📱🔳❓💵❓

How to Say ‘Will you scan the code or pay cash?’ in Simplified Chinese

你是扫码还是给现金？

nǐ shì sǎo mǎ hái shì gěi xiàn jīn

[nee shì sǎomǎ high shr gěi shyen-jin]

💬 Usage Tip: The pattern 是 A 还是 B asks someone to choose between two options: 你是坐地铁还是打车？ "are you taking the subway or a taxi?"

Phrase Breakdown

你是扫码

nǐ shì sǎo mǎ

Are you scanning the code

'扫码' means 'scan a QR code' to pay. '是' introduces the first option.

Example

我扫码付钱。

I'll pay by scanning the code.

Words in this phrase

你

nǐ

[nee]

you

The informal or neutral word for “you,” suitable for peers or casual conversation.

Example

如果对方和你年纪差不多，可以说“认识你”。

If the other person is about your age, you can say “nice to meet you” with 你.

是

shì

[shì]

(used to frame a choice)

Placed before options in 是…还是… questions.

Example

你是喝茶还是喝咖啡？

Will you have tea or coffee?

扫码

sǎo mǎ

[sǎomǎ]

to scan a QR code

To scan a code with a phone, often to pay.

Example

可以扫码付款吗？

Can I pay by scanning the code?

还是给现金？

hái shì gěi xiàn jīn

or paying cash?

'还是' means 'or' in questions. '现金' means 'cash'.

Example

喝茶还是喝咖啡？

Tea or coffee?

Words in this phrase

还是

hái shì

[high shr]

还是 is used to present choices, like asking which option someone wants.

Example

你要热的还是冰的？

Do you want it hot or iced?

给

gěi

[gěi]

to give

To present voluntarily and without expecting compensation.

Example

然后就给我一个机会。

Then give me a chance.

现金

xiàn jīn

[shyen-jin]

cash

Physical money such as bills and coins.

Example

我今天只带了现金。

I only brought cash today.

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