The two characters combine to form a very literal and intuitive term: “sweep code” or “scan code.”
`扫码` is more than just a verb; it's a cultural phenomenon that represents China's rapid leap into a mobile-first, nearly cashless society. While Western countries adopted credit cards and then gradually moved to NFC (tap-to-pay) systems like Apple Pay, China largely leapfrogged the credit card era. Widespread smartphone adoption and the rise of super-apps like WeChat and Alipay created the perfect environment for QR codes to become the standard. The key difference between Western and Chinese systems is ubiquity. In the US or Europe, you might `扫码` to see a restaurant menu or visit a website. In China, you `扫码` for virtually everything. It is the primary method for:
This reliance on `扫码` reflects a cultural value of pragmatism and hyper-efficiency. It has made daily life incredibly convenient but has also deepened the integration of daily life into the ecosystems of a few tech giants.
`扫码` is a neutral, functional term used in all manner of daily situations. The action can go two ways: you scan the merchant's code, or the merchant scans a code generated on your phone.
This is common in smaller shops, restaurants (for ordering), and for services like bike rentals. You will see a laminated QR code at the checkout counter or on the table. You open your payment app (Alipay or WeChat), tap the scan function, and point your camera at their code. You then enter the payment amount and your PIN to confirm.
This is common in larger supermarkets, convenience stores, and chain restaurants. At the register, you will be asked to show your payment code. You open your app (Alipay or WeChat), tap “Pay” or “Money,” and a unique QR/barcode will appear on your screen. The cashier uses a scanner gun to `扫码` your phone, and the payment is deducted automatically.