买
mǎi
buy
The Chinese word for 'buy' is '买' (mǎi). It is used in a similar context as it is in English. For example, '买东西' (mǎi dōngxī) means 'buy things'. It's usually followed by the object that you are purchasing.
Example sentences using: 买
你能帮我买吗？
Nǐ néng bāng wǒ mǎi ma?
Can you help me buy it?
The sentence is asking if the person can assist in buying something. Here, '买' (to buy) is used in a request.
我要买一本书。
Wǒ yào mǎi yī běn shū.
I want to buy a book.
This sentence directly translates to 'I want to buy a book', indicating an intention to purchase a book.
你买了什么？
Nǐ mǎile shénme?
What did you buy?
This sentence asks about what items were purchased. The verb '买' (to buy) is used in the past tense.
我们可以买票进去。
Wǒmen kěyǐ mǎi piào jìnqù.
We can buy tickets to get in.
'We can buy tickets to get in' is a statement suggesting that buying tickets is an option to enter a place.
她买不起那个包。
Tā mǎi bù qǐ nàgè bāo.
The sentence 'She can't afford that bag' uses '买不起' (can't afford to buy) to indicate the high cost of the item.
None
买卖公平。
Mǎimài gōngpíng.
Trade fairly.
The phrase 'Trade fairly' encourages ethical business transactions. Here '买' (buy) is used as part of a compound word '买卖' (trade).
不如买一送一。
Bùrú mǎi yī sòng yī.
It's better to buy one get one free.
This sentence signifies that it's better to have a 'buy one get one free' deal. '买' is used to refer to the act of buying.
这次我来买单。
Zhè cì wǒ lái mǎi dān.
I'll pay the bill this time.
This sentence translates to 'I'll pay the bill this time', where '买单' stands for paying the bill.
她习惯买菜做饭。
Tā xíguàn mǎi cài zuò fàn.
She is used to buying groceries and cooking.
In this phrase, '买菜做饭' signifies the routine of purchasing groceries for cooking. '买' is used to refer to the purchasing part of the routine.
他在超市买东西。
Tā zài chāoshì mǎi dōngxī.
He is buying things in the supermarket.
In this sentence 'he is buying things in the supermarket', the verb '买' (to buy) is used to describe the action being taken place in the supermarket.