钱、选择和消费
Chapter Overview and Learning Objectives
Shopping independently means more than knowing the names of things — it means comparing options, asking what something costs, and reporting back on what you decided and why. This chapter recycles the comparison words you already use confidently (比较, 比, 更, 最, 没有) inside real shopping decisions, and adds 一样 and 不一样 as a fully consolidated pair. It also begins guided work with prices, and — for the first time — moves result-marking words like 好 and 到 from recognition into limited productive use.
By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:
- Compare two or more items using 比较, 比, 更, 最, and 没有.
- Say that two things are the same or different using 一样 and 不一样.
- Ask and give a price in guided, formulaic patterns using 多少钱 and 块/毛/元.
- Use 好 and 到 productively in a small set of result-complement combinations, such as 选好 and 找到.
- Explain a shopping choice and give a reason for it.
- Complete an integrated listening, speaking, reading, and writing task about comparing and buying something.
Prices are new this chapter and remain a guided, formulaic system — you are not yet expected to handle unpredictable price amounts independently; broader control develops over the next few chapters. Result complements are introduced only through 好 and 到 in a small set of combinations; the fuller complement system, including directional and potential complements, is not part of this chapter.
Communication Scenario
You need to buy a birthday gift, and you are trying to decide between two options at a small shop. This chapter follows three connected tasks: comparing two items in conversation, reading a short store sign about prices and a discount, and writing a message telling a friend what you finally chose and why.
- You will listen to a short conversation between a customer and a shop assistant.
- You will read a store sign with prices and a discount notice.
- You will write a message telling a friend what you bought and why you chose it.
- You will speak with a partner, comparing two items and making a decision.
Core Vocabulary
The words below are productive for this chapter. Entries follow the standard format: character | Pinyin | function | meaning | example.
| Chinese | Pinyin | Function | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 商店 | shāngdiàn | noun | shop, store | 这家商店的东西不错。 |
| 超市 | chāoshì | noun | supermarket | 我常去附近的超市买东西。 |
| 便宜 | piányi | adjective | cheap, inexpensive | 这个比较便宜。 |
| 贵 | guì | adjective | expensive | 那个太贵了。 |
| 打折 | dǎzhé | verb | to give a discount | 这家店周末打折。 |
| 现金 | xiànjīn | noun | cash | 你付现金还是刷卡？ |
| 信用卡 | xìnyòngkǎ | noun | credit card | 我可以用信用卡吗？ |
| 一共 | yígòng | adverb | altogether, in total | 一共多少钱？ |
| 多少钱 | duōshao qián | question phrase | how much money | 这个多少钱？ |
| 块／毛／元 | kuài / máo / yuán | money unit | colloquial and formal units of currency | 这个三十五块。 |
| 试穿 | shìchuān | verb | to try on (clothing) | 我可以试穿这件吗？ |
| 号 | hào | noun | size (number) | 你穿几号？ |
| 颜色 | yánsè | noun | color | 你喜欢什么颜色？ |
| 选择 | xuǎnzé | verb/noun | to choose; choice | 我很难选择。 |
| 决定 | juédìng | verb | to decide | 我决定买这个。 |
| 一样 | yíyàng | adjective | the same | 这两个颜色一样。 |
| 不一样 | bù yíyàng | adjective phrase | different, not the same | 这两件衣服不一样。 |
| 礼物 | lǐwù | noun | gift, present | 这是给我朋友的生日礼物。 |
Receptive vocabulary: measure words for vehicles and devices such as 辆 (liàng) and 台 (tái), and pair-related words such as 双 (shuāng, pair) and 条 (tiáo, for long thin objects such as pants or scarves), may appear in the reading and listening passages for context but are not required for independent production this chapter.
Pronunciation and Literacy Focus
This chapter continues to consolidate tones and connected-speech patterns already active from Volume II, with special attention to two patterns in this chapter's vocabulary:
- Neutral tone in 便宜 (piányi): the second syllable is light and short; do not give it a full third tone.
- Reading prices aloud: numbers combined with 块, 毛, and 元 follow the tone-sandhi patterns you already know for numbers (for example, 一块 pronounced with the correct sandhi for 一). Practice reading two or three simple prices aloud slowly before speeding up.
Typing focus: this chapter continues typing through Pinyin input as a controlled productive skill, including typing a price, a color, or a size when messaging a friend about a purchase. Continue selecting the correct character carefully when several characters share the same Pinyin, such as distinguishing 买 (to buy) from 卖 (to sell) — both pronounced mǎi/mài with different tones, so tone accuracy also supports correct typing choices.
Handwriting is not a required skill for this chapter's vocabulary. Continue handwriting only the characters already scheduled from earlier chapters.
Grammar and Sentence Patterns
1. Comparison Review: 比较, 比, 更, 最, 没有
You already use these comparison words confidently. This chapter recycles them specifically for comparing shopping options.
