多少钱？
duōshao qián?
In Chinese, the phrase "how much does it cost?" is expressed as 多少钱？ (duōshao qián?)
The phrase 多少钱？ is a common and straightforward way to ask how much something costs.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 多少 (how many/much) and 钱 (money), literally translating to "how much money?"
Which one should you use?
While 多少钱？ is a general way to ask "how much", using the alternative 几块钱？ implies you expect the answer to be a small number, usually under 10.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Chinese, the question word 多少 (duōshao) is placed directly in the object position, so you do not need to change the word order to form a question as you do in English.
How do you pronounce it?
duōshao qián?
Did you know?
- The word 多少 (duōshao) is formed by combining the words for 'many' 多 and 'few' 少. Together, they create a concept of 'amount' regardless of whether it is large or small.
- When paying for something, you might hear the word 块 (kuài) for 'piece'. This comes from the historical practice of cutting silver into small pieces to make change.
- While 钱 (qián) means 'money', it is also used as a surname. A person named 钱 would literally be called 'Money' in English.
Examples in context
- 你好，这个衬衫多少钱？Hello, how much does this shirt cost?
- 请问，这个手提包多少钱？Excuse me, how much does this handbag cost?
- 这个电影票多少钱啊？How much does this movie ticket cost?
- 这个包子要多少钱？How much does this steamed bun cost?
- 这个多少钱？Zhège duōshǎo qián?How much is this?
- 三斤苹果多少钱？Sān jīn píngguǒ duōshǎo qián?How much are three jin of apples?
- 洗衣服多少钱？Xǐ yīfú duōshǎo qián?How much does it cost to wash clothes?
Example conversation
Wei and Xiaowen are shopping at a fruit market.
- 伟 Wei晓雯，这个西瓜多少钱？Xiǎowén, zhège xīguā duōshǎo qián?Xiaowen, how much does this watermelon cost?
- 晓雯 Xiaowen二十块钱一个。Èrshí kuài qián yīgè.It's twenty yuan each.
- 伟 Wei有点儿贵。Yǒudiǎnr guì.It's a bit expensive.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen可是很甜。Kěshì hěn tián.But it is very sweet.
