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할인하다

A2 verb #1,500 most common 14 min read

할인하다

harindada Top 1,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 할인하다 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 할인하다 in your Level:

At the A1 beginner level, learning the word '할인하다' (to discount) is an exciting step into practical, everyday Korean. When you first arrive in Korea or start learning the language, one of the most immediate needs is understanding how to buy things. Numbers, money, and shopping vocabulary are foundational. '할인하다' introduces you to the concept that prices can change. At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex grammar. Focus on recognizing the word when you see it on signs. You will often see the noun form '할인' (discount) written in big letters on store windows, often accompanied by a percentage like '50% 할인'. This simply means the item is cheaper than usual. You should learn the most basic, polite phrase to ask for a discount: '할인해 주세요' (Please give me a discount). Even if you can't form a full, complex sentence, pointing to an item and saying '이거 할인해 주세요?' (Can you discount this?) will be understood by shopkeepers. It's a survival phrase. You will also hear shop assistants say '할인해요' (It is discounted) when you ask about a price. Understanding this word helps you save money and makes your shopping experience in Korea much more interactive and enjoyable. Practice combining it with basic numbers and the word for money (원 - won). For example, '천 원 할인해 주세요' (Please discount 1,000 won). This simple application of the word will give you a great sense of accomplishment in your early language learning journey.

As you progress to the A2 elementary level, your understanding and usage of '할인하다' should become more structured and versatile. You are no longer just memorizing a survival phrase; you are starting to understand how the verb functions within sentences. At this level, you should be comfortable using the object marker '을/를' with the word for price '가격'. So, instead of just saying '할인해 주세요', you can say '가격을 할인해 주세요' (Please discount the price). You will also start to encounter the passive form '할인되다' (to be discounted). This is crucial because often, you want to ask if an item itself is subject to a discount. You can ask, '이 바지는 할인이 되나요?' (Is this pair of pants discounted?). Furthermore, at the A2 level, you begin to learn about conditions and reasons. You can start using '할인하다' with grammar points like '-(으)면' (if) or '-아/어서' (because). For example, '학생증이 있으면 할인해 줘요' (If you have a student ID, they give a discount) or '오늘 비가 와서 우산을 할인해요' (Because it's raining today, they are discounting umbrellas). You should also be able to distinguish '할인하다' from the informal '깎다' (to haggle), knowing that '할인하다' is better suited for stores with fixed prices and official promotions, while '깎다' is for the street market. Your vocabulary around shopping will expand to include words like '영수증' (receipt), '현금' (cash), and '카드' (card), all of which frequently appear in conversations involving discounts.

Reaching the B1 intermediate level means you can handle most everyday situations in Korea, and your use of '할인하다' reflects this growing independence. You are now navigating more complex consumer environments, particularly online shopping, which is a massive part of Korean life. You will encounter terms like '쿠폰을 적용해서 할인하다' (to discount by applying a coupon) or '마일리지로 할인받다' (to receive a discount using mileage points). At this stage, you should be comfortable discussing the specifics of a discount. You can ask detailed questions like '이 카드로 결제하면 몇 퍼센트 할인되나요?' (If I pay with this card, what percentage is discounted?). You will also start using '할인하다' in the context of memberships and loyalty programs, which are ubiquitous in Korea. Phrases like '통신사 멤버십 할인' (telecom membership discount) will become part of your active vocabulary. Grammatically, you can use more complex structures to express intention or future plans regarding sales. For instance, '다음 주에 백화점에서 크게 할인할 예정이니까 그때 사려고요' (The department store plans to offer a big discount next week, so I intend to buy it then). You also understand the cultural nuance that asking for a discount is a normal part of consumer behavior in certain contexts, but you know exactly how to phrase it politely and appropriately using honorifics when necessary, such as '할인해 주실 수 있으신가요?' (Would you be able to give a discount?).

At the B2 upper-intermediate level, your command of '할인하다' extends beyond personal shopping into more professional, abstract, or news-related contexts. You can understand and discuss the economic reasons behind discounts. You might read a news article or watch a broadcast explaining that a company is '재고를 소진하기 위해 대폭 할인하다' (discounting heavily to exhaust inventory). Your vocabulary expands to include related economic terms like '소비 촉진' (promoting consumption), '물가' (prices/cost of living), and '프로모션' (promotion). In a business context, you can use '할인하다' during negotiations. For example, '대량으로 구매하시면 단가를 15% 할인해 드릴 수 있습니다' (If you purchase in bulk, we can discount the unit price by 15%). You are comfortable with advanced grammatical structures that express concession or contrast, such as '정기 세일 기간이라서 할인하기는 하지만, 여전히 비싸네요' (They are discounting it because it's the regular sale period, but it's still expensive). You also understand idiomatic or extended uses of the concept of discounting. For instance, you might hear someone say '그 사람의 말은 어느 정도 할인해서 들어야 해' (You have to listen to his words with a grain of salt / literally: listen to his words at a discount), meaning you shouldn't believe everything they say fully. This metaphorical use shows a deep, nuanced understanding of the verb's semantic range.

