値引き in 30 Seconds
- Nebiki means a price reduction or discount, often represented as a flat amount taken off the original price in retail or business settings.
- It is commonly seen on red stickers in Japanese supermarkets late at night, indicating that food items are nearing their expiration and are cheaper.
- While similar to 'waribiki' (percentage discount), 'nebiki' often implies a specific negotiation or a reduction due to a particular reason like a scratch.
- In business, it refers to sales allowances or discounts given to clients, and it is a key term in procurement and accounting discussions.
The term 値引き (Nebiki) is a fundamental Japanese noun that translates directly to "price reduction" or "discount." It is composed of two kanji: 値 (ne) meaning "price" or "value," and 引き (hiki), the continuative form of the verb hiku, meaning "to pull" or "to subtract." Conceptually, you are "pulling the price down" from its original point. This word is ubiquitous in Japanese daily life, from the late-night supermarket runs where stickers are applied to bento boxes, to high-stakes business negotiations involving bulk orders.
- Etymological Root
- Derived from the action of subtracting a specific amount from a total price during a transaction.
- Grammatical Function
- Primarily a noun, but frequently functions as a suru-verb (値引きする) to describe the act of discounting.
- Visual Representation
- Often seen on red or yellow stickers in retail environments with the text '値引き' or '○円引き'.
閉店間際のスーパーでは、多くの商品に値引きシールが貼られます。(At supermarkets near closing time, discount stickers are placed on many products.)
Understanding nebiki requires recognizing its place within the Japanese economy of politeness and thrift. Unlike some cultures where haggling is the default, in Japan, nebiki is often a structured process. In large department stores, prices are fixed, but in electronics stores like Yodobashi Camera or in the vibrant markets of Osaka, nebiki koushou (discount negotiation) is an expected part of the social dance between buyer and seller.
このカメラ、もう少し値引きできませんか？ (Could you give me a bit more of a discount on this camera?)
The nuance of nebiki is specifically about the reduction of the price itself, often as a result of a request or a specific condition (like an item being damaged or near its expiration date). It differs slightly from waribiki, which usually refers to a percentage-based discount (like 20% off). When you ask for nebiki, you are often asking for a specific amount to be shaved off the final bill.
大量購入を条件に、大幅な値引きを勝ち取った。(We secured a significant discount on the condition of a bulk purchase.)
展示品だったので、特別に値引きしてもらった。(Since it was a display model, they gave me a special discount.)
予算オーバーなので、値引きの余地があるか確認した。(Since it was over budget, I checked if there was room for a discount.)
- Nebiki vs. Nesage
- Nesage is a general price drop by the store; Nebiki is often a specific reduction for a specific transaction.
- Common Pairing
- Often paired with 'koushou' (negotiation) to form 'nebiki koushou'.
Using 値引き (Nebiki) correctly involves understanding its grammatical versatility. As a noun, it functions as the object of verbs like suru (to do), motomeru (to request), or teian suru (to propose). In a retail setting, you will most commonly encounter it as a sticker or a verbal offer from a clerk. If you are the one asking, the phrasing needs to be polite to avoid sounding demanding.
- Verb Form
- 値引きする (Nebiki suru) - To discount. Example: 店員が値を引きしてくれた (The clerk discounted it for me).
- Passive Form
- 値引きされる (Nebiki sareru) - To be discounted. Example: この商品は値引きされません (This item will not be discounted).
- Causative Form
- 値引きさせる (Nebiki saseru) - To make someone discount. (Used in aggressive negotiation contexts).
現金で払うので、少し値引きしてもらえませんか？ (Since I'm paying in cash, could you give me a small discount?)
In business contexts, nebiki is a formal term used in invoices and contracts. It is often distinguished from rebate (rebates) or henpin (returns). When writing an email to a supplier, you might use nebiki no onegai (request for a price reduction) to discuss lowering costs due to market changes or long-term partnerships.
仕入れ価格の値引きについて、来週協議したい。(I would like to discuss the price reduction of the procurement cost next week.)
Socially, knowing when to ask for nebiki is key. In a high-end Ginza boutique, asking for a nebiki would be considered 'yabo' (uncouth). However, at a flea market (nominoichi) or an independent electronics retailer, it is almost expected. The phrase nebiki koushou no yochi (room for discount negotiation) is a common phrase used to describe whether a price is firm or flexible.
