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割り引き

A1 noun #3,158 most common 10 min read

割り引き

waribiki Top 3,158

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 割り引き in 30 Seconds

Explanation 割り引き in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'waribiki' as a simple noun meaning 'discount'. You will mostly use it when shopping. You should understand that 'waribiki' is something you see on signs in stores. For example, if you see '100-en waribiki', you know you pay 100 yen less. You should practice the phrase 'Waribiki wa arimasu ka?' (Is there a discount?) and 'Waribiki de kaimashita' (I bought it with a discount). Focus on the visual recognition of the kanji 割り引き on stickers and coupons. At this level, don't worry about complex math; just know that 'waribiki' means a cheaper price. You might also hear 'sēru' (sale), which is often the context for 'waribiki'. Remembering that 'wari' means a part and 'biki' means pulling away will help you remember the meaning.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'waribiki' in more specific contexts and with common prefixes. You should learn 'Gakuwari' (student discount) and 'Kazoku-wari' (family discount). You should also understand the 'wari' system where 1-wari is 10%. You can start using 'waribiki ni naru' to describe something becoming discounted. For example, 'Kore wa waribiki ni narimasu ka?' (Does this become discounted?). You should also be able to read simple coupons that say 'Kon-pōn jisan de 10% waribiki' (10% discount with this coupon). You are moving from just recognizing the word to using it to ask for information in a store. You should also be able to understand basic supermarket announcements about 'time sales' and 'waribiki'.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'waribiki' in varied social and semi-professional situations. You can discuss different types of discounts like 'Sōki-waribiki' (early bird) or 'Dantai-waribiki' (group discount). You should understand the nuance between 'waribiki' (percentage) and 'nebiki' (negotiated amount). You can handle more complex sentences like 'Waribiki o tekyō suru' (to apply a discount) or 'Waribiki o kōshō suru' (to negotiate a discount). You should be able to explain why you deserve a discount in Japanese, using 'kara' or 'node'. For example, 'Takusan kau node, waribiki shite kuraemasen ka?' (Since I'm buying a lot, couldn't you give me a discount?). You also start to encounter 'waribiki' in news articles about the economy or company promotions.

At the B2 level, you use 'waribiki' in professional and abstract contexts. You should understand 'waribiki-ritsu' (discount rate) in the context of finance or economics. You can participate in business meetings where 'waribiki' is a topic of negotiation for contracts. You should be able to understand the difference between 'Shu-ryō waribiki' (volume discount) and 'Shu-kin waribiki' (cash discount). You can also use the verb form 'waribiku' more naturally in formal writing. You should be aware of the social implications of discounting in Japan, such as how it affects brand image. You can read terms and conditions on websites that explain exactly how 'waribiki' is calculated and what the exclusions are. Your vocabulary should include related terms like 'kangen' (return/rebate) and 'henkin' (refund).

At the C1 level, you possess a nuanced understanding of 'waribiki' and its role in Japanese society and economics. You can discuss the 'Waribiki-fū' (discounting style) of different industries and analyze the psychological impact of '99-yen' pricing vs. 'waribiki'. You understand legal terms related to discounts, such as the 'Keihin Hyōji Hō' (Premiums and Representations Act) which regulates how discounts can be advertised. You can use 'waribiki' metaphorically or in high-level financial discussions involving 'Gen-zai kachi' (present value) and 'Waribiki-ritsu' (discount rates/DCF method). You are capable of writing persuasive business proposals that include tiered discounting structures. You can also distinguish between subtle synonyms like 'genshō' (reduction) and 'waribiki' in academic contexts.

At the C2 level, you have complete mastery of 'waribiki' across all domains. You can interpret the philosophical implications of 'value reduction' in Japanese literature or high-level economic discourse. You can navigate the most complex industrial negotiations where 'waribiki' is just one part of a multi-faceted incentive structure. You are aware of the historical evolution of the 'wari' system from the Edo period to modern times. You can critique marketing strategies that rely on 'constant discounting' and their long-term effects on consumer behavior. You can use the word with perfect register control, from the slangy 'wari' used in casual trade to the highly formal 'go-waribiki' used in imperial-level hospitality. You are also able to translate complex financial instruments involving 'waribiki' (like discounted bonds) with total accuracy.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

割り引き in 30 Seconds

Waribiki means 'discount' or 'price reduction' in Japanese.
It combines 'wari' (proportion/divide) and 'hiku' (to pull/subtract).
Used commonly in shopping, travel, and business contexts.
Often paired with 'suru' (to do) or 'ni naru' (to become).

The Japanese word 割り引き (Waribiki) is a fundamental noun that every learner must master early in their journey. At its core, it refers to a price reduction or a discount. The word is constructed from two powerful kanji: 割 (wari), which means to divide or proportion, and 引き (biki), derived from the verb 引く (hiku), meaning to pull or subtract. Together, they literally describe the act of 'pulling away a portion' of the original price. This term is ubiquitous in Japan, appearing on colorful banners in shopping districts, digital coupons on smartphones, and in polite negotiations at electronics stores. Understanding this word is not just about vocabulary; it's about navigating the Japanese economy and social etiquette of commerce.

