Duoshao qian (多少钱): How much is it in Chinese

多少钱？

duōshao qián?

How much is it?

Character breakdown

多

many, much

duō

少

few, little

shǎo

钱

money

qián

Grammar and structure

多少钱 combines 多少 (duōshao, 'how much') and 钱 (qián, 'money'). Literally 'how much money'. It's a fixed question phrase — you don't need to add a verb like 'is' because the question is implied.

Variations and politeness

这个多少钱？

zhège duōshao qián?

How much is this? — More specific when asking about a particular item.

多少？

duōshao?

How much? — Shorter and less polite.

Mini dialogue

这个多少钱？

zhège duōshao qián?

How much is this?

这个十块钱。

zhège shí kuài qián.

This is ten yuan.

When to use it

Appropriate

When you want to know the price of an item or service in a shop or market.
When you can point at the item or hold it up while asking.

Avoid when

When asking about duration or length of time; use 多长时间 (duō cháng shíjiān) instead.
When asking about quantity of something other than money; use 多少 (duōshao) without 钱 (qián).

Frequently asked questions

How do you say "How much is it?" in Chinese?

You say "多少钱？" (duōshao qián?). It literally means "how much money?" and is used to ask the price of something.

How do you pronounce "多少钱？"?

It is pronounced "duōshao qián?" with a rising tone on "duō", a neutral tone on "shao", and a rising tone on "qián".

When do you use "多少钱？"?

Use it whenever you want to know the price of an item or service, such as in a shop, market, or restaurant. It is polite enough for most everyday situations.