この物件は、まだ値引きの余地があります。(There is still room for a price reduction on this property.)
型落ちのモデルなので、大幅な値引きが期待できる。(Since it's an outdated model, a significant discount can be expected.)
まとめ買いをしたら、さらに値引きしてくれた。(When I bought in bulk, they discounted it even further.)
- Common Compound
- 値引き販売 (Nebiki hanbai) - Discount sale.
- Business Term
- 売上値引 (Uriage nebiki) - Sales allowance/discount in accounting.
You will encounter 値引き (Nebiki) in various settings across Japan, ranging from the mundane to the professional. The most common location is the local supermarket (suupaa). Around 7:00 PM or 8:00 PM, staff members walk around with label guns, applying nebiki shiiru (discount stickers) to prepared foods like sushi, bento, and fried chicken. Hearing the 'click-click' of the label gun often triggers a small crowd of savvy shoppers to gather.
- Supermarkets
- Announcements like 'Tadaima yori, osashimi o nebiki itashimasu' (We will now discount the sashimi).
- Electronics Stores
- Clerks saying 'Nebiki koushou, uketamawarimasu' (We accept discount negotiations).
- Real Estate
- Agents discussing 'Nebiki no kanousei' (Possibility of a price drop).
タイムセールで全品200円値引きです！ (Everything is 200 yen off for the time sale!)
In the world of Japanese television, especially variety shows or shopping channels, nebiki is a dramatic element. Hosts will beg a company representative for a 'shocking nebiki' to excite the audience. In news reports, you might hear about nebiki gassen (discount wars) between rival supermarket chains or gas stations trying to attract customers during economic downturns.
競合他社に対抗して、さらに値引きを断行した。(To compete with other companies, we resolutely carried out further discounts.)
In corporate Japan, nebiki is a constant topic in procurement and sales departments. During quarterly reviews, managers might ask why the nebiki-ritsu (discount rate) has increased, potentially hurting profit margins. It's a word that carries weight, signifying a compromise in value to ensure a transaction takes place.
不具合があったため、お詫びとして値引きを提案された。(Because there was a defect, a discount was proposed as an apology.)
このクーポンを使えば、さらに500円値引きになります。(If you use this coupon, it will be another 500 yen discount.)
新車を購入する際、下取り価格と値引き額を交渉した。(When buying a new car, I negotiated the trade-in price and the discount amount.)
- News Headline
- 'Gasorin nebiki gassen ga gekika' (Gasoline discount war intensifies).
- Store Signage
- 'Zaikohisou nebiki' (Clearance discount).
One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing 値引き (Nebiki) with 割引 (Waribiki). While both mean discount, they are used differently. Waribiki is usually a percentage (e.g., 20% off) or a pre-set discount for a category of people (student discount, senior discount). Nebiki is typically a flat amount taken off the price, often through negotiation or due to the condition of the specific item.
- Mistake 1: Wrong Context
- Using 'Gakusei nebiki' instead of 'Gakusei waribiki' (Student discount). Nebiki sounds like you negotiated with the school.
- Mistake 2: Over-negotiating
- Asking for nebiki in places with fixed prices, like convenience stores (konbini) or luxury brands.
- Mistake 3: Confusing with Nesage
- Nesage is when the store changes the price tag for everyone. Nebiki is often a specific deal for you or a specific item.
× 学生値引きはありますか？ → ○ 学生割引はありますか？ (Is there a student discount?)
Another mistake is the politeness level when asking for a discount. Simply saying "Nebiki shite" is very blunt and can be perceived as rude. In Japan, the request is usually framed as a humble inquiry or a conditional offer. Using phrases like "Sukoshi o-nebiki itadakemasen ka?" (Could I possibly receive a small discount?) is much more effective and culturally appropriate.
× もっと値引きしろ。 → ○ もう少しお安くなりませんか？ (Could it be a bit cheaper?)
Learners also struggle with the particle usage. It is nebiki o suru (to do a discount) or nebiki ni naru (to become discounted). Using ga instead of o can change the focus of the sentence in ways that might sound unnatural to native speakers. Additionally, remember that nebiki is a noun; you cannot say "nebiki-i" like an adjective.
× この本は値引きいです。 → ○ この本は値引きされています。(This book is discounted.)
× 値引きをください。 → ○ 値引きをお願いします。(Please give me a discount.)
× 値引きがある店。 → ○ 値引きをしてくれる店。(A store that gives discounts.)
- Nebiki vs. Sabisu
- 'Service' in Japan often means 'free of charge' or 'a little extra,' not necessarily a price reduction.
- Nebiki vs. Tokka
- 'Tokka' means a special bargain price set by the store, not a negotiated reduction.
Japanese has a rich vocabulary for the concept of "cheaper," and 値引き (Nebiki) is just one piece of the puzzle. Understanding the synonyms and related terms will help you choose the right word for the right situation. The most common sibling is 割引 (Waribiki), which we've noted is usually percentage-based. Then there is 値下げ (Nesage), which refers to the act of lowering the price across the board, often due to deflation or competition.
- 割引 (Waribiki)
- Percentage-based discount (e.g., 30% off). Used for coupons and standard reductions.
- 値下げ (Nesage)
- Price cut. A permanent or long-term reduction in the list price.
- 格安 (Kakuyasu)
- Bargain/Cheap. Used to describe something that is exceptionally low-priced (e.g., Kakuyasu SIM).
来週から全商品の値下げが始まります。(A price cut for all products starts next week.)
In more colloquial settings, especially in Western Japan (Kansai), you will hear the verb 負ける (Makeru). While it usually means "to lose," in a market context, it means the seller "loses" some of their profit to give you a better deal. Another term is おまけ (Omake), which refers to a free gift or a small extra added to the purchase, rather than a direct reduction in the price of the main item.
おっちゃん、これもうちょっと負けてや！ (Old man, lower the price on this a bit more! - Kansai dialect)
For formal business or accounting, you might see 控除 (Koujo), which means "deduction" (like tax deductions), or 減額 (Gengaku), which is a formal term for "reduction in amount." If you are looking for a bargain bin, look for 見切り品 (Mikirihin), which are items marked down for quick sale because they are near their expiration date or have damaged packaging.
このパンは見切り品なので、半額になっています。(This bread is a clearance item, so it's half price.)
早期予約による割引が適用されます。(An early bird discount will be applied.)
工事費の減額を求めて交渉を続けた。(We continued negotiations seeking a reduction in construction costs.)
- 激安 (Gekiyasu)
- Super cheap. Often used in advertising for extreme discounts.
- 安売り (Yasuyuri)
- A sale. The act of selling things cheaply.
How Formal Is It?
Difficulty Rating
Grammar to Know
～てくれる (Receiving a favor - 値引きしてくれる)
～てもらう (Asking for a favor - 値引きしてもらう)
～すぎる (Too much - 値引きしすぎる)
～やすい/～にくい (Easy/Hard to - 値引きしやすい)
～なら (If - まとめ買いなら値引きします)
Examples by Level
これは値引きできますか？
Can you discount this?
Simple question using 'dekimasu ka'.
50円の値引きです。
It is a 50 yen discount.
Using 'no' to connect the amount and the noun.
値引きシールがあります。
There is a discount sticker.
Noun + ga arimasu.
スーパーで値引きを待ちます。
I wait for a discount at the supermarket.
Object marker 'o' with 'machimasu'.
値引きはうれしいです。
I am happy about the discount.
Topic marker 'wa' with an adjective.
パンが値引きされています。
The bread is discounted.
Passive form 'sarete imasu'.
少し値引きしてください。
Please give me a small discount.
Request form 'shite kudasai'.
値引き後の値段はいくらですか？
What is the price after the discount?
'Go' meaning 'after'.
閉店前は値引きが多いです。
There are many discounts before closing.
Time marker 'mae' and 'ooi' adjective.
傷があるので、値引きしてもらいました。
Since there was a scratch, I got a discount.
Reason 'node' and 'shite morau' (to receive an action).
このクーポンで値引きになりますか？
Will this coupon result in a discount?
Instrumental 'de' and 'ni naru'.
値引き品だけを買いました。
I only bought discounted items.
'Dake' meaning 'only'.
店員さんに値引きをお願いしました。
I asked the clerk for a discount.
Polite 'o-onegai shimashita'.
タイムセールでさらに値引きされました。
It was discounted even further during the time sale.
Adverb 'sarani' (further).
値引きのルールを知りたいです。
I want to know the rules for discounting.
Object 'o' + 'shiritai' (want to know).
1000円以上の購入で値引きがあります。
There is a discount for purchases over 1000 yen.
'Ijou' meaning 'more than'.
大量に注文するので、値引きを検討してください。
Since we are ordering in bulk, please consider a discount.
Reason 'node' and 'kentou suru' (consider).
値引き交渉がうまくいきました。
The discount negotiation went well.
Compound noun 'nebiki koushou'.
これ以上の値引きは難しいと言われました。
I was told that further discounting would be difficult.
Passive 'iwaremashita' and 'kore ishou' (more than this).
予算に合わせるために、値引きが必要です。
In order to meet the budget, a discount is necessary.
'Tame ni' (in order to).
展示品限りの値引き販売を行っています。
We are having a discount sale limited to display items.
'Giri' (limited to) and 'hanbai' (sale).
値引き額を計算して、合計を出してください。
Calculate the discount amount and give me the total.
Te-form for sequence of actions.
不備があったお詫びに、値引きを提案された。
A discount was proposed as an apology for the defect.
Noun 'owabi' (apology) and passive 'teian sareta'.
値引き率が高すぎて、利益が出ません。
The discount rate is too high, so we aren't making a profit.
'Sugi' (too much) and 'rieki' (profit).
競合他社との価格競争で、大幅な値引きを余儀なくされた。
Due to price competition with competitors, we were forced to make significant discounts.
'Yogi naku sareta' (forced to do).
値引きの条件として、長期契約を提示した。
As a condition for the discount, I proposed a long-term contract.
'Jouken to shite' (as a condition).
売上値引の処理を会計ソフトで入力する。
Input the sales discount processing into the accounting software.
Technical term 'uriage nebiki'.
値引きの余地があるかどうか、上司に確認します。
I will check with my boss whether there is room for a discount.
'Yochi' (room/space) and 'ka dou ka' (whether or not).
過度な値引きはブランドイメージを損なう恐れがある。
Excessive discounting may damage the brand image.
'Osore ga aru' (there is a fear/risk that).
値引き後の実質価格で比較検討を行う。
Conduct a comparative study based on the actual price after discount.
'Jisshitsu kakaku' (actual/real price).
一律の値引きではなく、顧客ごとに対応を変える。
Instead of a flat discount, we change our response for each customer.
'Ichiritsu' (uniform/flat) and 'goto ni' (per/each).
値引き要請が強まり、経営を圧迫している。
Requests for discounts are intensifying, putting pressure on management.
'Yousei' (request/demand) and 'appaku' (pressure).
デフレ経済下では、値引きが常態化してしまっている。
Under a deflationary economy, discounting has become normalized.
'Joutai-ka' (normalization).
値引きによる需要喚起策は、短期的には有効だが副作用も大きい。
Measures to stimulate demand through discounts are effective in the short term but have significant side effects.
'Juyou kanki' (stimulating demand).
不当な値引き強要は、下請法に抵触する可能性がある。
Unjustly forcing discounts may violate the Subcontract Act.
'Teishoku suru' (to conflict with/violate).
値引きの心理的閾値を探るためのマーケティング調査を実施した。
We conducted marketing research to explore the psychological threshold for discounts.
'Shinriteki ikichi' (psychological threshold).
価格弾力性を考慮した上で、最適な値引き率を算出する。
Calculate the optimal discount rate after considering price elasticity.
'Kakaku danryokusei' (price elasticity).
値引きの原資をどこに求めるかが、今後の課題となる。
Where to find the source of funds for the discount will be a future challenge.
'Genshi' (source of funds).
流通段階での値引き慣行が、メーカーの収益を圧迫している。
Discounting practices at the distribution stage are squeezing manufacturers' profits.
'Kankou' (custom/practice).
値引きの是非を巡って、社内で激しい議論が交わされた。
Intense debate was held within the company regarding the pros and cons of discounting.
'Zehi o megutte' (concerning the right or wrong of).
値引きという行為が内包する、贈与経済的な側面を考察する。
Consider the gift-economy aspect inherent in the act of discounting.
'Naihou suru' (to involve/contain).
価格決定権の委譲に伴う、現場での恣意的な値引きを抑制する。
Suppress arbitrary discounting on the ground accompanying the delegation of price-setting authority.
'Shiiteki' (arbitrary).
値引きの連鎖が引き起こす、産業全体の地盤沈下を危惧している。
I am concerned about the subsidence of the entire industry caused by a chain of discounts.
'Jiban chinka' (subsidence/decline).
消費者の値引きに対する感応度は、景気動向に敏感に反応する。
Consumers' sensitivity to discounts reacts sensitively to economic trends.
'Kannou-do' (sensitivity).
値引きを戦略的変数として捉え、動的価格設定モデルを構築する。
Treat discounts as a strategic variable and build a dynamic pricing model.
'Senryakuteki hensuu' (strategic variable).
値引き交渉におけるレトリックの変遷を、社会言語学的に分析する。
Analyze the transition of rhetoric in discount negotiations from a sociolinguistic perspective.
'Retorikku' (rhetoric).
値引きの恒常化がもたらす、デフレ・スパイラルの深化を阻止せねばならない。
We must prevent the deepening of the deflationary spiral caused by the perpetuation of discounts.
'Koujou-ka' (perpetuation/becoming constant).
値引きという事象を、ミクロ経済学的な視点から再定義する。
Redefine the phenomenon of discounting from a microeconomic perspective.
'Saiteigi' (redefinition).
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Often Confused With
Waribiki is usually percentage-based; Nebiki is usually a flat amount.
Nesage is a general price drop; Nebiki is often specific to a person or item.
Yasuyuri is the act of having a sale; Nebiki is the reduction itself.
Idioms & Expressions
Easily Confused
Sentence Patterns
How to Use It
Commonly used for stickers and immediate reductions.
Used for allowances and negotiated price cuts.
Avoid asking for discounts in department stores or high-end restaurants.
- Using 'nebiki' for percentage discounts (use 'waribiki' instead).
- Asking for a 'nebiki' in a high-end department store like Mitsukoshi.
- Saying 'nebiki-i' as an adjective (it's a noun, use 'nebiki sareta').
- Forgetting the 'o' in formal situations ('o-nebiki').
- Confusing 'nebiki' (price reduction) with 'nesage' (price cut for everyone).
Tips
Supermarket Timing
Visit supermarkets after 8 PM to find the best 'nebiki' stickers. You can save up to 50% on fresh sushi and bento. It's a great way to eat high-quality food on a budget. Just be prepared for a bit of competition from other shoppers!
The Power of Cash
When negotiating a 'nebiki' at an electronics store, mention you are paying in cash. Stores often prefer cash over credit cards to avoid transaction fees. This can sometimes give you an extra 1-2% discount. Always ask politely: 'Genkin nara, motto nebiki dekimasu ka?'
Osaka Haggling
In Osaka, haggling is a social skill. Don't just ask for a discount; make it a conversation. If you buy multiple items, use that as leverage. A common phrase is 'Makete kuretara kau wa' (If you lower it, I'll buy it).
Sticker Colors
Learn to recognize the colors of 'nebiki' stickers. Red and yellow are the most common. A sticker with '引' (hiki) means a flat amount off, while '%' means a percentage off. Knowing this at a glance helps you shop faster.
Email Etiquette
When asking for a 'nebiki' in a business email, always provide a justification. Whether it's a bulk order or a long-term partnership, a reason makes the request professional. Use formal language like 'Go-kentou itadakereba saiwai desu' (We would be grateful if you would consider it).
Flea Markets
Flea markets (nominoichi) are the best places to practice your 'nebiki' skills. Prices are rarely fixed. Start by asking 'Kore, ikura desu ka?' and then follow up with a polite request for a lower price if you think it's too high.
Suru-Verb Usage
Remember that 'nebiki' can be a verb. 'Nebiki suru' is what the shop does. 'Nebiki shite morau' is what you receive. Using the correct verb structure makes your Japanese sound much more natural.
Track Your Savings
Many Japanese budgeting apps have a specific category for 'nebiki' or savings. Tracking how much you save through discounts can be a great motivator for learning the language and culture of thrift in Japan.
Watch the Locals
If you're unsure if you can ask for a 'nebiki,' watch what other customers are doing. If you see someone else negotiating or if the clerk seems open to it, go for it. Observation is the best teacher in Japanese social settings.
Learn the Antonym
Knowing 'neage' (price hike) is just as important as 'nebiki.' If you hear 'neage' in the news, it means prices are going up. This helps you understand the broader economic context in Japan.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Ne' (Price) and 'Biki' (Bikini). Imagine a price tag wearing a bikini—it's been 'stripped down' or reduced!