The 'Wari' System: In Japan, discounts are often expressed using the unit 'wari' (割). One 'wari' equals 10%. Therefore, a '2-wari-biki' (2割引き) is a 20% discount. This is a crucial distinction from the Western 'percent off' system, though percent (%) is also frequently used in modern advertising.

タイムセールで全品30%割り引きです。
(During the time sale, all items are 30% off.)

You will encounter this word in almost every commercial interaction. In department stores (depāto), you'll see signs for 'Gakuwari' (student discount) or 'Sōki-waribiki' (early bird discount). It is used for services as well as physical goods, such as discounted train tickets or movie theater entries. Unlike some cultures where haggling is the norm, Japanese retail prices are usually fixed, so 'waribiki' usually refers to pre-set promotions or specific eligibility-based reductions rather than a negotiated price drop, although the latter does happen in specific contexts like electronics stores (kaden-yahan-ten).

Social Context: Using the word 'waribiki' is perfectly polite. It is a standard business term. However, asking for a discount ('Waribiki shite kudasai') should be done with care; it is common in flea markets or when buying expensive appliances, but considered rude in high-end boutiques or standard restaurants.

このクーポンを使えば、さらに100円割り引きになります。
(If you use this coupon, you will get a further 100 yen discount.)

In a broader sense, 'waribiki' also appears in financial contexts, such as 'waribiki-ritsu' (discount rate) in economics or 'waribiki-ken' (discount coupons/tickets). It represents the concept of value reduction across the board. For a learner, mastering this word opens up the world of 'bargain hunting' in Japan, allowing you to identify 'Tokubai' (special sales) and manage your budget more effectively while living or traveling in the country.

まとめ買いをすると、大量割り引きが適用されます。
(A bulk discount is applied when you buy in large quantities.)

Etymological Connection: The kanji 割 also appears in 'warikan' (splitting the bill). This highlights the shared concept of 'dividing' the total amount among people or dividing the price to make it smaller.

会員登録をすると、初回限定の割り引きがあります。
(There is a first-time limited discount if you register as a member.)

Using 割り引き correctly requires understanding its grammatical role as a noun. While in English we often use 'discount' as a verb ('to discount something'), in Japanese, you typically pair the noun 'waribiki' with specific verbs like する (suru - to do), になる (ni naru - to become), or を受ける (o ukeru - to receive). Each of these creates a slightly different nuance in the sentence.

Pattern 1: [Amount] + 割り引き (The Descriptor): When you want to specify how much the discount is, you place the amount directly before 'waribiki'. For example, '100-en waribiki' (100 yen discount) or '2-wari biki' (20% discount). Notice that the 'biki' part is often written in hiragana (引き) when attached to numbers.

このチケットは500円割り引きです。
(This ticket is a 500 yen discount.)

When a store 'applies' a discount, they use the verb 適用する (tekyō suru). If you are asking a clerk if a discount is available, you might say, 'Waribiki wa arimasu ka?' (Is there a discount?). If you want to ask them to lower the price for you personally, 'Waribiki shite kudasai' is the phrase, though as mentioned, this is context-dependent. A more polite way to ask for a reduction in a business setting is 'O-nebiki o-negai dekimasen ka?'

Pattern 2: 割り引きになる (Automatic Reductions): This pattern is used when a discount is applied automatically by a system or rule. 'Kono hon wa waribiki ni narimasu' means 'This book will be discounted' (e.g., at the register).

学生証を提示すれば、20％割り引きになります。
(If you show your student ID, it will be a 20% discount.)

In formal writing or news, you might see 割り引く (waribiku) used as a verb directly (e.g., 'daigaku wa jugyōryō o waribiku', the university discounts tuition). However, in daily conversation, the noun form 'waribiki' is far more common. When using it with particles, remember that 'waribiki de' (with a discount) is used to describe the state of purchase: 'Waribiki de kaimashita' (I bought it with a discount).

店員さんに割り引きを交渉しました。
(I negotiated a discount with the shop assistant.)

Pattern 3: 割り引きを受ける (Receiving a Benefit): This is used when an individual qualifies for a discount. 'Kōreisha wa waribiki o ukeru koto ga dekimasu' (Seniors can receive a discount).

団体客は特別な割り引きが受けられます。
(Group guests can receive a special discount.)

Finally, in the digital age, 'waribiki' is often paired with 'kūpon' (coupon) or 'kōdo' (code). 'Waribiki kūpon o tsukau' (to use a discount coupon) is a phrase you will use frequently when shopping online or using apps like Uber Eats or Line Pay in Japan.

このサイトには割り引きコードを入力する欄があります。
(This site has a field to enter a discount code.)