At the C1 advanced level, '할인하다' is fully integrated into your comprehensive vocabulary, allowing you to discuss complex economic theories, marketing strategies, and consumer psychology. You can analyze the impact of aggressive discounting on a brand's image, using sophisticated phrasing. For example, you might argue, '과도하게 할인하는 정책은 단기적인 매출 상승에는 기여할지 모르나, 장기적으로는 브랜드 가치를 훼손할 우려가 있습니다' (A policy of excessive discounting might contribute to a short-term increase in sales, but there is a concern that it will damage brand value in the long run). You are completely comfortable with formal, written Korean (문어체) and can easily substitute '할인하다' with its more formal or academic synonyms like '인하하다' (to lower) or '감면하다' (to reduce/exempt) depending on the exact context, such as tax reductions or interest rate cuts. You can read and comprehend detailed financial reports or marketing analyses that discuss '할인율' (discount rate), '현금 할인' (cash discount), or '조기 결제 할인' (early payment discount). Furthermore, you can effortlessly navigate complex contractual language regarding pricing and discounts. Your understanding of the cultural and economic history of retail in Korea allows you to contextualize why certain discount structures exist, such as the intense competition among e-commerce platforms leading to '상시 할인' (always-on discounts). Your speech and writing are highly accurate, nuanced, and culturally informed.

At the C2 mastery level, your use of '할인하다' and its related concepts is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You possess a deep, almost intuitive understanding of the word's etymology (割 - divide, 引 - pull) and how this Sino-Korean root connects to other vocabulary. You can engage in high-level academic, macroeconomic, or philosophical discussions where the concept of 'discounting' is used in abstract ways. For instance, in a discussion about environmental economics, you might discuss '미래 가치를 현재 가치로 할인하다' (discounting future value to present value), a core concept in cost-benefit analysis. You can effortlessly critique socio-economic phenomena, such as the psychological manipulation inherent in '미끼 상품' (loss leaders) and how retailers use complex discount algorithms to maximize profit while creating the illusion of consumer surplus. You are adept at using rhetorical devices, satire, or irony involving the concept of discounts. Your command of the language allows you to play with the word, creating novel expressions or understanding obscure literary references. At this level, '할인하다' is not just a word for shopping; it is a conceptual tool you use to analyze value, perception, and human behavior within the complex framework of modern capitalism and Korean society. You can read classic literature, modern legal documents, and cutting-edge economic papers, fully grasping every nuance of how price reduction is articulated.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

할인하다 in 30 Seconds

Means 'to discount' or 'reduce price'.
Used in stores, online, and business.
Combine with '가격' (price) or percentages.
Polite request: '할인해 주세요'.

The Korean verb '할인하다' (hal-in-ha-da) is an essential vocabulary word for anyone navigating the vibrant and dynamic consumer culture of South Korea. At its core, this word translates to 'to discount' or 'to deduct an amount from the usual price.' Understanding this word goes far beyond merely knowing its dictionary definition; it opens up a window into the everyday interactions between buyers and sellers in various retail environments, ranging from modern, multi-story department stores in Gangnam to the bustling, historic alleys of Namdaemun Market. The word is composed of the Hanja characters 割 (hal), which means 'to divide' or 'to cut,' and 引 (in), which means 'to pull' or 'to draw.' When combined with the native Korean verb '하다' (ha-da), meaning 'to do,' it literally forms the action of cutting and pulling down a price. This linguistic structure is quite common in the Korean language, where Sino-Korean nouns are transformed into active verbs. When you hear or use '할인하다,' it usually implies a formal or structured reduction in price, often initiated by the seller as part of a promotion, seasonal sale, or special event. This is slightly different from the concept of haggling, which is often expressed with the native Korean verb '깎다' (kkak-da). While '깎다' involves a negotiation process where the buyer actively requests a lower price, '할인하다' is frequently used to describe the objective fact that a price has been lowered. For instance, a store sign might boldly declare '50% 할인' (50 percent discount), indicating a fixed, non-negotiable reduction applied to the merchandise. In modern South Korea, a highly digitized and consumer-driven society, you will encounter this word constantly. Whether you are browsing popular e-commerce platforms like Coupang or Naver Shopping, or walking through the underground shopping malls of Seoul Metro stations, the concept of discounting is ubiquitous. Retailers use various strategies to attract customers, and offering a '할인' is perhaps the most effective. The verb can be conjugated in numerous ways to fit different levels of politeness and tenses, making it highly versatile. For example, in a polite, formal setting, you might hear '할인해 드립니다' (We offer a discount for you), whereas in a more casual context, someone might say '이거 할인해?' (Is this discounted?). The cultural significance of getting a good deal cannot be overstated. In many Asian cultures, including Korea, being a smart shopper who knows how to find and utilize discounts is considered a valuable life skill. Therefore, mastering the word '할인하다' and its associated vocabulary will not only help you save money but also allow you to participate more fully in the daily rhythms of Korean life. It empowers you to ask questions about pricing, understand promotional materials, and engage in basic financial transactions with confidence. As you continue to study Korean, you will find that '할인하다' frequently collocates with words like '가격' (price), '요금' (fare or fee), and '비용' (cost). It is also commonly used in compound forms or related phrases such as '할인권' (discount coupon), '할인율' (discount rate), and '학생 할인' (student discount). By internalizing the meaning and usage of '할인하다,' you are taking a significant step toward functional fluency in Korean, equipping yourself with the linguistic tools necessary to navigate the economic landscape of the country effectively and confidently.

Etymology: From Sino-Korean 割引 (hal-in) meaning discount, plus the native verb 하다 (ha-da) meaning to do.

Usage Context: Used primarily in retail, business, and service sectors to indicate a reduction in the standard price of goods or services.

Grammar Role: It functions as a transitive verb, typically taking an object marker (을/를) with words like price (가격) or amount (금액).

이 가게는 학생들에게 물건을 할인하다.

백화점에서 겨울옷을 크게 할인하다.

온라인 쇼핑몰에서 쿠폰을 적용하여 가격을 할인하다.

비수기에는 항공권 가격을 많이 할인하다.

단골손님에게는 특별히 요금을 할인하다.

Using '할인하다' correctly involves understanding its grammatical properties and the contexts in which it is appropriate. As a standard '-하다' verb, it follows all the regular conjugation rules of the Korean language, making it relatively straightforward for learners to adopt. In the present tense, polite form, it becomes '할인해요' (hal-in-hae-yo). If you are speaking in a more formal setting, such as a business transaction or a public announcement, you would use the formal polite form '할인합니다' (hal-in-ham-ni-da). When asking a question, you simply raise your intonation at the end of '할인해요?' or use the formal interrogative '할인합니까?'. The past tense is '할인했어요' (hal-in-haess-eo-yo) or '할인했습니다' (hal-in-haess-seum-ni-da), and the future tense is '할인할 거예요' (hal-in-hal geo-ye-yo) or '할인하겠습니다' (hal-in-ha-gess-seum-ni-da). Syntactically, '할인하다' is a transitive verb, which means it requires a direct object. The object is typically the price (가격), the fee (요금), or the item itself (물건). Therefore, you will frequently see it paired with the object particles '을' or '를'. For example, '가격을 할인해요' means 'I/they discount the price.' However, in casual spoken Korean, these particles are often dropped, so you might just hear '가격 할인해요'. Another very common and polite way to use this verb is with the auxiliary verb '주다' (to give), forming '할인해 주다' (to give a discount). This is the standard way to request a discount politely: '할인해 주세요' (Please give me a discount). This phrasing softens the request, making it sound more like a favor you are asking of the shopkeeper rather than a demand. You can also specify the amount or percentage of the discount. For instance, '십 퍼센트 할인해 주세요' means 'Please give me a 10 percent discount.' Alternatively, you can state the monetary amount: '천 원 할인해 주세요' (Please discount it by 1,000 won). In passive constructions, where the focus is on the item being discounted rather than the person doing the discounting, you would use '할인되다' (to be discounted). For example, '이 상품은 할인이 되나요?' translates to 'Is this product discounted?' Understanding the distinction between the active '할인하다' and the passive '할인되다' is crucial for natural communication. Furthermore, '할인하다' is often modified by adverbs to indicate the scale of the discount. Words like '많이' (a lot), '크게' (greatly), or '조금' (a little) are frequently placed before the verb. For example, '오늘 많이 할인해요' means 'They are discounting a lot today.' Mastering these various forms and collocations will significantly enhance your ability to communicate effectively in any retail or financial situation in Korea. It allows you to not only understand what is being offered but also to actively participate in negotiations and inquiries about pricing.

Conjugation: Present: 할인해요 / Past: 할인했어요 / Future: 할인할 거예요.

Passive Form: 할인되다 (to be discounted) is used when the subject is the item itself.

Polite Request: 할인해 주세요 (Please give me a discount) is the most common way to ask.

사장님, 이 구두 조금만 할인하다 주시면 안 될까요?

우리는 대량 구매 고객에게 특별히 할인하다 드립니다.

신제품 출시 기념으로 기존 모델을 할인하다.

회원 카드가 있으면 10%를 할인하다 받을 수 있습니다.

통신사 멤버십으로 영화표를 할인하다 받았습니다.

The verb '할인하다' is ubiquitous in South Korea, a country renowned for its dynamic retail sector and enthusiastic consumer culture. You will hear and see this word in almost every commercial environment imaginable. One of the most common places is in large department stores (백화점) like Lotte, Shinsegae, and Hyundai. During seasonal changes, national holidays like Chuseok or Seollal, or special promotional periods like the 'Korea Sale Festa,' these stores are plastered with signs announcing '정기 할인' (regular discount) or '특별 할인' (special discount). Sales associates will frequently use the verb to entice shoppers, explaining how much a particular luxury item or clothing piece has been discounted. Beyond high-end retail, '할인하다' is heavily used in everyday shopping venues such as supermarkets (대형 마트) like E-mart or Homeplus. Here, you will hear announcements over the public address system detailing which grocery items are currently being discounted. '오늘만 이 가격으로 할인합니다' (We are discounting to this price for today only) is a standard phrase echoing through the aisles. The realm of online shopping (온라인 쇼핑) is another massive domain for this word. South Korea has one of the highest e-commerce penetration rates in the world. Platforms like Coupang, 11st, and Gmarket constantly use the concept of discounting to drive sales. You will see buttons and banners offering '즉시 할인' (instant discount) or '쿠폰 할인' (coupon discount). When checking out online, the system will calculate how much the total has been '할인된 금액' (discounted amount). Furthermore, the service industry relies heavily on discounts to attract specific demographics. For example, movie theaters, amusement parks, and public transportation often offer '학생 할인' (student discount), '경로우대 할인' (senior citizen discount), or '통신사 할인' (telecom carrier discount). In these contexts, you will often need to ask, '학생 할인 되나요?' (Is the student discount available?) or '이 카드 할인해 주나요?' (Does this card give a discount?). Even in the B2B (business-to-business) sector, '할인하다' is a critical term during negotiations, where companies discuss wholesale discounts or early payment discounts. Traditional markets (전통시장) like Dongdaemun or Namdaemun also see the use of this word, though in these settings, the more informal '깎다' (to haggle) might be equally prevalent. However, even market vendors will use '할인하다' when they want to present a price drop as a formal, special offer rather than the result of haggling. Understanding the various environments where '할인하다' is deployed will give you a comprehensive view of the Korean economy at the micro-level. It reveals a society that values smart consumption, loyalty programs, and promotional marketing. By recognizing this word in its many contexts, you can navigate the Korean commercial landscape much more effectively, taking advantage of the myriad deals and offers that are a staple of daily life in Korea.

Department Stores: Used extensively during seasonal sales and holiday promotions to attract shoppers.

E-commerce: A staple word on websites and apps for applying coupons and instant price drops.

Service Industry: Commonly heard when discussing telecom benefits, student rates, or senior discounts.

마트에서 저녁 시간이 되면 신선 식품을 할인하다.

인터넷 쇼핑몰에서 주말 특가로 가전제품을 할인하다.

놀이공원에서 수험생을 대상으로 입장료를 할인하다.

기차표를 미리 예매하면 요금을 할인하다 줍니다.

식당에서 점심시간에만 특별히 메뉴를 할인하다.

When learning the verb '할인하다,' Korean language learners often encounter a few common pitfalls that can lead to misunderstandings or slightly unnatural phrasing. The most frequent mistake is confusing '할인하다' with the native Korean verb '깎다' (kkak-da). While both words relate to reducing a price, their connotations and usage contexts are distinctly different. '할인하다' implies a formal, structured, or official reduction in price, usually determined by the seller or the store's policy. It is a noun-based verb (할인 + 하다) that sounds professional and objective. On the other hand, '깎다' literally means 'to cut' or 'to shave' and is used in the context of haggling or bargaining. If you are at a traditional market and you want to persuade the vendor to lower the price, you would say '좀 깎아 주세요' (Please cut the price a little). If you say '할인해 주세요' in this highly informal setting, it might sound a bit too formal or rigid, though still understood. Conversely, if you are at a high-end department store where prices are fixed, asking '깎아 주세요' is culturally inappropriate and will likely be met with a polite refusal, whereas asking '할인되는 카드 있어요?' (Are there any cards that offer a discount?) is perfectly normal. Another common mistake is using '할인하다' when you actually mean '세일하다' (to be on sale). '세일' is the English loanword 'sale,' and '세일하다' means a store is having a sale event. While a store that is '세일하다' will naturally '할인하다' its products, the terms are not always perfectly interchangeable in sentence structures. For example, you would say '백화점이 세일해요' (The department store is having a sale), but you wouldn't typically say '백화점이 할인해요' unless you specify what they are discounting (e.g., 백화점이 옷을 할인해요). Learners also sometimes struggle with the active versus passive forms. A common error is saying '이 옷이 할인해요' (This clothes discounts) instead of the correct passive form '이 옷이 할인돼요' (This clothes is discounted) or the active form with an omitted subject '이 옷을 할인해요' ([They] discount this clothes). Understanding when the item is the subject (requiring the passive) versus the object (requiring the active) is crucial for grammatical accuracy. Finally, learners might incorrectly attach percentage markers. In Korean, you say '10퍼센트 할인하다' (discount 10 percent), not '할인하다 10퍼센트'. The modifier must come before the verb. By paying attention to these nuances—distinguishing between formal discounts and haggling, understanding the difference between a sale event and a price reduction, mastering active/passive voice, and placing modifiers correctly—learners can use '할인하다' with the confidence and precision of a native speaker.

할인하다 vs 깎다: 할인하다 is for formal, official discounts. 깎다 is for informal haggling and bargaining.

Active vs Passive: Do not say '옷이 할인해요'. Use '옷이 할인돼요' (passive) or '옷을 할인해요' (active).

Word Order: The amount or percentage of the discount must precede the verb, e.g., '50% 할인하다'.

시장에서 물건값을 할인하다 (Incorrect context) -> 시장에서 물건값을 깎다 (Correct).

이 가방이 할인하다 (Incorrect grammar) -> 이 가방이 할인되다 (Correct).

백화점이 할인하다 (Awkward) -> 백화점이 세일하다 (Better).

할인하다 20퍼센트 (Incorrect order) -> 20퍼센트 할인하다 (Correct).

가격을 할인하다 주세요 (Incorrect form) -> 가격을 할인해 주세요 (Correct).

The Korean language offers a rich vocabulary for discussing prices, reductions, and economic transactions, providing several alternatives and nuanced synonyms for '할인하다'. Understanding these similar words will greatly expand your fluency and allow you to grasp subtle differences in tone and context. As previously mentioned, the most common related word is '깎다' (kkak-da). While '할인하다' is the formal term for a discount, '깎다' is the colloquial, everyday term for haggling or cutting a price. It implies a personal negotiation between the buyer and the seller. Another highly relevant term is '인하하다' (in-ha-ha-da). This is a more formal, often economic or academic term that means 'to lower' or 'to reduce.' While '할인하다' is typically used for consumer goods and retail discounts, '인하하다' is used for broader economic metrics, such as lowering interest rates (금리를 인하하다), reducing taxes (세금을 인하하다), or a general drop in market prices (가격을 인하하다). It carries a heavier, more official weight than '할인하다'. A slightly older, more traditional term for a discount or an allowance is '에누리하다' (e-nu-ri-ha-da). '에누리' refers to the amount reduced from the asking price, often in a traditional market setting. While less common among younger generations today, you might still hear it used by older merchants or in historical contexts. It has a charming, old-fashioned feel to it. The English loanword '세일하다' (se-il-ha-da) is also ubiquitous. It means 'to have a sale.' While '할인하다' focuses on the action of reducing the price of a specific item, '세일하다' describes the event or the state of the store offering lower prices generally. You can think of '세일' as the event and '할인' as the mechanism. Another related concept is '환불하다' (hwan-bul-ha-da), which means 'to refund.' While not a synonym for discounting, it is part of the same retail vocabulary cluster that learners must master. Similarly, '보상하다' (bo-sang-ha-da) means to compensate or reward, sometimes used in the context of trade-in discounts (보상 판매). By learning these related terms, you can navigate any financial or retail conversation in Korea. You will know exactly when to ask for a '할인', when it's appropriate to try and '깎다', and you will understand the news when the government decides to '인하하다' public utility charges. This semantic web of vocabulary is crucial for achieving a high level of proficiency in Korean.

깎다 (kkak-da): To cut or haggle. Used in informal settings like traditional markets for personal negotiation.

인하하다 (in-ha-ha-da): To lower or reduce. A formal term used for taxes, interest rates, or official price drops.

세일하다 (se-il-ha-da): To have a sale. An English loanword describing the promotional event itself.

공식 매장에서는 할인하다 (discount), 시장에서는 깎다 (haggle).

정부가 유류세를 인하하다 (lower), 마트가 우유를 할인하다 (discount).

백화점이 봄 정기 세일하다 (have a sale), 전 품목을 20% 할인하다 (discount).

할머니가 시장에서 에누리하다 (make an allowance), 편의점은 통신사 카드로 할인하다 (discount).

가격을 할인하다 (discount the price), 가격을 내리다 (drop the price).

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

V-아/어 주다 (Asking for a favor: 할인해 주세요)

N(으)로 (Method/Means: 카드로 할인받다)

V-기 때문에 (Reason: 세일 기간이기 때문에 할인하다)

V-(으)면 (Condition: 회원가입을 하면 할인해 줍니다)

Passive Verbs (할인되다 vs 할인하다)

Examples by Level

사과를 할인해요.

They discount apples.

Subject is omitted. Object + verb.

이거 할인해 주세요.

Please discount this.

Verb + 아/어 주세요 (polite request).

오늘 우유 할인해요?

Do you discount milk today?

Question form with raised intonation.

50% 할인해요.

It is a 50% discount.

Number + 퍼센트 (percent).

할인 많이 해요.

They discount a lot.

Adverb 많이 (a lot) before the verb.

가방을 할인했습니다.

They discounted the bag.

Past tense formal (했습니다).

할인 안 해요.

They don't discount.

Negative form using 안.

천 원 할인해 줘요.

They discount 1,000 won.

Specific amount + 할인해 주다.

학생증이 있으면 할인해 줍니다.

If you have a student ID, they give a discount.

-(으)면 (if) condition.

이 신발은 할인이 안 돼요.

These shoes are not discounted.

Passive form 할인되다 with negative 안.

가격을 조금만 할인해 주시겠어요?

Could you please discount the price a little?

Polite request using -시겠어요.

주말이라서 옷을 할인해요.

Because it's the weekend, they are discounting clothes.

-아/어서 (because) for reason.

현금으로 내면 할인해 줘요?

If I pay in cash, do you give a discount?

Instrumental particle -(으)로.

어제 마트에서 고기를 할인했어요.

Yesterday, the mart discounted meat.

Past tense with time word (어제).

할인하는 물건이 어디에 있어요?

Where are the discounted items?

Verb modifying a noun (할인하는 + 물건).

쿠폰을 쓰면 만 원을 할인해 줍니다.

If you use a coupon, they discount 10,000 won.

Using object marker with specific amount.

온라인으로 예약하시면 20퍼센트 할인해 드립니다.

If you book online, we will give you a 20% discount.

Honorific form -해 드립니다.

이 카드로 결제할 경우 추가로 할인됩니다.

In case you pay with this card, it is additionally discounted.

-ㄹ 경우 (in case of) and adverb 추가로 (additionally).

재고 정리를 위해서 전 품목을 할인하고 있습니다.

We are discounting all items for inventory clearance.

-기 위해서 (in order to) and present progressive -고 있다.

할인 기간이 끝나기 전에 빨리 사야겠어요.

I should buy it quickly before the discount period ends.

-기 전에 (before) and obligation -아/어야겠다.

통신사 멤버십 포인트로 영화표를 할인받았어요.

I got a discount on the movie ticket using telecom membership points.

Passive/Receive form 할인받다.

원래 가격에서 30% 할인된 가격으로 샀습니다.

I bought it at a price discounted by 30% from the original price.

Past participle modifying noun (할인된 가격).

단골손님이니까 특별히 더 할인해 드릴게요.

Since you are a regular customer, I will specially discount it more for you.

-(으)니까 (since/because) expressing reason.

할인 행사를 한다는 소식을 듣고 백화점에 갔어요.

I went to the department store after hearing the news that they are having a discount event.

Indirect quotation modifying a noun (-는다는 소식).

항공사들은 비수기에 탑승률을 높이기 위해 항공권을 대폭 할인합니다.

Airlines heavily discount tickets during the off-season to increase boarding rates.

Formal vocabulary (비수기, 탑승률) and adverb 대폭 (heavily).

신제품이 출시되면서 기존 모델의 가격을 일제히 할인하기 시작했다.

As the new product was launched, they began to discount the prices of existing models all at once.

-(으)면서 (while/as) and -기 시작하다 (begin to).

아무리 할인한다고 해도 내 예산으로는 감당하기 힘든 가격이다.

No matter how much they say they discount it, it's a price that's hard to afford with my budget.

Concessive structure 아무리 -ㄴ다고 해도 (no matter how much).

그 회사는 신규 고객 유치를 목적으로 첫 달 요금을 전액 할인해 주는 파격적인 프로모션을 진행 중이다.