Word Origin
Cultural Context
Haggling is expected and seen as a sign of a savvy shopper.
Always check the price online first; stores like Bic Camera will often match or 'nebiki' to beat the price.
Don't hover too closely to the clerk while they are applying stickers; wait until they finish.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Conversation Starters
"この店、値引き交渉できるかな？ (I wonder if we can negotiate a discount at this store?)"
"スーパーの値引きシール、何時ぐらいに貼られるか知ってる？ (Do you know what time they put the discount stickers on at the supermarket?)"
"値引きしてもらったおかげで、予算内に収まったよ。 (Thanks to the discount, I stayed within budget.)"
"これ、展示品だから値引きしてくれないかな？ (Since this is a display model, I wonder if they'll discount it?)"
"最近、ガソリンの値引き合戦がすごいね。 (The gasoline discount war is crazy lately, isn't it?)"
Journal Prompts
今日、値引き品でいくら節約できたか書いてみましょう。 (Write about how much you saved today with discounted items.)
値引き交渉をしたことがありますか？その時の経験を書いてください。 (Have you ever negotiated a discount? Write about that experience.)
日本のスーパーの値引き文化についてどう思いますか？ (What do you think about the discount culture in Japanese supermarkets?)
もし自分が店主なら、どんな時に値引きをしますか？ (If you were a shop owner, when would you give a discount?)
「値引き」と「ブランド価値」の関係について考えてみましょう。 (Think about the relationship between 'discounts' and 'brand value'.)
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNebiki usually refers to a specific amount of money taken off the price, often through negotiation or due to a specific reason like a scratch. Waribiki usually refers to a percentage-based discount, like 20% off, and is often applied to categories of people or via coupons. In daily use, they are sometimes interchangeable, but nebiki feels more like a 'subtraction' while waribiki feels like a 'rate reduction.' For example, you would say 'student waribiki,' not 'student nebiki.' Conversely, a sticker saying '50 yen off' is a 'nebiki' sticker.
Haggling, or 'nebiki koushou,' is acceptable in certain environments but not others. It is very common in large electronics retailers like Yodobashi Camera or Bic Camera, especially if you show them a lower price from a competitor. It is also expected at flea markets and independent shops. However, it is generally not done in department stores, convenience stores, or chain clothing stores like Uniqlo. In Osaka, haggling is more culturally ingrained than in Tokyo.
Most Japanese supermarkets start applying 'nebiki' stickers to prepared foods (bento, sushi, side dishes) about 2-3 hours before closing. The first discount is often 10-20%, and it increases as closing time approaches, sometimes reaching 50% (half price, or 'hangaku'). The exact timing depends on the store, but 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM is a common window for the first round of stickers. Look for the staff member carrying a small handheld printer.
To ask for a discount politely, use phrases like 'Mou sukoshi o-yasuku narimasen ka?' (Could it be a bit cheaper?) or 'Nebiki wa kanou desu ka?' (Is a discount possible?). If you have a reason, state it first: 'Kizu ga aru node...' (Because there is a scratch...). Avoid being demanding. Using the 'o' prefix (o-nebiki) makes the word sound more respectful. In business, you might say 'Nebiki no go-kentou o onegai shimasu' (Please consider a discount).
'500-en hiki' (500円引き) means 500 yen off the original price. The 'hiki' comes from the word 'nebiki' or the verb 'hiku' (to subtract). You will see this on coupons, posters, and stickers. It is a very common way to express a flat-rate discount in Japan. If the price was 2000 yen, a '500-en hiki' makes it 1500 yen.
Generally, no. For services, 'waribiki' is much more common. You would hear 'gakusei waribiki' (student discount) for a train ticket or 'shokai waribiki' (first-time discount) for a hair salon. 'Nebiki' is primarily associated with physical goods and the 'pulling down' of a set price. However, in a B2B service contract, 'nebiki' might be used during price negotiations.
'Hangaku' (半額) means 'half price.' It is the ultimate form of 'nebiki' that shoppers look for in supermarkets. When you see a '半額' sticker, it means the item is 50% off. This usually happens very close to the store's closing time or for items that must be sold that day. It is a very popular word among budget-conscious students and families.
