While the concept of a warranty is universal, 保修 (bǎoxiū) in China is deeply connected to a specific legal and cultural framework known as 三包 (sānbāo), or the “Three Guarantees.” This is a state-mandated consumer protection policy that gives buyers concrete rights. The 三包 (sānbāo) policy legally entitles consumers to:
In the West, a “warranty” can be a vague term, and the options (repair, replace, refund) might be at the company's discretion. In China, the 三包 policy provides a clearer, legally-backed hierarchy of solutions. Therefore, when you hear 保修 (bǎoxiū), you should understand it as the first and most common step in a robust, nationwide system of consumer rights that has become a cornerstone of China's modern market economy. To claim your warranty, you will almost always need your 发票 (fāpiào), or official receipt.
You will encounter 保修 (bǎoxiū) constantly in any retail environment, especially for big-ticket items.
The term is transactional and neutral in tone. It's a standard part of business and consumer vocabulary.
The most common mistake for learners is confusing 保修 (bǎoxiū) with 保证 (bǎozhèng).
Example of incorrect usage:
Example of correct usage in context:
Think of it this way: a company makes a 保证 (bǎozhèng) about its product's quality, and they fulfill that promise with a 保修 (bǎoxiū) service if the product fails.