You don't have to look far to hear or see 割り引き in Japan. It is part of the rhythmic soundscape of Japanese commerce. If you walk into a supermarket (sūpā) around 7:00 PM or 8:00 PM, you will hear staff announcing price drops over the loudspeaker. They might say, 'Osashi-mi kōnā, tadaima kara zen-hin san-wari-biki de gozaimasu!' (At the sashimi corner, everything is now 30% off!). This is a prime example of 'waribiki' in action.

Department Store Announcements: In larger stores like Takashimaya or Mitsukoshi, the language is more formal (keigo), but the word 'waribiki' remains central. You might hear: 'Honjitsu kagiri, kādo kaiin-sama gentei no waribiki sēru o kaisai shite orimasu' (Today only, we are holding a discount sale limited to card members).

タイムセール中につき、表示価格よりさらに10%割り引きいたします。
(Due to the time sale, we will discount a further 10% from the displayed price.)

In train stations, specifically at the 'Midori no Madoguchi' (ticket office), you will hear 'waribiki' concerning travel. Japan has a variety of rail discounts, such as 'Oufuku-waribiki' (round-trip discount) for long distances or 'Gakuwari' for students. When booking a Shinkansen ticket, the clerk might ask if you have any 'waribiki-shō' (discount certificates).

TV Commercials and YouTube Ads: Advertisements for mobile phone carriers (Softbank, AU, Docomo) are famous for their complex 'waribiki' schemes. You'll hear phrases like 'Kazoku-wari' (family discount) or 'U25-wari' (under 25 discount) repeated constantly in high-energy commercials.

今なら家族全員の月額料金が割り引きになります！
(Right now, the monthly fees for the whole family will be discounted!)

In a work context, if you are in procurement or sales, 'waribiki' is a standard part of B2B negotiations. A supplier might offer a 'Shu-ryō waribiki' (volume discount) or a 'Kigen-nai waribiki' (early payment discount). Hearing this word in a meeting signifies a point of negotiation regarding the 'mitsumori' (estimate) or 'seikyūsho' (invoice).

お見積りから5%の割り引きをご提案させていただきます。
(We would like to propose a 5% discount from the estimate.)

Movie Theaters: Movie theaters often have 'Ladies' Day' or 'First Day' discounts. The sign will usually read 'Rēdisu-dē waribiki' or 'Fāsuto-dē waribiki'.

水曜日はレディース割り引きで1,200円です。
(On Wednesdays, it's 1,200 yen with the Ladies' discount.)

While 割り引き seems straightforward, English speakers often trip up on its usage due to differences in how 'discount' functions grammatically and culturally. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid.

Mistake 1: Using it as a lone verb: In English, we say 'Can you discount this?' In Japanese, you cannot simply say 'Waribiki kudasai' as a verb. You must use 'Waribiki shite kudasai' (Please do a discount). Forgetting the 'suru' (to do) or 'ni naru' (to become) is a very common beginner error.

❌ このシャツを割り引きください。
✅ このシャツを割り引きしてください。
(Please discount this shirt.)

Another common mistake involves the math of 'wari'. As mentioned, '1-wari' is 10%. Students often confuse this with the 'percent' system. If a sign says '3-wari-biki', it is 30% off (you pay 70%). Some students mistakenly think '3-wari' means you pay 30%. Always remember that 'biki' means 'subtraction', so you are subtracting 30% from the total.

Mistake 2: Confusing 'Waribiki' with 'Warikan': Because both start with 'Wari', learners often mix them up. 'Warikan' (割り勘) is 'splitting the bill' among friends at a restaurant. If you ask a waiter for a 'waribiki' when you mean 'warikan', they will think you are asking for a discount on the meal!

❌ 割り引きしましょう！ (Let's discount!)
✅ 割り勘にしましょう！ (Let's split the bill!)

Furthermore, be careful with the particle usage. 'Waribiki で' is used when buying something ('I bought it with a discount'), but 'Waribiki に' is used when something becomes a discount ('It becomes a discount'). Using 'waribiki o' with 'kau' (to buy) is incorrect; you buy the object, not the discount itself.

Mistake 3: Over-using 'Waribiki' in high-end contexts: In Japanese culture, 'Enryo' (restraint) is valued. In a high-end department store or a traditional Ryokan, asking for a 'waribiki' can be seen as uncouth or desperate. Stick to using the word when a sale is already advertised or in places where bargaining is expected (like flea markets).

❌ すみません、この高級時計、割り引きありますか？
(Excuse me, is there a discount on this luxury watch? - Too direct/rude)

Japanese has several words that overlap with 割り引き. Choosing the right one depends on whether you are talking about a general sale, a specific price drop, or a special bargain.

値引き (Nebiki): This is the closest synonym. While 'Waribiki' often implies a percentage (like 10% off), 'Nebiki' literally means 'pulling the price down'. It is more commonly used when a specific amount is subtracted (e.g., subtracting 1000 yen) or during personal negotiations.

店長に値引きをしてもらった。
(I got the manager to lower the price for me.)

格安 (Kakuyasu): This means 'exceptionally cheap' or 'bargain'. You'll see this in 'Kakuyasu Sumaho' (low-cost smartphones) or 'Kakuyasu Kōkū-ken' (LCC/discount flight tickets). It describes the state of the price being low, rather than the act of reducing it.

Another important term is 特売 (Tokubai). This refers to a 'special sale' or 'bargain sale', usually for a limited time at a supermarket. If a store has a 'Tokubai-hin' (special sale item), it is already discounted for everyone. 安売り (Yasuyuri) is similar, meaning 'selling at a low price' or 'discounting heavily'.

還元 (Kangen): This is a modern alternative often seen with 'Pointo Kangen' (point back). Instead of a direct 'waribiki', the store 'returns' a portion of the price in the form of points for future use. It is a 'delayed' discount.

キャッシュレス決済で5%のポイント還元があります。
(There is a 5% point return with cashless payments.)

In summary, use 'Waribiki' for general percentage-based reductions, 'Nebiki' for haggling or specific amount drops, 'Tokubai' for supermarket specials, and 'Kangen' for point-based rewards. Mastering these nuances will make you sound much more natural in Japanese commercial settings.

この商品は特売対象外です。
(This item is not subject to the special sale.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The 'wari' system (where 1-wari = 10%) is a traditional Japanese counting method that predates the widespread use of the Western percentage system. You will still see '3-wari-biki' more often than '30% off' in local supermarkets.

Pronunciation Guide

UK wa.ɾi.bi.ki

US wa.ɾi.bi.ki

Heiban (Flat) - the pitch stays relatively level after the first syllable.

Rhymes With

Torihiki (transaction) Ikitsuki (arrival) Uebiki (upward pull) Michibiki (guidance) Kushibiki (comb pulling) Shitabiki (under-drawing) Sumibiki (ink drawing) Tenbiki (deduction at source)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'wari' as 'wary' in English.
Stressing the 'bi' syllable too much.
Elongating the 'i' sounds like 'waribee-kee'.
Confusing the 'r' sound with an English 'l' or 'r'. It should be a light tap.
Pronouncing 'biki' as 'bicky' with a short, clipped English 'i'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Kanji are common but require learning. Hiragana is easy.

Writing 3/5

The kanji 割 can be tricky for beginners to write correctly.

Speaking 1/5

Pronunciation is very straightforward for English speakers.

Listening 1/5

Distinct sound, easy to pick out in store announcements.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

値段 (Nedan - Price) 買う (Kau - To buy) 安い (Yasui - Cheap) 引く (Hiku - To pull/subtract) 店 (Mise - Shop)

Learn Next

値引き (Nebiki - Price reduction) 会計 (Kaikei - Bill/Account) 領収書 (Ryōshūsho - Receipt) 消費税 (Shōhizei - Consumption tax) 特売 (Tokubai - Special sale)

Advanced

価格弾力性 (Price elasticity) 卸売 (Wholesale) 収益性 (Profitability) 景品表示法 (Premiums and Representations Act) 現在価値 (Present value)

Grammar to Know

Noun + になる (To become)

割り引きになる (To become discounted).

Noun + をする (To do)

割り引きをする (To give a discount).

Particle 'de' for state

割り引きで買う (To buy at a discount).

Compound Nouns

学生 + 割り引き = 学生割引 (Student discount).

Conditional ~ba

クーポンを使えば割り引きになります (If you use a coupon, it will be discounted).

Examples by Level

これは100円の割り引きです。

This is a 100 yen discount.

Amount + no + waribiki.

割り引きはありますか？

Is there a discount?

Topic marker 'wa' + 'arimasu ka' (existence).

割り引きで買いました。

I bought it with a discount.

Particle 'de' indicates means or state.

このクーポンで割り引きになります。

You get a discount with this coupon.

'ni naru' indicates a change or result.

学生は割り引きがあります。

Students have a discount.

Subject + wa + waribiki + ga arimasu.

今日は全品10%割り引きです。

Today, everything is 10% off.

Time + wa + zen-hin + amount + waribiki + desu.

割り引きをしてください。

Please give me a discount.

Object marker 'o' + 'shite kudasai' (polite request).

これは割り引きチケットです。

This is a discount ticket.

Noun + noun compound.

2割引きでとても安かったです。

It was very cheap with a 20% discount.

2-wari = 20%.

学生割引を使いたいのですが。

I'd like to use a student discount...

'~tai no desu ga' (expressing a desire politely).

タイムセールでさらに割り引きになります。

It will be further discounted during the time sale.

'sarani' (furthermore) + 'ni naru'.

この商品は割り引き対象外です。

This item is excluded from the discount.

'taishō-gai' (outside the scope/excluded).

カードで払うと割り引きがありますか？

Is there a discount if I pay by card?

Conditional 'to' (if/when).

まとめ買い割り引きでお得になります。

You get a better deal with a bulk purchase discount.

'matome-gai' (buying in bulk).

初回限定の割り引きクーポンです。

This is a first-time only discount coupon.

'shokai gentei' (first time limited).

夜8時以降は弁当が割り引きになります。

Bento boxes are discounted after 8 PM.

Time + 'ikō' (after/since).

早期割り引きを利用して、安く予約しました。

I used the early bird discount to book cheaply.

'sōki waribiki' (early discount).

団体割り引きが適用されるのは10名以上です。

Group discounts apply to 10 or more people.

'tekyō sareru' (to be applied - passive).

もう一息、割り引きをお願いできませんか？

Could you give me just a little more of a discount?

'mō hito-iki' (one more breath/effort).

この割り引き券の有効期限は来月末までです。

This discount voucher's expiration date is the end of next month.

'yūkō kigen' (validity period).

会員登録をすれば、次回の買い物が割り引きになります。

If you register as a member, your next purchase will be discounted.

Conditional 'ba'.

新装開店を記念して、特別割り引きを実施しています。

To celebrate the grand reopening, we are offering a special discount.

'~o kinen shite' (to commemorate).

展示品のため、多少の割り引きが可能です。

Since it's a display model, some discount is possible.

'~no tame' (because of).

割り引き後の価格を計算してください。

Please calculate the price after the discount.

'~go' (after).

大量発注の場合、ボリューム割り引きを検討します。

In the case of large orders, we will consider a volume discount.

'kentō suru' (to consider/examine).

割り引き率の設定について、会議で話し合いましょう。

Let's discuss the setting of the discount rate in the meeting.

'waribiki-ritsu' (discount rate).

この契約には、早期支払割り引きの条項が含まれています。

This contract includes a clause for an early payment discount.

'jōkō' (clause/provision).

不当な割り引き表示は、景品表示法に抵触する恐れがあります。

Unfair discount labeling may violate the Premiums and Representations Act.

'teishoku suru' (to conflict/violate).

競合他社に対抗するため、割り引きキャンペーンを開始した。

To compete with other companies, we started a discount campaign.

'~ni taikō suru' (to counter/compete).

割り引き販売がブランドイメージに与える影響を懸念している。

We are concerned about the impact discount sales have on the brand image.

'ken-en suru' (to be concerned).

卸売業者向けの割り引き体系を見直す必要がある。

We need to review the discount structure for wholesalers.

'minaosu' (to review/re-evaluate).

収益性を確保しつつ、最大限の割り引きを提示した。

While ensuring profitability, we presented the maximum discount.

'~tsutsu' (while/at the same time).

将来キャッシュフローを適切な割り引き率で現在価値に換算する。

Convert future cash flows to present value using an appropriate discount rate.

'genzai kachi' (present value).

その政策は、若年層の消費を喚起するための割り引き制度だ。

The policy is a discount system intended to stimulate consumption among the youth.

'shōhi o kanki suru' (to stimulate consumption).

過度な割り引き競争は、市場全体の衰退を招きかねない。

Excessive discount competition could lead to the decline of the entire market.

'~kaneyanai' (might/could - negative outcome).

割り引きの原資をどこから捻出するかが課題となっている。

The challenge is where to find the funds for the discounts.

'genshi' (source of funds).

顧客のロイヤリティに応じた段階的な割り引きを導入した。

We introduced tiered discounts based on customer loyalty.

'dankai-teki' (gradual/tiered).

割り引きというインセンティブが消費者の意思決定にどう作用するか。

How the incentive of a discount affects consumer decision-making.

'sayō suru' (to affect/act upon).

価格弾力性を分析し、最適な割り引き幅を決定する。

Analyze price elasticity and determine the optimal discount range.

'kakaku danryoku-sei' (price elasticity).

その契約書には、事後的な割り引き（リベート）に関する規定がある。

The contract has provisions regarding retrospective discounts (rebates).

'jigo-teki' (retrospective/after the fact).

割り引きという行為が内包する経済的合理性と心理的バイアス。

The economic rationality and psychological bias inherent in the act of discounting.

'naihō suru' (to involve/contain).

デフレ経済下において、割り引きは生存戦略の一環であった。

Under a deflationary economy, discounting was part of a survival strategy.

'~no ikkan' (as part of).

貨幣価値の変動を考慮した割り引き現在価値の算出は極めて複雑だ。

Calculating discounted present value considering fluctuations in currency value is extremely complex.

'sanshutsu' (calculation).

割り引きの乱発は、ブランドの真正性を毀損する諸刃の剣である。

Frequent discounting is a double-edged sword that damages brand authenticity.

'moroha no tsurugi' (double-edged sword).

商慣習としての割り引きが、透明な価格形成を阻害しているとの指摘もある。

Some point out that discounting as a business custom hinders transparent price formation.

'sogai suru' (to hinder/obstruct).

割り引き率の推移を歴史的観点から考察すると、興味深い事実が浮かび上がる。

Examining the transition of discount rates from a historical perspective reveals interesting facts.

'kōsatsu suru' (to consider/examine).

企業は、割り引きに依存しない価値創造のパラダイムシフトを迫られている。

Companies are being forced into a paradigm shift of value creation that does not rely on discounts.

'~o semararete iru' (being forced/pressured).

割り引きという現象を、贈与経済の変奏として捉え直す試み。

An attempt to re-conceptualize the phenomenon of discounting as a variation of the gift economy.

'hensō' (variation).

Synonyms

値引き格安安売りセールディスカウント

Antonyms

値上げ定価

Common Collocations

割り引き券

学生割り引き

大量割り引き

早期割り引き

割り引き率

現金割り引き

団体割り引き

割り引き価格

初回割り引き

特別割り引き

Common Phrases

割り引きしてください

— Please give me a discount. Used when bargaining.

もう少し割り引きしてください。

割り引きになります

— It will be discounted. Used by clerks to inform customers.

こちらは20%割り引きになります。

割り引きがありますか？

— Is there a discount? A standard question for shoppers.

シニアの割り引きがありますか？

割り引きを受ける

— To receive a discount. Formal usage.

会員は10%の割り引きを受けることができる。

割り引きを適用する

— To apply a discount. Often used in business or apps.

クーポンコードを入力して割り引きを適用してください。

割り引き対象

— Subject to discount. Items that qualify.

この商品は割り引き対象です。

割り引き前

— Before discount. Referring to the original price.

割り引き前の価格は5,000円です。

割り引き後

— After discount. Referring to the final price.

割り引き後の金額を確認してください。

割り引きキャンペーン

— Discount campaign. A marketing event.

夏の割り引きキャンペーンが始まりました。

割り引き中

— Currently on discount. Used on signs.

全品割り引き中です！

Often Confused With

割り引き vs 割り勘 (Warikan)

Means splitting the bill, not a discount. Don't ask for a 'waribiki' when you want to split the check with friends!

割り引き vs 割り算 (Warizan)

Means division in mathematics. While it shares the 'wari' kanji, it's strictly for math problems.

割り引き vs 値引き (Nebiki)

Very similar, but 'nebiki' is more about the specific amount subtracted, whereas 'waribiki' is often percentage-based.

Idioms & Expressions

"割り引いて考える"

— To take something with a grain of salt; to discount what someone says.

彼の話は少し割り引いて考えたほうがいい。

Idiomatic

"学割 (Gakuwari)"

— Short for Gakusei Waribiki. Very common abbreviation.

学割で映画を見る。

Casual

"家族割 (Kazokuwari)"

— Short for Kazoku Waribiki. Common in mobile phone ads.

家族割に入っている。

Neutral

"ペア割 (Peawari)"

— A discount for two people coming together.

ペア割で安くなる。

Casual

"シニア割 (Sini-awari)"

— Senior citizen discount.

シニア割を利用する。

Neutral

"前売り割り引き"

— Advance purchase discount.

前売り割り引きでチケットを買う。

Neutral

"二重価格"

— Double pricing (showing original and discounted price).

二重価格表示に注意する。

Legal/Business

"投げ売り"

— Dumping goods at extremely low prices (fire sale).

閉店セールで投げ売りされている。

Informal

"叩き売り"

— Selling with loud shouting and heavy discounting (traditional).

バナナの叩き売り。

Cultural

"割引債 (Waribikisai)"

— Discount bond (a bond sold at less than face value).

割引債を購入する。

Financial

Easily Confused

割り引き vs 特売 (Tokubai)

Both mean paying less.

Tokubai is a 'special sale' event; Waribiki is the act/amount of the discount itself.

特売日に割り引きで買う。

割り引き vs 還元 (Kangen)

Both save the customer money.

Waribiki reduces the price immediately; Kangen returns value later (e.g., points).

10%還元は実質10%割り引きと同じだ。

割り引き vs 格安 (Kakuyasu)

Both imply low prices.

Kakuyasu describes a price that is already very low; Waribiki is the reduction from a higher price.

格安チケットをさらに割り引きする。

割り引き vs サービス (Sābisu)

Used loosely in shops.

Sābisu can mean a discount, but also a free item or good customer care.

デザートをサービス（無料）する。

割り引き vs 半額 (Hangaku)

It's a type of discount.

Hangaku is specifically 50% off; Waribiki is a general term for any percentage.

半額は最大の割り引きだ。

Sentence Patterns

[Item] wa waribiki desu ka?

Kono panya wa waribiki desu ka?

Waribiki de [Verb].

Waribiki de kaimashita.

[Number] wari-biki ni narimasu.

Ni-wari-biki ni narimasu.

[Condition] nara, waribiki ga arimasu.

Gakusei nara, waribiki ga arimasu.

Waribiki o tekyō shite kudasai.