A 'nebiki gassen' (値引き合戦) is a 'discount war.' This happens when competing businesses continuously lower their prices to attract customers. You often hear this term in the news regarding gas stations, mobile phone carriers, or supermarket chains. While good for consumers in the short term, it is often discussed as a sign of a struggling economy or intense, sometimes unhealthy, competition.
Usually, the 'nebiki' amount is subtracted from the pre-tax price, and then tax is calculated on the remaining amount. However, it depends on the store's system. On a 'nebiki' sticker in a supermarket, the amount (like 50 yen off) is usually taken off the final displayed price. Always check if the price on the tag is 'zei-komi' (tax included) or 'zei-nuki' (tax excluded).
'Uriage nebiki' (売上値引) refers to 'sales allowances' or 'sales discounts.' In accounting, this is when a company reduces the amount a customer owes after the sale has been recorded, often due to defects in the goods or a delay in delivery. It is recorded as a deduction from gross sales to arrive at net sales. It is a standard term in Japanese bookkeeping (Boki).
Test Yourself 180 questions
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
値引き (Nebiki) is your go-to word for 'discount' when you are dealing with a specific price reduction, whether it's a sticker on your dinner at the supermarket or a hard-won price cut in a business deal.
- Nebiki means a price reduction or discount, often represented as a flat amount taken off the original price in retail or business settings.
- It is commonly seen on red stickers in Japanese supermarkets late at night, indicating that food items are nearing their expiration and are cheaper.
- While similar to 'waribiki' (percentage discount), 'nebiki' often implies a specific negotiation or a reduction due to a particular reason like a scratch.
- In business, it refers to sales allowances or discounts given to clients, and it is a key term in procurement and accounting discussions.
Supermarket Timing
Visit supermarkets after 8 PM to find the best 'nebiki' stickers. You can save up to 50% on fresh sushi and bento. It's a great way to eat high-quality food on a budget. Just be prepared for a bit of competition from other shoppers!
The Power of Cash
When negotiating a 'nebiki' at an electronics store, mention you are paying in cash. Stores often prefer cash over credit cards to avoid transaction fees. This can sometimes give you an extra 1-2% discount. Always ask politely: 'Genkin nara, motto nebiki dekimasu ka?'
Osaka Haggling
In Osaka, haggling is a social skill. Don't just ask for a discount; make it a conversation. If you buy multiple items, use that as leverage. A common phrase is 'Makete kuretara kau wa' (If you lower it, I'll buy it).
Sticker Colors
Learn to recognize the colors of 'nebiki' stickers. Red and yellow are the most common. A sticker with '引' (hiki) means a flat amount off, while '%' means a percentage off. Knowing this at a glance helps you shop faster.
Example
値引きします。
Related Content
Related Grammar Rules
More Shopping words
航空券
A1An airline ticket or electronic document issued by an airline or travel agency that entitles the bearer to a seat on a flight. It serves as proof of purchase and is required to receive a boarding pass at the airport.
割引
A1A reduction in the price of a product or service, often expressed as a percentage or a specific amount. It is commonly used in shopping and business contexts to encourage sales or provide benefits to specific groups.
割り引き
A1A reduction made from the gross amount or value of something, such as a price or a bill. It is commonly used in shopping and business contexts to describe paying less than the original price.
料金
A1Ryōkin refers to a fee, charge, or fare paid in exchange for a specific service or the use of a facility. It is commonly used for things like utility bills, transportation fares, and admission fees.
定価
A1The fixed or list price of an item as determined by the manufacturer or retailer. It represents the official price before any discounts, taxes, or negotiations are applied.
乗車券
A1A passenger ticket used for travel on public transportation, such as trains, buses, or ships. It specifically refers to the document or digital proof that allows a person to board a vehicle for a certain distance or route.
代金
A1Daikin refers to the specific amount of money paid or to be paid in exchange for goods or items purchased. It is most commonly used in retail and commercial contexts when referring to the payment for a physical product.
薬局
A1A pharmacy or drugstore where medicines are prepared, dispensed, and sold. In Japan, it specifically refers to establishments that handle medical prescriptions from doctors.
値下げ
A1A price reduction or markdown on goods or services. It refers to the act of lowering the cost of an item from its original price, often to increase sales or clear stock.
値上げ
A1The act of increasing the price or cost of a product or service. It is used when a seller or the market raises the amount of money required to purchase something.
