去超市买菜 – Shopping for Groceries at the Supermarket

Grammar

那时候 (nà shíhou) – “At that time; Then”
This time phrase refers to a specific time mentioned in context. 那 means “that” and 时候 means “time.” It’s used to reference a previously mentioned time period or moment.
Examples: 那时候人不多, 那时候我很忙

快…了 (kuài…le) – “Almost; About to”
This pattern indicates something is about to happen or nearly completed. 快 means “soon/fast” and 了 indicates a change or new situation. Together they express imminence.
Examples: 酱油快用完了, 快到了

需要不需要 (xūyào bù xūyào) – “Need or not?” A-not-A Question
This A-not-A question pattern asks whether something is needed. It follows the structure: verb + 不 + verb. This creates a yes/no question offering both options explicitly.
Examples: 你需要不需要塑料袋？, 你去不去？

Idiomatic Expressions

带着
This phrase means “carrying” or “bringing along.” 带 means “to bring/carry” and 着 indicates the continuous state of carrying something. It’s commonly used to describe having items with you.
Example: 我带着购物单

油盐酱醋
This four-character phrase refers to basic cooking condiments and is an idiomatic expression for everyday necessities. Literally “oil, salt, sauce, vinegar,” it represents the essentials of Chinese cooking and, metaphorically, daily life basics.
Example: 去买油盐酱醋

快用完了
This phrase means “almost used up” or “nearly finished.” 快 means “soon/almost,” 用完 means “to use up,” and 了 indicates the impending change of state.
Example: 酱油快用完了

自己带了
This phrase means “brought my/one’s own.” 自己 means “oneself/own,” 带 means “to bring,” and 了 indicates completion. It emphasizes personal action and self-sufficiency.
Example: 我自己带了环保袋

手机支付
This modern phrase means “mobile payment” and refers to paying via smartphone apps. 手机 means “mobile phone” and 支付 means “to pay.” It reflects China’s widespread adoption of digital payment systems.
Example: 我用手机支付

满满的
This descriptive phrase means “full” or “fully loaded.” 满 is repeated for emphasis, and 的 makes it descriptive. It vividly describes something filled to capacity, often with a sense of abundance or satisfaction.
Example: 提着满满的购物袋

Cultural Insights

Chinese Supermarket Culture and Shopping Habits

Modern Chinese supermarkets are organized into distinct sections: 蔬菜区 (vegetable section), 肉类区 (meat section), 调味品区 (condiments section), and 水果区 (fruit section). Large supermarkets like Carrefour, Walmart, and local chains have become common in Chinese cities, though traditional wet markets (菜市场) remain popular for their freshness and bargaining culture.

The practice of bringing 环保袋 (reusable bags) reflects China’s environmental awareness campaigns. Since plastic bag restrictions were implemented, many Chinese shoppers bring their own bags. The cashier’s question 需要不需要塑料袋 is now standard, and plastic bags often cost extra.

Measurement Units and Food Selection

Chinese markets use 斤 (catty), a traditional unit equal to 500 grams or half a kilogram, for weighing food. Fresh produce and meat are often sold this way, with staff helping customers 称重 (weigh) items and attach 标签 (price tags) before checkout.

Common vegetables like 白菜 (Chinese cabbage), 萝卜 (radish), and 葱 (scallions) are staples in Chinese cooking. The emphasis on 新鲜 (freshness) reflects cultural preferences for buying fresh ingredients frequently rather than frozen or pre-packaged foods.

Mobile Payment Revolution

China has become largely cashless through 手机支付 (mobile payment) systems like WeChat Pay and Alipay. The phrase 非常方便 (very convenient) captures how ubiquitous digital payments have become. From supermarkets to street vendors, QR code scanning for payment is the norm, making physical cash increasingly rare in urban China.

The expression 油盐酱醋 refers to the “seven daily necessities” (开门七件事): firewood, rice, oil, salt, sauce, vinegar, and tea. These represent the basic necessities of daily life in traditional Chinese culture, though the modern list has adapted to include items like rice and eggs as mentioned in the story.