拼单

• Pinyin: pīn dān
• Hanzi breakdown: 拼 (combine / pool) + 单 (order) -> combine orders for a deal.

Meaning

To combine orders with others to get a lower price, meet a minimum, or share shipping. It is common in group-buying and takeout.

拼单 can happen with friends, coworkers, neighbors, or strangers on a platform. It emphasizes pooling demand, not bargaining face to face.

Examples

1. 奶茶第二杯半价，要不要一起拼单？ The second milk tea is half price - want to combine orders?
2. 办公室午餐拼单，配送费能省一点。 For office lunch orders, combining them can save a bit on delivery fees.
3. 拼单前先确认口味，免得拿错。 Before combining orders, check the flavours first so you don't get the wrong one.

Usage Guide

Context: shopping, food delivery, group buying

Tone: practical, cooperative

Do Say

• 奶茶第二杯半价，要不要一起拼单？
• Confirm price, pickup, and payment before 拼单.

Don't Say

• Do not use it for simply buying the same item separately.

Common Mistakes

• Confusing 拼单 with 凑单; 拼单 involves multiple people or pooled orders.

Origin & History

From 拼, join together, and 单, order, popularized by e-commerce and group-buying apps.

Cultural Context

Era: 2010s-2020s

Generation: Mainstream app users

Social background: Common among students, coworkers, and community shoppers

Regional notes: Very common in Mainland group-buying culture.