这件衣服比那件贵一点。
Zhè jiàn yīfu bǐ nà jiàn guì yìdiǎn.
This piece of clothing is a bit more expensive than that one.
这家商店的东西比较便宜。
Zhè jiā shāngdiàn de dōngxi bǐjiào piányi.
The things at this store are relatively cheap.
这个是最便宜的。
Zhège shì zuì piányi de.
This one is the cheapest.
那个没有这个便宜。
Nàge méiyǒu zhège piányi.
That one isn't as cheap as this one.
These patterns are already consolidated; use them confidently to explain and justify a shopping choice, not only to describe objects in isolation.
2. 一样 and 不一样: Same and Different
一样 and 不一样 are now fully consolidated and ready for confident, flexible use.
这两个颜色一样。
Zhè liǎng ge yánsè yíyàng.
These two colors are the same.
这件跟那件不一样，这件比较便宜。
Zhè jiàn gēn nà jiàn bù yíyàng, zhè jiàn bǐjiào piányi.
This one and that one are different — this one is relatively cheaper.
Form: A 跟 B 一样／不一样, often followed by a comment explaining the difference.
3. Asking and Giving Prices: Guided Use
Prices are new in this chapter. Focus on recognizing and using a small set of guided, formulaic patterns rather than handling unpredictable amounts independently; broader control develops over the next few chapters.
这个多少钱？
Zhège duōshao qián?
How much is this?
这件三十五块。
Zhè jiàn sānshíwǔ kuài.
This one is thirty-five kuai.
一共多少钱？
Yígòng duōshao qián?
How much altogether?
In this chapter, learn to recognize and use these three model patterns confidently. You are not yet expected to build freely with more complex money expressions such as percentages or exact change calculations; that fuller system develops in later chapters.
4. New: Productive Result Complements with 好 and 到
Since Chapter 1, you have recognized combinations like 火车已经到了 as fixed units without building them yourself. Starting in this chapter, you begin producing a small, controlled set of result complements using 好 (completed satisfactorily) and 到 (achieved, obtained).
我选好了，就买这个。
Wǒ xuǎn hǎo le, jiù mǎi zhège.
I've finished choosing — I'll buy this one.
你找到你要的颜色了吗？
Nǐ zhǎodào nǐ yào de yánsè le ma?
Did you find the color you wanted?
我还没决定好。
Wǒ hái méi juédìng hǎo.
I haven't decided yet.
Form: verb + 好 shows an action was completed satisfactorily or fully; verb + 到 shows an action successfully achieved its goal (finding, obtaining). Use only the combinations modeled here — 选好, 找到, 决定好 — rather than inventing new result-complement combinations. The broader complement system, including directional and potential complements, continues to develop in later chapters.
Model Dialogue
Context: customer and shop assistant, semi-formal service register
店员：你好，需要帮忙吗？
安娜：你好，我想买一个生日礼物，这两个杯子多少钱？
店员：这个二十块，那个三十块，那个是新样式。
安娜：这两个颜色不一样，哪个比较好看？
店员：我觉得那个更好看，而且现在打折。
安娜：好，那我选好了，就买那个吧。一共多少钱？
店员：打折以后，一共二十五块。你付现金还是刷卡？
安娜：刷卡，谢谢。
Assistant: Hello, do you need help? Anna: Hi, I want to buy a birthday gift — how much are these two cups? Assistant: This one is twenty kuai, that one is thirty kuai; that one is the new style. Anna: These two colors are different — which one looks better? Assistant: I think that one looks better, and it's on discount right now. Anna: Okay, I've decided — I'll buy that one. How much altogether? Assistant: After the discount, it's twenty-five kuai altogether. Will you pay cash or by card? Anna: By card, thanks.
Guided Practice
1. Complete each sentence with 比, 比较, 更, 最, or 没有:
- 这件衣服＿那件贵一点。
- 这个是＿便宜的。
2. Complete each sentence with 一样 or 不一样:
- 这两个颜色＿。
- 这件跟那件＿，这件比较便宜。
3. Complete each sentence with 好 or 到:
- 我选＿了，就买这个。
- 你找＿你要的颜色了吗？
Listening Practice
Listening script for independent use. Read aloud slowly, then at a natural pace, or have a fluent speaker record it.
商店里的对话 — Conversation in a shop:
马克：你好，这件衬衫多少钱？
店员：这件八十块，不过今天打折，现在六十块。
马克：那件蓝色的呢？跟这件一样吗？
店员：不一样，那件是新样式，比这件贵一点，九十块。
马克：我选好了，就买这件打折的吧。
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 衬衫打折以后多少钱？ | ______ |
| 蓝色的衬衫跟这件一样吗？ | ______ |
| 马克最后选了哪一件？ | ______ |
Speaking Practice
控制性练习 — Controlled practice
With a partner, take turns comparing two objects (real or imagined) using 比较, 比, 更, 最, and 一样/不一样.
