Signification
Bargaining for a lower price.
Contexte culturel
Bargaining is a social skill. It's expected that you don't accept the first price in local markets. It shows you value your money and understand the local economy. The first customer of the day is special. They are called 'Boni'. Sellers are often more flexible with them to ensure a 'lucky' start. In cities like Chennai, auto drivers often quote high prices to tourists. Using this phrase in Tamil shows you are not a 'clueless tourist' and might get you a local rate. In rural Tamil Nadu, bargaining is often more about relationship building. You might ask to reduce the price while also asking about the seller's family.
The Smile Factor
Always smile when saying this. Bargaining in Tamil Nadu is a friendly social game, not a battle.
Don't Lowball
Asking for more than a 30% reduction can be seen as an insult to the seller's goods.
Signification
Bargaining for a lower price.
The Smile Factor
Always smile when saying this. Bargaining in Tamil Nadu is a friendly social game, not a battle.
Don't Lowball
Asking for more than a 30% reduction can be seen as an insult to the seller's goods.
The Walk-Away
If they say no, start to walk away slowly. Often, they will call you back with a 'Sari, vanga!' (Okay, come!) and a lower price.
Use 'Anna' or 'Akka'
Add 'Anna' (Brother) or 'Akka' (Sister) before the phrase to build instant rapport. 'Anna, konjam kuraippeerkala?'
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to make the bargaining request polite.
விலை அதிகம், ________ குறைப்பீர்களா?
'Konjam' (a little) is the standard word used to soften a bargaining request.
Which of these is the most appropriate for a shopkeeper?
Asking for a discount:
The '-eerkala' ending is the polite honorific form suitable for strangers and elders.
Complete the dialogue between a passenger and an auto driver.
Driver: 'இருநூறு ரூபாய் ஆகும்.' Passenger: 'நூறு ரூபாய் தான் என்னிடம் உள்ளது. ________?'
The passenger is asking for a price reduction because they only have 100 rupees.
Match the phrase to the correct context.
Context: You are in a high-end mall with fixed prices.
Bargaining is generally not accepted in fixed-price modern malls.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Formality Levels
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesவிலை அதிகம், ________ குறைப்பீர்களா?
'Konjam' (a little) is the standard word used to soften a bargaining request.
Asking for a discount:
The '-eerkala' ending is the polite honorific form suitable for strangers and elders.
Driver: 'இருநூறு ரூபாய் ஆகும்.' Passenger: 'நூறு ரூபாய் தான் என்னிடம் உள்ளது. ________?'
The passenger is asking for a price reduction because they only have 100 rupees.
Context: You are in a high-end mall with fixed prices.
Bargaining is generally not accepted in fixed-price modern malls.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot at all! In markets and small shops, it's expected. It's only rude if you are aggressive or do it in a fixed-price mall.
If you see 'Vilai matram illai' or 'Fixed Price', do not use this phrase. It will be ignored.
No, this is too informal for salary. Use 'Sambalam patri pesalaama?' (Can we talk about salary?) instead.
'Kurai' is a pure Tamil verb (to reduce). 'Kammi' is a common loanword meaning 'less'. Both are used, but 'Kurai' is slightly more formal.
You can say 'Innum konjam kuraippeerkala?' (Will you reduce it even more?)
Yes, but they might use 'Kuraippeengala?' more often than 'Kuraippeerkala?'.
Yes! 'Sathathai konjam kuraippeerkala?' is perfectly correct.
There isn't a direct opposite for bargaining, but 'Ethavathu kootu' would mean 'add something', which you wouldn't say as a buyer!
Usually yes, but you can say 'Vilaiyai kuraippeerkala, konjam?' though it sounds less natural.
In Tamil, the future tense is often used for polite requests, similar to 'Would you...' in English.
Expressions liées
விலை என்ன?
builds onWhat is the price?
கம்மி பண்ணுங்க
similarMake it less.
தள்ளுபடி உண்டா?
specialized formIs there a discount?
நிச்சயமான விலை
contrastFixed price.
