As November 11 approaches each year, a sweet excitement begins both in online stores and among shopping lovers. But how did this special day — which started in China as “Singles’ Day” and originally emerged as an alternative to Valentine’s Day — turn into the world’s biggest online shopping festival? In just 24 hours, record-breaking sales are made, massive discounts appear, and countless deals await shoppers. Today, November 11 (11.11) has become a global phenomenon. In this article, we will explore the fascinating story behind this shopping festival.
Learn English with EnglishCentral
Building your vocabulary is key to mastering a language, and learning new and generational words along with common words can make a big difference in how fluently and expressively you speak. EnglishCentral gives you the perfect tools and environment to expand your vocabulary, practice new words, and use them with confidence.
With 25-minute one-on-one lessons for all ages and levels, EnglishCentral offers personalized and effective learning. These online live sessions are led by expert English teachers who guide you step by step, helping you improve at your own pace. You can also join 40-minute group lessons, where you’ll take part in fun, interactive conversations with your teacher and classmates.
However, EnglishCentral is more than just lessons! You’ll have access to thousands of interactive videos tailored to different interests. With our Watch, Learn, Speak, and Discuss steps, you can reinforce vocabulary and plan private lessons based on your needs. Quizzes, word exercises, and our AI-powered teacher MiMi make practicing English even easier. MiMi is always available to help you navigate different scenarios, from business meetings to ordering food, so you’re prepared for real-life conversations.
After each lesson, MiMi provides personalized reports, tracking your progress and highlighting areas for improvement. This instant feedback helps you stay focused on your goals and gain the confidence to use English in everyday life.
What is China’s Singles Day?
China’s Singles’ Day, celebrated every year on November 11 (11.11), is an event where single people celebrate themselves and has also become the biggest shopping day in the world.
What To Do On Singles Day?
On this day, people buy gifts for themselves, take advantage of discounts, join celebrations and entertainment events or meet new people through social activities. In short, Singles’ Day has become both a cultural celebration and a massive economic event.
When Did The Idea of Singles Day Originate?
The origins of Singles’ Day date back to the 1990s at Nanjing University in China. Since the four “1” digits in the date 11.11 represent single individuals, students began celebrating this day with fun activities, gatherings, and self-indulgence. Over time, this tradition spread beyond the university and across China. In 2009, with Alibaba transforming the day into a major shopping festival, Singles’ Day became one of the biggest online shopping events in the world, alongside Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
English Vocabulary Related to Shopping
Let’s learn some vocabulary related to shopping.
| Word / Phrase | English Meaning |
|---|---|
| Shopping | The activity of buying goods from stores or online |
| Store / Shop | A place where goods are sold |
| Customer | A person who buys goods or services |
| Cashier | The person who handles payments at a store |
| Price | The amount of money required to buy something |
| Discount | A reduction from the usual price |
| Sale | An event or period during which goods are sold at reduced prices |
| Receipt | A document proving that a payment has been made |
| Refund | Money given back to the customer for returning back the product due to faulty product or some thing else |
| Return | Giving back a purchased item to the store |
| Shopping Cart | A a trolley with a basket used to carry items while shopping |
| Shopping Basket | A smaller basket used to carry items while shopping |
| Fitting Room | A room where customers can try on clothes before buying |
| Checkout | The place in a store where payments are made |
| Brand | A name, term, or symbol identifying a product or company |
| Wallet / Purse | A small case for carrying money, cards, or personal items |
| Credit Card | A card allowing purchases on credit |
| Cash | Physical money, such as coins and banknotes |
| Bargain | Something bought at a lower price than usual |
| Order | A request to buy or deliver something |
| Delivery | The act of bringing goods to a customer |
| Loyalty Card | A card offering rewards or discounts for frequent customers |
| Window Shopping | Looking at items in store windows without buying them |
| Gift | Something given to someone without expecting payment |
| Invoice | A document listing goods or services provided and their costs |
I love shopping on weekends.
She went to the store to buy groceries.
The customer asked for help finding shoes.
The cashier scanned all the items quickly.
The price of this jacket is too high.
They are offering a big discount today.
The summer sale starts tomorrow.
Don’t forget to take your receipt.
I got a full refund for the broken item.
You can return this shirt within 14 days.
I added the jacket to my shopping cart.
She carried a small shopping basket.
He tried on the pants in the fitting room.
We paid at the checkout counter.
This brand is very popular among teenagers.
I forgot my wallet at home.
She paid with her credit card.
He always pays in cash.
That was a great bargain for such a nice bag.
I want to order this dress online.
The delivery will arrive tomorrow.
I used my loyalty card to get points.
We went window shopping at the mall.
I bought a gift for my friend’s birthday.
They sent me an invoice by email.
Frequently Asked Questions About 11.11 Singles Day
Let’s look at some questions about 11.11 Singles Day.
How is Singles’ Day different from other shopping events?
Singles’ Day focuses on rewarding yourself and buying gifts for yourself. It is also a larger shopping event than Black Friday and Cyber Monday in terms of total sales volume.
When is Singles’ Day celebrated?
Singles’ Day is celebrated every year on November 11 (11.11). This date was chosen because the four “1” digits represent single individuals.
Why is Singles’ Day so popular?
After Alibaba turned this day into a massive discount event in 2009, Singles’ Day surpassed Black Friday and Cyber Monday to become the world’s biggest shopping festival. Millions of people take advantage of online discounts.
Why is it important to learn shopping English vocabulary?
Learning shopping-related English makes communication easier when shopping abroad or online. Knowing words like “refund,” “receipt,” and “checkout” provides a big advantage for returns, payments, and delivery processes.
Would you like to put what you have learned into practice? You can access everything you need to learn English on a single platform! With 25-minute one-on-one live English lessons, 40-minute group lessons, more than 30,000 interactive videos, vocabulary learning tools, AI-supported tutor MiMi, quizzes, and interactive activities, EnglishCentral offers its users a personalized and quality education plan at an affordable price. How about registering for EnglishCentral now and starting to learn English?
