便利店

• Pinyin: biàn lì diàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 便 (convenient) + 利 (benefit) + 店 (store)

Meaning

Convenience store.

A small retail store typically open long hours, selling everyday items like snacks, drinks, and basic necessities. In China, major chains include 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and local brands. Often found near residential areas and transit stations.

Examples

1. 楼下的便利店二十四小时营业，半夜想买东西很方便。 The convenience store downstairs is open 24 hours — so handy if you want to buy something in the middle of the night.
2. 我去便利店买瓶水，你要不要带点什么？ I'm going to the convenience store to buy some water. Do you want me to get you anything?
3. 日本的便利店简直是万能的，什么服务都有。 Japanese convenience stores are practically all-purpose — they have every kind of service.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, shopping, urban life

Tone: casual

Do Say

• 附近有便利店吗？(Is there a convenience store nearby?)
• 我在便利店买的早餐。(I bought breakfast at the convenience store.)

Don't Say

• 把大超市叫便利店 (Don't call a large supermarket 便利店 — that's 超市; convenience stores are small)

Origin & History

便利 (convenient) + 店 (store). A store for convenient shopping.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal