When preparing for the HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi), understanding contemporary culture is just as important as ancient proverbs. If you visit China today, you will quickly realize that cash is rarely used.
The economy runs on Alipay (支付宝 - Zhīfùbǎo) and WeChat Pay (微信支付 - Wēixìn Zhīfù).
This article explores the interface of these apps to teach you essential, survival-level HSK vocabulary. If you can navigate Alipay, you can pass the specific "shopping and utility" questions found in HSK Level 3 and 4 listening exams.
Introduction to the "Cashless" Vocabulary
Alipay is more than a wallet; it's a lifestyle super-app. To use it, you need to understand specific verbs that don't always translate directly to English concepts.
Key Vocabulary Checklist (HSK Focus)
- 支付 (zhī fù) - To pay (HSK 4)
- Context: Used formally on buttons ("Confirm Payment").
- 扫一扫 (sǎo yi sǎo) - Scan QR code (Daily Life / HSK 3 context)
- Context: The function used to read a code.
- 二维码 (èr wéi mǎ) - QR Code (Technically "Two-Dimensional Code")
- Context: The code itself.
- 余额 (yú'é) - Balance
- Context: The remaining money in your account.
- 转账 (zhuǎn zhàng) - To transfer money (HSK 5)
- Context: Sending money to a friend or landlord.
- 绑定 (bǎng dìng) - To bind / link (Tech Slang)
- Context: Essential for connecting your bank card.
- 密码 (mì mǎ) - Password / PIN (HSK 4)
- 现金 (xiàn jīn) - Cash (HSK 3)
- Usage: "Can I use cash?" (我可以用现金吗？)
For more tech-related terms, check out our guide on Chinese Technology Vocabulary for HSK 4-5.
Using Alipay: Practical Scenarios
The Most Common Question: "Me or You?"
When paying at a counter, there is often confusion: does the merchant scan your phone, or do you scan their printed picture?
You must memorize this interaction:
我扫你，还是你扫我？ (Wǒ sǎo nǐ, háishi nǐ sǎo wǒ?) "Do I scan you, or do you scan me?"
- Payment Code (付款码 - Fùkuǎn mǎ): You show this to the merchant (They scan you).
- Scan (扫一扫 - Sǎo yi sǎo): You use your camera to scan their sticker.
Confirming a Transaction
Once the transaction is done, the shop assistant will ask to see your screen to verify.
- UI Text: 支付成功 (Zhīfù chénggōng) - Payment Successful.
- Conversation: "付过去了" (Fù guò qù le) - "The payment went through."
Splitting the Bill (AA Zhi)
In the West, we "Go Dutch." In China, this is called the AA System (AA制 - AA Zhì). Alipay has a specific button for this.
- Grammar Note: A rare instance where Latin letters "AA" are used as a standard noun in Chinese.
Grammar Points found in Apps
App interfaces are great places to see Chinese grammar that omits the subject (Subjectless Sentences) because the subject is implied to be "You" (the user).
1. Verb-Object Constructions (Separable Verbs)
The structure 扫描 (Verb) + 二维码 (Object) is a classic VO structure.
- Instruction: 请扫描二维码 (Please scan the code).
- Advanced HSK: Understand that you can separate these. e.g., 还没扫完码 (Haven't finished scanning the code).
2. Resultative Complements
Apps use grammar to tell you if an action succeeded.
- 输 (Shū) - To input
- 错 (Cuò) - Wrong
- Sentence: 密码输错了 (Mìmǎ shū cuò le) - Password was input wrongly.
Recognizing these structures is crucial. Learn more in our post on Chinese complement structures.
Cultural Insights: Red Packets and Credit
Electronic Hongbao (Red Packets)
During festivals like Lunar New Year, Alipay is used to send 红包 (hóngbāo). It's a gamified way to gift money. Unlike Western bank transfers, sending a Hongbao expresses good luck.
The Decline of Credit Cards
Western tourists are often shocked that Visa/Mastercard are rarely accepted at small shops. China leaped from cash directly to mobile pay, skipping credit cards.
- For tips on how to handle money as a traveler, read Using Credit Cards in China: Dos and Don'ts.
Conclusion
Incorporating Alipay terminology into your vocabulary lists prepares you for the "Living in China" aspect of language learning. Whether you are dealing with Online Shopping (网购 - wǎnggòu) or paying for utilities, these words appear constantly in daily life.
Start by switching your phone's language settings to Chinese—it is the fastest way to force your brain to recognize characters like "Confirm" and "Cancel."
Happy studying! For more tips on shopping, visit our guide on tips to shop successfully in China.