The company is running an unprecedented promotion that discounts the first month's fee in full for the purpose of attracting new customers.

Complex noun phrase modification and formal business terms.

도매로 대량 구매할 경우 단가를 얼마나 할인해 주실 수 있는지 견적서를 부탁드립니다.

Please provide a quote on how much you can discount the unit price in case of a bulk wholesale purchase.

Indirect question -는지 and formal request phrasing.

그의 변명은 어느 정도 할인해서 들어야 상황을 객관적으로 파악할 수 있다.

You have to listen to his excuses with a grain of salt (discounted) to grasp the situation objectively.

Metaphorical/idiomatic use of 할인하다.

정부는 서민들의 물가 부담을 덜어주기 위해 한시적으로 농축산물을 할인하기로 결정했다.

The government decided to temporarily discount agricultural and livestock products to ease the burden of living costs for ordinary people.

-기 위해 (in order to) and -기로 결정하다 (decide to).

조건부 할인이기 때문에 약정 기간을 채우지 못하면 할인받은 금액을 반환해야 합니다.

Because it is a conditional discount, if you do not fulfill the contract period, you must return the discounted amount.

-기 때문에 (because) and conditional -(으)면.

유통업계는 소비 심리 위축을 타개하고자 연중 최대 규모의 할인 행사를 기획하고 있다.

The retail industry is planning the largest discount event of the year to overcome the shrinking consumer sentiment.

Advanced vocabulary (유통업계, 소비 심리 위축, 타개하다) and -고자 (intention).

과도한 출혈 경쟁으로 인한 무분별한 할인은 결국 기업의 수익성 악화와 브랜드 가치 하락을 초래할 뿐이다.

Indiscriminate discounting caused by excessive cutthroat competition will ultimately only result in deteriorating corporate profitability and a drop in brand value.

Complex cause-and-effect structure (-로 인한, -을 초래할 뿐이다).

이 쿠폰은 타 할인 혜택과 중복하여 적용할 수 없으며, 일부 특가 상품은 할인 대상에서 제외됩니다.

This coupon cannot be applied in overlap with other discount benefits, and some special-priced items are excluded from the discount target.

Formal written style (문어체) with -으며 and passive 제외되다.

구독 경제 모델에서는 초기 진입 장벽을 낮추기 위해 첫 결제액을 대폭 할인해 주는 미끼 전략이 흔히 사용된다.

In the subscription economy model, a bait strategy that heavily discounts the initial payment amount to lower the barrier to entry is commonly used.

Academic/business terminology (구독 경제, 진입 장벽, 미끼 전략).

소비자들은 표면적인 할인율에 현혹되기보다는 실제 지불해야 하는 최종 가격을 꼼꼼히 따져보는 지혜가 필요하다.

Consumers need the wisdom to carefully calculate the final price they actually have to pay, rather than being blinded by the superficial discount rate.

-기보다는 (rather than) and passive 현혹되다.

플랫폼 노동자들의 수수료를 일방적으로 할인하여 플랫폼의 수익을 보전하려는 시도는 강한 반발에 직면했다.

The attempt to preserve the platform's profits by unilaterally discounting the commission of platform workers faced strong backlash.

Advanced syntax modifying a noun (시도는 반발에 직면했다).

해당 카드의 전월 실적 조건을 충족해야만 명시된 주유비 할인 혜택을 온전히 누릴 수 있습니다.

You can fully enjoy the specified gas fee discount benefits only if you meet the previous month's performance conditions of the card.

-아/어야만 (only if) expressing a strict condition.

기업 가치 평가 시, 미래의 예상 현금 흐름을 적절한 할인율을 적용하여 현재 가치로 할인하는 작업이 필수적이다.

When evaluating corporate value, the task of discounting future expected cash flows to present value by applying an appropriate discount rate is essential.

Highly specialized financial terminology (기업 가치 평가, 현금 흐름, 현재 가치).

행동경제학적 관점에서 볼 때, 인간은 미래의 보상보다 현재의 보상을 과대평가하는 경향이 있어 미래 가치를 가파르게 할인한다.

From the perspective of behavioral economics, humans tend to overestimate present rewards over future rewards, thus discounting future value steeply.

Academic discourse marker (-관점에서 볼 때) and specialized terminology.

독과점적 지위를 지닌 플랫폼이 시장 지배력을 남용하여 입점 업체들에게 부당한 할인을 강요하는 행위는 공정거래법 위반 소지가 다분하다.

The act of a platform with a monopolistic status abusing its market dominance to force unfair discounts on tenant companies has a high potential for violating the Fair Trade Act.

