Convenience stores like FamilyMart (全家 Quánjiā) and LAWSON (罗森, Luósēn) are very popular in China. You can get almost all kinds of daily necessities at reasonable prices in these stores. If you would like to buy some stuff in a convenience store, the shop assistant might ask you some questions when you are paying for your purchase. Let’s take a look at 5 phrases you’ll often hear in Chinese convenience stores.

1. Welcome!

2. Membership Card

3. Buy 1 Get 1 Free

Look out for this one! This promo will allow you to get 2 items at the price of one — say, two cups of coffee (often on Mondays). In case you miss the sign, the shop assistants will usually remind you if a promotion going on.

4. Heat It Up

Since many convenience store chains also sell ready-to-serve meals and snacks, this is a very common question the shop assistant might ask you.

You can say “yes” (需要, xūyào) and you’ll get your meal heated up in a microwave. Otherwise just say “no, thank you” (不需要, 谢谢 bù xūyào, xièxie).

And if you’d like to ask for this option yourself, use the keyword “to heat up” (加热, jiārè) —literally “to add-hot”.

5. Need a Bag?

If the shop assistant sees you buying a few things, they might ask you if you need 袋子 dàizi — a bag. Recently, plastic bags has been replaced with non-woven fabric alternatives. Mind that in China, convenience stores charge money for bags for the purpose of environmental protection.

BONUS

Popular Chinese Convenience Store Names

Beijing