Chinese Conversation · Level 57
90 words
Chinese word
货比三家
Pronunciation
Pinyinhuò bǐ sān jiā
Meaning
- idiomshop around
Example
买手机时一定要货比三家。mái shǒu jī shí yí dìng yào huò bǐ sān jiā
When buying a phone, be sure to shop around.
More examples
在网上货比三家可以先看到价格和评价，再决定去哪家店。zài wǎng shàng huò bǐ sān jiā ké yǐ xiān kàn dào jià gé hé píng jià zài jué dìng qù nǎ jiā diàn
Online, you can check prices and reviews first, then decide which store to go to.
Core concept
An informed purchase built by checking the same kind of item across different shops.
Common phrases
要货比三家yào huò bǐ sān jiā
should shop around
在网上货比三家zài wǎng shàng huò bǐ sān jiā
shop around online
Similar words
多方比较duō fāng bǐ jiào: Reviewing options from many stores or sources and choosing the one with the most suitable conditions.
精挑细选jīng tiāo xì xuǎn: Selecting a good choice from many options through careful attention to every detail.
比价bǐ jià: Checking an item's prices at different stores or websites to choose the most suitable price.
Definition in Chinese
通过在多家店铺之间比较商品的价格、质量或服务，来做出更有把握的购买决定。tōng guò zài duō jiā diàn pù zhī jiān bǐ jiào shāng pǐn de jià gé zhì liàng huò fú wù lái zuò chū gèng yóu bǎ wò de gòu mǎi jué dìng
Word origin
The idiom 货比三家 (huòbǐsānjiā, "compare goods among three shops") joins the ideas of goods, comparison, and several shops to express careful shopping.
Usage tips
- English speakers often focus only on price, but this expression also fits comparisons of quality, service, warranties, and return policies.