How to say “Can I pay by scanning a QR code?” in Chinese
“Can I pay by scanning a QR code?” in Chinese is 可以扫码吗？, written in pinyin as Kěyǐ sǎo mǎ ma?.
可以扫码吗？
Kěyǐ sǎo mǎ ma?
Can I pay by scanning a QR code?
Word by word
What each part of 可以扫码吗？ actually means.
- 扫sǎoto scan
- 码mǎcode (QR code)
- 付钱fù qiánto pay
When you use it
- Say it at any counter or market stall when 付款 feels vague — it asks whether QR payment works here, which covers Alipay, WeChat Pay, or whatever app you've set up.
- It also works for taxis and street vendors: almost everyone displays a QR code on a piece of plastic, and this question confirms yours will be accepted before you fumble for cash.
Use 可以扫码吗？ in money situations. Pay like a local: QR codes, Alipay, WeChat Pay, cash and cards.
Other ways people say it
The same idea, said differently. Roughly in the order you'll hear them.
扫这个码可以吗？
Sǎo zhège mǎ kěyǐ ma?
Can I scan this code?
我只带手机了。
Wǒ zhǐ dài shǒujī le
I only have my phone with me.
现金可以吗？
Xiànjīn kěyǐ ma?
Is cash okay?
What usually trips people up
- Scanning the wrong code — stalls often show two: one receives payment (收钱码) and one is the vendor's own social QR; the paying one usually says 收款 under it.
- Assuming no sign means no QR — many vendors keep the code on a string around their neck or taped inside the cart; ask rather than walking away.
- Forgetting your fallback — if the app fails at a critical moment, 我用现金 (I'll use cash) plus small bills still saves the transaction.
What you might hear back
- 可以，扫这个就行。Kěyǐ, sǎo zhège jiù xíngYes, just scan this one.
- 微信支付宝都可以。Wēixìn zhīfùbǎo dōu kěyǐWeChat and Alipay both work.
- 码在那个牌子上。Mǎ zài nàge páizi shangThe code is on that sign.
Common questions
- How do you say "Can I pay by scanning a QR code?" in Chinese?
- "Can I pay by scanning a QR code?" in Chinese is 可以扫码吗？ — written in pinyin as Kěyǐ sǎo mǎ ma?. It is a money phrase you would use in China.
- What does 可以扫码吗？ mean in Chinese?
- 可以扫码吗？ (Kěyǐ sǎo mǎ ma?) means "Can I pay by scanning a QR code?". Broken down word by word: 扫 (sǎo) means "to scan"; 码 (mǎ) means "code (QR code)"; 付钱 (fù qián) means "to pay".
- When would you use "Can I pay by scanning a QR code?" in Chinese?
- Say it at any counter or market stall when 付款 feels vague — it asks whether QR payment works here, which covers Alipay, WeChat Pay, or whatever app you've set up. It also works for taxis and street vendors: almost everyone displays a QR code on a piece of plastic, and this question confirms yours will be accepted before you fumble for cash.
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