小费
xiǎofèi
The Chinese phrase for "tips" is 小费 (xiǎofèi).
小费 refers to a small amount of extra money given to a service worker as a reward for their service. To express the action of tipping, you can use the verb 给 (gěi), meaning "to give", as in 给小费 (to give a tip). You can also use 谢谢 (thank you) to accompany a tip to show your appreciation.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 小 (small) and 费 (fee/cost).
How do you pronounce it?
xiǎofèi
When do people say it?
In China, tipping is not as common or expected as it is in some western countries.
Did you know?
- In many parts of mainland China, leaving 小费 on a restaurant table might actually cause confusion or distress for the waiter, who may chase you down the street thinking you forgot your change.
- While 小费 is the standard term, in some informal contexts, people might use the word 打赏 (dǎshǎng), which carries the nuance of 'rewarding' a performer or a livestreamer.
- While 小费 is the general term, the word 红包 (red envelope) is used for monetary gifts during festivals or weddings, which are socially mandatory rather than optional tips.
Examples in context
- 我们可以给服务员一些小费吗？Can we give the waiter some tips?
- 让我给你一点小费作为感谢。Let me give you a little tip as a token of appreciation.
- 这里不需要付小费。Zhèlǐ bù xūyào fù xiǎofèi.You don't need to leave a tip here.
- 我们要给服务员一点小费。Wǒmen yào gěi fúwùyuán yìdiǎn xiǎofèi.We should give the waiter a little tip.
- 服务很周到，我们给他一些小费吧。Fúwù hěn zhōudào, wǒmen gěi tā yìxiē xiǎofèi ba.The service was great, let's give him a tip.
Example conversation
A couple is finishing a meal at a nice restaurant.
- 浩然 Haoran这家餐厅的服务很好，我们要不要给点小费？Zhè jiā cāntīng de fúwù hěn hǎo, wǒmen yào bú yào gěi diǎn xiǎofèi?The service at this restaurant is great, should we leave a tip?
- 梓涵 Zihan可以的，浩然，我觉得应该给一点。Kěyǐ de, Hàorán, wǒ juéde yīnggāi gěi yìdiǎn.Yes, Haoran, I think we should give a little.
- 浩然 Haoran那我们就多给一些吧。Nà wǒmen jiù duō gěi yìxiē ba.Then let's give a bit more.
- 梓涵 Zihan好，那就这样吧。Hǎo, nà jiù zhèyàng ba.Okay, let's do that.