Kūpon no waribiki o tekyō shite kudasai.

[Reason] node, waribiki dekimasu ka?

Koshō shite iru node, waribiki dekimasu ka?

Waribiki-ritsu o [Verb].

Waribiki-ritsu o settei suru.

Waribiki ni yoru [Noun].

Waribiki ni yoru keizai kōka.

Word Family

Nouns

割り引き (Waribiki - Discount)

割り引き券 (Waribikiken - Coupon)

割り引き率 (Waribikiritsu - Discount rate)

Verbs

割り引く (Waribiku - To discount)

割り引かれる (Waribikareru - To be discounted)

Adjectives

割り引きされた (Waribiki sareta - Discounted)

割る (Waru - To divide)

引く (Hiku - To pull)

値引き (Nebiki - Price reduction)

割引率 (Waribikiritsu - Discount percentage)

割安 (Wariyasu - Comparatively cheap)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily life, especially in retail and travel.

Common Mistakes

Saying 'Waribiki kudasai' to mean 'Split the bill'. → Warikan ni shimashō.
Waribiki is a discount; Warikan is splitting the bill. Using the wrong one can lead to awkward situations at restaurants.
Thinking '2-wari' means 2% off. → 2-wari = 20% off.
Japanese uses a base-10 'wari' system. 1-wari is 10%, not 1%.
Using 'waribiki' as a verb without 'suru'. → Waribiki shite kudasai.
In Japanese, nouns often need 'suru' to function as actions. 'Waribiki' alone is just the concept of a discount.
Asking for a 'waribiki' in a high-end restaurant. → Don't ask; it's culturally inappropriate.
Discounts are usually pre-advertised in Japan. Negotiating where it's not expected is seen as rude.
Confusing 'waribiki' with 'nebiki' in formal contracts. → Use 'waribiki-ritsu' for rates.
While similar, 'waribiki' is the standard financial term for rates and yields.

Tips

The Bento Hunt

Visit supermarkets after 7 PM. Staff walk around with sticker guns applying 'waribiki' stickers. It's a great way to experience a local Japanese custom and save money on dinner.

Noun vs Verb

Always remember that 'waribiki' is a noun. Don't say 'Kore o waribiki kudasai'. Say 'Kore o waribiki shite kudasai'. The 'shite' (doing) is necessary.

The Wari Rule

Quick math: 1-wari = 10%. 5-wari = 50%. If you see '8-wari-biki', it's a huge 80% discount! Don't confuse it with 8% off.

Negotiating Politely

If you want to negotiate at an electronics store, use: 'Mō sukoshi o-nebiki dekimasen ka?' (Could you give me a slightly larger discount?). It's softer than 'waribiki'.

Spotting the Kanji

Look for the character '引'. It looks like a bow being pulled back. This represents 'pulling' the price down.

Rail Discounts

If you travel more than 601km round trip on the Shinkansen, you can get an 'Oufuku-waribiki' (Round-trip discount). Always ask at the ticket office!

Shortened Forms

In casual settings, 'Gakusei Waribiki' is almost always shortened to 'Gakuwari'. Use this to sound more like a local.

Exclusion Signs

Watch out for '対象外' (Taishō-gai). If this is on a tag, the 'waribiki' does NOT apply to that item, even during a sale.

App Coupons

Download store apps (like Uniqlo or McDonald's). They often have 'Waribiki kūpon' that you just show at the register.

The Meaning of Wari

The kanji 割 (wari) also means 'to split'. Think of splitting the price tag in half for a discount!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Wari' as 'Worry' and 'Biki' as 'Big-key'. Don't WORRY, the BIG-KEY to saving money is a discount!

Visual Association

Imagine a pair of scissors (Waru/Divide) cutting a price tag, and a hand pulling (Hiku) the cut piece away.

Word Web

Money Shopping Coupon Sale Cheap Price Store Percent

Challenge

Go to a Japanese supermarket or website and find three items with a 'waribiki' sticker. Calculate the final price in your head.

Word Origin

Derived from the combination of the kanji 割 (wari) and 引 (hiki). 割 comes from the verb 'waru', meaning to divide or split. 引 comes from 'hiku', meaning to pull or subtract.

Original meaning: To subtract a proportion of the total cost.

Sino-Japanese (Kanjigo).

Cultural Context

Avoid aggressively asking for 'waribiki' in places like hospitals, high-end traditional inns, or luxury boutiques, as it may be viewed as disrespectful.

Unlike in some Western countries where 'discount' can sometimes imply 'lower quality', in Japan, 'waribiki' is seen as a positive reward for loyalty or timing.

