How to Ask If Pets Are Allowed in a Chinese Rental
Learn to ask 'Are pets allowed?' in Mandarin, understand common pet restrictions, and discuss pet policies when renting an apartment in China.
By SofiaGetting around · Yapr Learn
When renting an apartment in China, one of the first questions you may need to ask is whether pets are allowed. In Mandarin, the key phrase is 可以养宠物吗？ (kěyǐ yǎng chǒngwù ma?), which literally means 'Can [I/we] keep pets?' The verb 养 (yǎng) means 'to raise' or 'to keep' an animal. This lesson teaches you how to ask this question politely, understand common restrictions, and respond to a landlord's answer. You will also learn useful vocabulary for pets and rental rules. By the end, you will be able to handle this important conversation with confidence.
By the end, you can…
- ask if pets are allowed in a rental using 可以养宠物吗？
- understand and respond to common pet restrictions in Chinese.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
可以养宠物吗？
Are pets allowed?
kěyǐ yǎng chǒngwù ma?
The most direct and polite way to ask. Use it when speaking to a landlord or agent.
我有一只猫。
I have a cat.
wǒ yǒu yì zhī māo.
Use 只 (zhī) as the measure word for most animals. Replace 猫 with 狗 (gǒu, dog) or another pet.
这里不能养宠物。
Pets are not allowed here.
zhèlǐ bù néng yǎng chǒngwù.
A common negative answer. 不能 (bù néng) means 'cannot' or 'not allowed'.
可以养小动物吗？
Can I keep small animals?
kěyǐ yǎng xiǎo dòngwù ma?
A softer alternative to 宠物. It may include hamsters, birds, or fish, but not always cats or dogs.
需要额外押金吗？
Is an extra deposit required?
xūyào éwài yājīn ma?
Ask this if the landlord allows pets but mentions extra fees. 押金 (yājīn) means 'deposit'.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
The pattern 可以 + verb + 吗？ (kěyǐ + verb + ma?) is used to ask for permission. For pets, use 可以养宠物吗？ (kěyǐ yǎng chǒngwù ma?). To be more specific, replace 宠物 with the animal: 可以养猫吗？ (kěyǐ yǎng māo ma? – Can I keep a cat?), 可以养狗吗？ (kěyǐ yǎng gǒu ma? – Can I keep a dog?). The verb 养 (yǎng) means 'to raise' or 'to keep' and is used for pets. The negative answer is 不能 (bù néng) or 不可以 (bù kěyǐ). For example, 不可以养狗 (bù kěyǐ yǎng gǒu – Dogs are not allowed).
When to use it
Use 可以养宠物吗？ when you first contact a landlord or agent, preferably before viewing the apartment. It is polite and direct. If you already know the type of pet, ask specifically: 我有一只狗，可以吗？ (wǒ yǒu yì zhī gǒu, kěyǐ ma? – I have a dog, is that okay?). If the answer is 不能 (bù néng), you can ask 为什么？ (wèishénme? – why?) or 有例外吗？ (yǒu lìwài ma? – are there exceptions?). Some landlords may allow small pets like fish or birds but not cats or dogs. Always confirm in writing if possible.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
你好，请问可以养宠物吗？
Hello, may I ask if pets are allowed?nǐhǎo, qǐngwèn kěyǐ yǎng chǒngwù ma?可以，但是要交额外押金。
Yes, but you need to pay an extra deposit.kěyǐ, dànshì yào jiāo éwài yājīn.我有一只猫，可以吗？
I have a cat, is that okay?wǒ yǒu yì zhī māo, kěyǐ ma?猫可以，但是不能养狗。
Cats are fine, but dogs are not allowed.māo kěyǐ, dànshì bù néng yǎng gǒu.A little context goes a long way
In China, pet policies vary widely. Many landlords prefer no pets, especially in shared buildings. Some allow small pets with an extra deposit (额外押金, éwài yājīn). It is common to negotiate, but always get the agreement in writing. Note that 宠物 (chǒngwù) typically refers to cats and dogs, while 小动物 (xiǎo dòngwù) can include smaller animals. Be prepared to describe your pet's behavior and offer to pay a higher deposit.
One thing to watch for
Using 有 (yǒu) instead of 养 (yǎng) when asking about keeping pets, e.g., 可以有宠物吗？
Try this instead: Use 养 for 'to keep' a pet. The correct question is 可以养宠物吗？ (kěyǐ yǎng chǒngwù ma?). 有 means 'to have', so 可以有宠物吗？ sounds like 'Can there be pets?' which is less natural.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How do you ask 'Are pets allowed?' in Chinese?
Show a sample answer
可以养宠物吗？ (kěyǐ yǎng chǒngwù ma?)
This is the standard polite question. You can also ask 可以养猫吗？ for a specific pet.
2What does 不能养宠物 mean?
Show a sample answer
Pets are not allowed.
不能 (bù néng) means 'cannot' or 'not allowed'. It is a common negative response.
3How would you say 'I have a dog' in Chinese?
Show a sample answer
我有一只狗。 (wǒ yǒu yì zhī gǒu.)
Use 只 (zhī) as the measure word for animals. 狗 (gǒu) means dog.
Always ask 可以养宠物吗？ before signing a lease. Be clear about your pet and be ready to discuss deposits or restrictions.
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