Guide
Taobao in English
There is no full English Taobao website, but the app can show an English interface and browsers can translate pages. Product photos, many descriptions and seller chat stay in Chinese.
Switch the Taobao app to English
The steps change between app versions, but in recent versions:
- Open 我的淘宝 (My Taobao) and tap the gear icon, 设置 (Settings).
- Under 国家/地区 (Country/Region), choose a region outside mainland China if your account allows it.
- Go back to 设置 and open 国家/地区、语言、货币 (Country/Region, Language, Currency).
- Choose English under 语言 (Language). You can also change the currency shown.
Menus, buttons and checkout appear in English. Prices, shipping options and payment methods depend on the region you choose.
Translate the Taobao website
In Chrome, Edge or Safari, open taobao.com and use the browser's Translate option. Titles and menus translate; text inside product photos doesn't.
What stays in Chinese
- Text in product photos, including many size charts
- Many product descriptions
- Seller chat (旺旺)
- Returns and disputes
Search tips
| English | Chinese to search |
|---|---|
| Dress | 连衣裙 |
| Platform shoes | 厚底鞋 |
| Lolita dress | lolita 洋装 |
| Hanfu | 汉服 |
| Cosplay costume | cos服 |
| Wig | 假发 |
| Ita bag | 痛包 |
Image search (the camera icon) is often faster than words.
Skip the Chinese entirely
Send us links, screenshots or photos in English. We read the listing, ask the seller and tell you what you need to know. Get a quote.
Questions
Is there an English version of Taobao?
Not a separate English site. The Taobao app can show its interface in English when your region is set outside mainland China, and the website can be machine-translated in your browser.
Does the English setting translate products?
The interface changes to English, but product photos with text, many descriptions and seller chat remain in Chinese.
Can I chat with sellers in English?
Most sellers reply in Chinese. A translator works for simple questions; for sizing, defects or returns an agent who speaks Chinese saves time.