交际任务 — Communicative task: 买礼物
Role-play a shopping conversation in which one partner is a customer choosing a gift and the other is a shop assistant. Include at least one price question, one comparison, and one sentence using 选好 or 决定好.
独立练习 — Solo alternative
Record yourself describing a recent purchase: what your options were, how they compared, and what you finally chose.
Reading Practice
Read the store sign, then answer the comprehension questions.
- 这个周末，衣服打几折？
- 鞋子打几折？
- 可以用现金还是信用卡？
- 如果不知道选哪一件，可以怎么办？
Writing Workshop
Write a message (six to nine sentences) to a friend telling them what you bought and why you chose it.
写作任务 — Writing task: Type your message with Pinyin input. Your message must include:
- An opening line saying what you were shopping for.
- A comparison using 比较, 比, 更, 最, or 一样/不一样.
- At least one price using 多少钱 or 块/毛/元.
- At least one result complement, such as 选好, 决定好, or 找到.
- A closing sentence saying whether you were happy with your choice.
修改清单 — Editing checklist:
- 比较, 比, 更, 最, and 一样/不一样 are used accurately, not interchangeably.
- Prices are given using the guided patterns from this chapter.
- 选好, 决定好, or 找到 is used correctly and not overextended into new combinations.
- The message stays connected as a short topic chain rather than a list of disconnected sentences.
- Chinese punctuation (。，？) is used correctly throughout.
Culture and Communication
Payment habits and attitudes toward bargaining vary widely across Mandarin-speaking regions, store types, and generations; it would not be accurate to describe a single universal shopping custom. In many contemporary urban settings, mobile payment and credit cards are common alongside cash, and fixed-price stores are typical, though bargaining may still occur in some markets. Asking politely about a discount or a price, as modeled in this chapter, is generally acceptable in casual retail settings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Confusing 比较 and 比: use 比较 to mean "relatively" or to describe a general comparison, and 比 specifically to compare two named things directly.
- Treating 一样 and 不一样 as requiring 跟 in every sentence: 跟...一样/不一样 is common, but 一样 and 不一样 can also stand alone once the two items being compared are already clear from context.
- Overextending 好 and 到 into new combinations: in this chapter, use only the modeled combinations (选好, 决定好, 找到) rather than inventing new result complements — the fuller system develops in later chapters.
- Confusing 买 (to buy) and 卖 (to sell): these differ only by tone; check both the tone and the character carefully when reading, writing, and typing.
Chapter Summary
This chapter recycled 比较, 比, 更, 最, and 没有 inside real shopping decisions, consolidated 一样 and 不一样 for confident use, introduced guided, formulaic price patterns with 多少钱 and 块/毛/元, and began productive use of result complements through a small set of combinations with 好 and 到. Typing through Pinyin input continued as a controlled productive skill, including typing prices, colors, and sizes.
Chapter Review
部分 A — 语法复习 (Grammar Review)
1. Complete the comparison with 比 or 最:
- 这条裤子＿那条便宜。
2. Complete the sentence with 好 or 到:
- 我还没决定＿要买哪一个。
部分 B — 阅读 (Reading)
1. Return to the store sign above and answer:
- 衣服和鞋子的折扣一样吗？
部分 C — 写作 (Writing)
1. Write your six-to-nine-sentence message about your purchase, following the Writing Workshop steps and editing checklist above.
部分 D — 口语 (Speaking)
1. Complete the 买礼物 role-play with a partner or recording.
Recognition Check
Say each of the following aloud and confirm accurate tones and connected phrasing: 这件比那件贵一点, 这两个颜色一样, 这个多少钱, 我选好了，就买这个. If any of these feel uncertain, review this chapter before continuing to Chapter 10.
Practical Performance Task
Chapter 9 Performance Task
买礼物 — Choosing and Buying a Gift
Complete the following four connected tasks.
- Listen to the shop conversation and complete the listening table above.
- Read the store sign and answer the comprehension questions.
- Write your own message about a purchase, following the Writing Workshop steps and editing checklist.
- Speak through the 买礼物 role-play with a partner, recording, or instructor.
Answer Key
Guided Practice
- a. 比 b. 最
- a. 一样 b. 不一样
- a. 好 b. 到
Listening Practice
- Sixty kuai.
- No, it's different — it's the new style and costs more (ninety kuai).
- The discounted shirt.
Reading Practice
- 20% off (打八折).
- 30% off (打七折).
- Both cash and credit card.
- Ask a staff member for help comparing colors and prices.
Chapter Review — 部分 A
- 比
- 好
Chapter Review — 部分 B
不一样，衣服打八折，鞋子打七折。 (No, they're different — clothing is 20% off and shoes are 30% off.)
Looking Ahead
现在你会做什么 — What you can do now
You can compare items using 比较、比、更、最, and 一样/不一样, ask and understand simple prices, explain a shopping decision, and use 好 and 到 productively in a small set of result-complement combinations.