Chinese word

多少钱

Pronunciation

Pinyinduō shǎo qián

Meaning

  • pronounhow much

Example

这件衣服多少钱？zhè jiàn yī fú duō shǎo qián

How much does this piece of clothing cost?

Illustration for 多少钱 (how much)

More examples

这杯咖啡多少钱？zhè bēi kā fēi duō shǎo qián

How much does this cup of coffee cost?

Core concept

An everyday price question that leaves the number open until the seller supplies it.

Common phrases

  • 这件多少钱？zhè jiàn duō shǎo qián

    How much is this piece of clothing

  • 一共多少钱？yí gòng duō shǎo qián

    how much altogether

  • 这些多少钱？zhè xiē duō shǎo qián

    How much are these

Similar words

多少duō shǎo: Asks about the amount or cost when the exact number is not known.
几jǐ: Asks for an approximate small number or amount.
几块钱jǐ kuài qián: Asks in casual speech how many yuan something costs.

Definition in Chinese

用来询问需要支付的金额，常用于口语询问价格。yòng lái xún wèn xū yào zhī fù de jīn é cháng yòng yú kóu yǔ xún wèn jià gé

Word origin

多少 (duōshǎo, "how much") + 钱 (qián, "money") combines an open question about quantity with money, so the question asks for a price.

Usage tips

  • A polite shopping version often begins with 请问 (qǐngwèn, "may I ask"), a useful way to soften a brief price question.

Word lists with this word