可以刷卡吗？

When to use

Ask this question before you start the payment process, especially in smaller shops or restaurants where card machines might not be available.

How it works

This is a question asking about the possibility of a specific action.

• 可以 (kě yǐ) - can/may (modal verb)
• 刷卡 (shuā kǎ) - to swipe card/pay by card (verb-object phrase)
• 吗 (ma) - question particle

Grammar

The pattern 可以 + [Action] + 吗? is used to ask if a certain action is permissible or possible. 刷卡 literally means 'to swipe a card', but it serves as the standard verb for paying by credit or debit card.

Pronunciation

The word 可以 requires third tone sandhi, meaning the first syllable is pronounced as a rising second tone before the third tone.

Notes

Crucial question to ask before you proceed to payment to ensure your payment method is accepted.