市场) are often bustling and noisy places, especially during peak hours.
This market is famous for its unique seafood. The structure is 'Subject + 以 + attribute + 闻名 (is famous for...)'.
In the globalized market, competition is increasingly fierce. '在全球化的市场中' sets the context, followed by the main clause '竞争日益激烈'.
The new policy will have a profound impact on the real estate market. The structure is 'Subject + 将 + 对 + Object + 产生 + effect (will have an effect on...)'.
Listen for how people buy groceries and enjoy bargaining at the market.
Listen for consumer demand in market research.
Listen for company strategy in international markets.
Read this aloud:
你认为新兴市场国家的经济增长对全球经济格局会产生怎样的影响？
Focus: 经济增长 (jīngjì zēngzhǎng)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
请讨论一下，电子商务的兴起如何改变了传统零售市场的运作模式？
Focus: 电子商务 (diànzǐ shāngwù)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
如果给你一个机会，你会在哪个国家的哪个市场领域创业？为什么？
Focus: 创业 (chuàngyè)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
The correct order is '这个市场很有活力' (This market is very vibrant). '这个' (this) modifies '市场' (market), and '有活力' (vibrant) describes the market.
The correct order is '在市场中竞争激烈' (Competition is fierce in the market). '在...中' (in...) indicates location, and '竞争激烈' (fierce competition) describes the situation.
The correct order is '新的产品进入了市场' (New products entered the market). '新的产品' (new products) is the subject, and '进入了市场' (entered the market) is the predicate.
随着全球化的深入，新兴___对国际贸易的影响日益显著。
The sentence discusses the growing impact of emerging markets on international trade due to globalization. '市场' (market) fits this context perfectly.
分析师指出，公司若想保持竞争力，就必须紧密关注___动态，及时调整战略。
To remain competitive, companies must pay close attention to market dynamics. '市场动态' (market dynamics) is a common phrase here.
政府出台了一系列刺激消费的政策，以期激活国内___。
Government policies are often aimed at stimulating the domestic market. '国内市场' (domestic market) is the correct fit.
这部电影的票房成绩不佳，反映出其未能准确把握观众的___需求。
Poor box office performance suggests a failure to grasp the audience's market demands. '市场需求' (market demand) is appropriate here.
公司计划拓展海外___，寻找新的增长点。
Companies expand into overseas markets to find new growth points. '海外市场' (overseas market) is the correct term.
尽管面临激烈的竞争，但该品牌依然凭借其独特的优势在___上占据了一席之地。
The brand secured a position in the market despite fierce competition. '在市场上占据一席之地' means to gain a foothold in the market.
The resilience of physical markets.
Interconnectedness of global markets.
Stimulating the domestic consumption market.
Read this aloud:
请阐述一下您对未来中国市场发展趋势的看法。
Focus: 阐述 (chǎn shù)
You said:
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Read this aloud:
您认为在当今竞争激烈的市场环境中，企业应如何保持其核心竞争力？
Focus: 竞争力 (jìng zhēng lì)
You said:
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Read this aloud:
面对新兴市场的挑战与机遇，跨国公司应采取怎样的战略调整？
Focus: 战略调整 (zhàn lüè diào zhěng)
You said:
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/ 54 correct
Perfect score!
Example
这个周末我们去市场买菜吧。
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More daily_life words
朝九晚五
B2From nine to five; regular working hours.
未免
B2Rather; a bit too; truly (implies something excessive).
废弃
B2To abandon; to discard; to cease to use.
恪守
B2To scrupulously observe; to strictly adhere to.
反常
B2abnormal, unusual
充裕
B2Abundant; ample.
充沛
B2Abundant; plentiful; full of energy.
门禁卡
B2Access card; entry card.
门禁
B2Access control (system).
配件
B2Fittings; accessories; spare parts.
