In 15 Seconds
- Use it to reject a price that is too high.
- Works in shops, restaurants, and with friends.
- A direct way to say 'I won't pay that'.
Meaning
This phrase is used when you think the price of something is higher than it should be or more than you can afford. It is a direct way to say you are not willing to pay that much money.
Key Examples
3 of 6Shopping for shoes
I love these boots, but it's too expensive.
I love these boots, but it's too expensive.
Looking at a restaurant menu
Let's go somewhere else; it's too expensive here.
Let's go somewhere else; it's too expensive here.
In a business meeting
We cannot approve this vendor; it's too expensive for our budget.
We cannot approve this vendor; it's too expensive for our budget.
Cultural Background
In the US, saying 'It's too expensive' is common, but in high-end stores, people might use the euphemism 'It's a bit out of my price range' to sound more sophisticated. Brits often use 'dear' or 'pricey' to soften the complaint. Directness about money can sometimes be seen as slightly uncomfortable in social settings. In many East Asian cultures, 'saving face' is important. A customer might say 'It's too expensive' as a way to start a negotiation rather than a flat rejection. On social media, 'It's too expensive' is often used in memes about inflation or the 'cost of living crisis,' creating a shared sense of financial struggle.
Softening the blow
If you want to be more polite, add 'a bit' or 'a little'. Say: 'It's a bit too expensive for me.'
Too vs. Very
Remember: 'Too' is usually a bad thing. 'Very' is just a big amount. Don't say 'This cake is too delicious' unless you mean it's so delicious it's a problem!
In 15 Seconds
- Use it to reject a price that is too high.
- Works in shops, restaurants, and with friends.
- A direct way to say 'I won't pay that'.
What It Means
It's too expensive is your go-to phrase for sticker shock. It means the cost of an item is way above your budget. You are signaling that the value does not match the price tag. It is simple, honest, and very common in daily life.
How To Use It
Use this phrase when you see a price that makes your eyes pop. You can say it to a shopkeeper or a friend. Usually, people say it while looking at a menu or a clothing tag. You can add for me at the end to make it personal. For example, It's too expensive for me sounds less like a complaint. It sounds more like a personal limit.
When To Use It
Use it while shopping at the mall or browsing online. It works perfectly when a car salesperson gives you a high quote. You can also use it when a friend suggests a five-star restaurant. It is great for being honest about your finances. If a luxury watch costs $10,000, this is the right phrase to use!
When NOT To Use It
Avoid saying this at a fancy dinner if someone else is paying. It might make the host feel very uncomfortable. Do not use it during a salary negotiation for yourself. That would be quite confusing! Also, try not to use it in high-end boutiques where silence is more polite. Sometimes, just putting the item back says enough.
Cultural Background
In many English-speaking cultures, talking about money can be a bit awkward. However, being a 'smart shopper' is highly respected. People love finding a good deal or a bargain. Saying It's too expensive is a way of standing your ground. It shows you know the value of your hard-earned cash. In some places, this phrase is the start of a negotiation. In others, it is the final word before walking away.
Common Variations
If you want to sound more casual, try That's a bit pricey. If the price is truly insane, you can say That's a rip-off! or That's highway robbery! For a more polite version, use It's a little out of my price range. Each one changes the 'vibe' of your objection. Choose the one that fits your mood and the person you are talking to.
Usage Notes
This phrase is neutral and safe for almost any situation. Just remember that adding 'a bit' or 'for me' makes it sound less like a criticism of the seller.
Softening the blow
If you want to be more polite, add 'a bit' or 'a little'. Say: 'It's a bit too expensive for me.'
Too vs. Very
Remember: 'Too' is usually a bad thing. 'Very' is just a big amount. Don't say 'This cake is too delicious' unless you mean it's so delicious it's a problem!
The 'For' Rule
Always add 'for me' if you want to show that the price is your personal problem, not necessarily a high price for everyone.
Examples
6I love these boots, but it's too expensive.
I love these boots, but it's too expensive.
A standard way to explain why you aren't buying something.
Let's go somewhere else; it's too expensive here.
Let's go somewhere else; it's too expensive here.
Used to suggest a change of plans based on cost.
We cannot approve this vendor; it's too expensive for our budget.
We cannot approve this vendor; it's too expensive for our budget.
Professional way to reject a business proposal.
$200 for a ticket? No way, it's too expensive!
$200 for a ticket? No way, it's too expensive!
Expressing shock at a price via text.
Eight dollars for this tiny cup? It's too expensive!
Eight dollars for this tiny cup? It's too expensive!
Complaining about 'shrinkflation' with a smile.
I want to live there, but it's just too expensive.
I want to live there, but it's just too expensive.
Expressing a sense of disappointment or reality.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with 'too' or 'very'.
I have $50. The shoes are $100. They are ____ expensive for me.
Because you cannot afford them ($50 < $100), the price is an excessive problem, so we use 'too'.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the natural English sentence:
We describe objects as expensive, not prices. 'Too much expensive' and 'too expensive than' are grammatically incorrect.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Do you want to buy this gold watch? B: No, ________.
A gold watch is typically high-priced, and 'it's too expensive' is the standard way to decline based on price.
Match the reaction to the price.
A bottle of water costs $15 at the airport.
$15 for water is much higher than the normal price, making it 'too expensive'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesI have $50. The shoes are $100. They are ____ expensive for me.
Because you cannot afford them ($50 < $100), the price is an excessive problem, so we use 'too'.
Choose the natural English sentence:
We describe objects as expensive, not prices. 'Too much expensive' and 'too expensive than' are grammatically incorrect.
A: Do you want to buy this gold watch? B: No, ________.
A gold watch is typically high-priced, and 'it's too expensive' is the standard way to decline based on price.
A bottle of water costs $15 at the airport.
$15 for water is much higher than the normal price, making it 'too expensive'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it is not rude. It is a clear way to tell the salesperson that the item is not in your budget. However, saying it with a smile or adding 'I'm afraid' makes it more polite.
No. 'Expensive' is an adjective, so you only need 'too'. Use 'too much' with nouns, like 'It costs too much money'.
'Expensive' is the most common word. 'Costly' is more formal and often used to describe mistakes or projects rather than items in a shop.
Not usually. If a person costs a lot of money to keep happy, we say they are 'high maintenance'.
Just say 'It's very expensive.' If you use 'too,' it implies you cannot or will not buy it.
'Pricey' is a casual way to say something is expensive. It doesn't always mean it's 'too' much, just that the price is high.
'Steep' is a metaphor. Just like a steep hill is hard to climb, a steep price is hard to pay.
Yes! That is an old-fashioned idiom meaning 'I can't afford that' or 'That is too risky/expensive for me.'
The most common opposites are 'cheap,' 'affordable,' or 'a good price.'
'Dear' is an older British English word for expensive. It's still used by older generations or in certain regions.
Related Phrases
Pricey
similarInformal word for expensive.
A rip-off
specialized formSomething that is much more expensive than it should be.
Costs an arm and a leg
synonymVery, very expensive.
Affordable
contrastNot expensive; able to be paid for.