Japanese Supermarket 'Time Sales' in anime like 'Ben-To'. Mobile carrier commercials (Softbank's Shirato family ads). New Year 'Fukubukuro' (lucky bags) which are essentially huge discounts.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Supermarket

タイムセールで割り引きになる。
割り引きシールが貼ってある。
3割引きのシールを探す。
レジで割り引きを忘れない。

Movie Theater

学生割引はありますか？
レディースデーの割り引きを使う。
シニア割り引きの対象年齢。
前売りチケットの割り引き。

Electronics Store

まとめ買いで割り引きしてもらう。
他店より安ければ割り引きする。
ポイント還元か割り引きか選ぶ。
展示品の割り引きを交渉する。

Travel Agency

早期予約の割り引きを利用する。
団体割り引きの最低人数。
往復割り引きで切符を買う。
キャンペーンの割り引きコード。

Online Shopping

割り引きクーポンを入力する。
初回限定の割り引きを受ける。
割り引き後の合計金額を確認。
期間限定の割り引きセール。

Conversation Starters

"「このお店、学生割引はありますか？」 (Does this shop have a student discount?)"

"「タイムセールは何時から割り引きになりますか？」 (From what time does the time sale discount start?)"

"「たくさん買うので、少し割り引きしてもらえませんか？」 (Since I'm buying a lot, could you give me a bit of a discount?)"

"「割り引きクーポンはどうやって使えばいいですか？」 (How should I use the discount coupon?)"

"「これ、割り引き後の値段はいくらですか？」 (How much is this after the discount?)"

Journal Prompts

今日、割り引きで買ったものについて書いてください。いくら安くなりましたか？ (Write about something you bought with a discount today. How much cheaper did it get?)

日本とあなたの国では、割り引きの習慣はどう違いますか？ (How are discounting customs different between Japan and your country?)

「割り引き」という言葉を聞くと、どんな気持ちになりますか？ (How do you feel when you hear the word 'waribiki'?)

スーパーのタイムセールに行ったことがありますか？その時の様子を書いてください。 (Have you ever been to a supermarket time sale? Describe the scene.)

もしあなたがお店のオーナーなら、どんな割り引きを考えますか？ (If you were a shop owner, what kind of discount would you create?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It means 30% off. In Japan, '1-wari' is 10%. So '3-wari' is 30%. The 'biki' means it is subtracted from the original price. If you see '3-wari-biki', you pay 70% of the original cost. This is one of the most important things to remember when shopping in Japan to avoid confusion at the register.

Not on its own. While the verb 'waribiku' exists, it is quite formal and less common in daily speech. Usually, you should use 'waribiki suru' (to do a discount) or 'waribiki ni naru' (to become discounted). For example, 'Kore o waribiki shite kudasai' is much more natural than just saying 'waribiki' as a verb. In casual settings, 'yasuku shite' (make it cheap) is also used.

They are very similar, but 'waribiki' (percentage reduction) is often a set rule or promotion (like 10% off for everyone). 'Nebiki' (price reduction) is often used when a specific amount is taken off, or when you negotiate a lower price personally with a clerk. In a business contract, 'waribiki' is the standard term for a discount rate. In a supermarket, you will see 'waribiki' stickers.

It depends on the context. In department stores, supermarkets, or high-end boutiques, it is generally considered rude or inappropriate as prices are fixed. However, in electronics stores (like Bic Camera or Yodobashi Camera), flea markets, or when buying large items like cars, negotiation is common. Always use polite language like 'O-nebiki dekimasen ka?' instead of demanding 'Waribiki shite!'

'Gakuwari' is a very common abbreviation for 'Gakusei Waribiki' (Student Discount). Students in Japan can get discounts on trains, movies, museums, and even software by showing their 'Gakuseishō' (Student ID). If you are a student, always look for the word '学割' on signs to save money.

Those are discount stickers. Supermarkets in Japan discount fresh food (bento, sushi, bread) as the day progresses to clear stock. They usually start with '10% biki', move to '30% biki', and eventually 'Hangaku' (half price). If you see a red or yellow sticker with '30%引き', it means 30% will be taken off the price at the register.

Look for a field labeled '割り引きコード' (Waribiki kōdo) or 'クーポンコード' (Kūpon kōdo) during the checkout process. Enter your code and click a button that usually says '適用' (Tekyō - Apply). The 'Waribiki-go no kingaku' (amount after discount) should then be displayed before you finalize the purchase.

Generally, no. It is almost exclusively used for prices, rates, or financial values. For reducing things like speed, weight, or volume, other words like 'gensoku' (reduce speed) or 'genshō' (decrease) are used. However, you can 'discount' someone's story metaphorically using 'waribiite kangaeru' (take it with a grain of salt).

It is a neutral, standard word. It is used in both casual shopping and formal business contracts. To make it more polite in a retail setting, you can add 'go' to make 'go-waribiki', or use the more respectful 'o-nebiki' when speaking to a customer or negotiating with a partner.

'Sōki-waribiki' means 'Early Bird Discount'. It is commonly found in travel bookings (hotels, flights) and for event tickets. If you book several weeks or months in advance, you receive a 'waribiki' as an incentive. It's a great way to travel cheaply in Japan.