Legal and economic phrasing (독과점적 지위, 시장 지배력 남용, 위반 소지).

정보의 비대칭성이 존재하는 중고차 시장에서는 구매자가 차량의 숨겨진 결함을 우려하여 적정 가격보다 더 크게 할인하여 구매하려는 '레몬 시장' 현상이 발생한다.

In the used car market where information asymmetry exists, a 'lemon market' phenomenon occurs where buyers try to purchase at a larger discount than the fair price out of concern for hidden defects in the vehicle.

Complex theoretical explanation embedded in a single sentence.

정치인의 공약은 선거철 특유의 과장된 수사를 감안하여 유권자 스스로가 일정 부분 할인해서 받아들이는 비판적 독해가 요구된다.

Voters are required to have a critical reading, accepting a politician's pledges at a discount to some extent, considering the exaggerated rhetoric unique to the election season.

Metaphorical use of '할인하다' combined with political vocabulary (공약, 수사, 유권자).

기축통화국의 양적 완화 정책은 본질적으로 자국 통화의 가치를 전 세계를 상대로 할인하는 행위와 다를 바 없다는 비판이 제기된다.

Criticism is raised that the quantitative easing policy of a key currency country is essentially no different from the act of discounting the value of its own currency against the whole world.

Macroeconomic theory and formal critique structure (-다는 비판이 제기된다).

예술 작품의 가치를 단순히 시장에서 거래되는 가격으로 환산하여 할인하는 것은 예술이 지닌 초월적이고 정신적인 의미를 폄훼하는 폭력이다.

Discounting the value of a work of art by simply converting it into a price traded in the market is a violence that disparages the transcendental and spiritual meaning that art possesses.

Philosophical/aesthetic argument using sophisticated vocabulary (환산하다, 초월적인, 폄훼하다).

복잡하게 설계된 통신 요금제의 약정 할인은 소비자에게 혜택을 주는 듯 보이나, 실상은 위약금이라는 족쇄를 채워 이탈을 방지하는 교묘한 락인(Lock-in) 전략에 불과하다.

The contract discount of a complexly designed telecom rate plan seems to give benefits to consumers, but in reality, it is nothing more than a clever lock-in strategy that prevents defection by shackling them with penalty fees.

Critical analysis using metaphorical language (족쇄를 채우다) and business terms (락인 전략).

역사적 트라우마를 겪은 세대의 고통을 현재의 잣대로 함부로 재단하고 그 무게를 할인하려는 어떠한 시도도 결코 정당화될 수 없다.

Any attempt to recklessly judge the pain of a generation that has experienced historical trauma by present standards and to discount its weight can never be justified.

Highly formal, emotive, and abstract usage of '할인하다' applied to historical weight.

Common Collocations

가격을 할인하다

요금을 할인하다

대폭 할인하다

특별 할인하다

현금으로 할인하다

쿠폰으로 할인하다

비용을 할인하다

운임을 할인하다

전 품목을 할인하다

추가로 할인하다

Common Phrases

할인해 주세요

할인 되나요?

학생 할인

통신사 할인

정기 할인

마감 할인

무료 배송 및 할인

할인 행사

할인 쿠폰

할인 혜택

Often Confused With

할인하다 vs 깎다 (To haggle/cut - used for informal, personal price negotiation)

할인하다 vs 세일하다 (To have a sale - refers to the event, not the specific action of reducing a price)

할인하다 vs 인하하다 (To lower - used for formal economic terms like taxes or interest rates, not usually for retail goods)

Idioms & Expressions

"가격을 후려치다"

"반값에 넘기다"

"밑지고 팔다"

"눈물의 땡처리"

"거저 주다"

"헐값에 팔다"

"에누리 없는 장사 없다"

"본전도 못 찾다"

"떨이로 팔다"

"출혈 경쟁을 하다"

Easily Confused

할인하다 vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

nuance

Implies a systemic or official reduction rather than a personal favor, though it can be used to request a favor politely.

formality

Highly versatile. Can be used in the most formal business contracts (할인합니다) and casual conversations (할인해).

colloquialisms

Often shortened to '할인' in text messages or quick speech, e.g., '이거 할인?' (Is this a discount?).

Common Mistakes

Saying '할인하다 10퍼센트' instead of '10퍼센트 할인하다'. The modifier must come first.
Using '할인하다' in a traditional market to haggle, instead of the more natural '깎다'.
Saying '이 옷이 할인해요' (active) instead of '이 옷이 할인돼요' (passive).
Forgetting to use '주세요' when requesting a discount, making it sound like a demand.
Confusing '할인하다' (to reduce price) with '세일하다' (to have a sale event).

Tips

Use '주다' for Requests

When asking someone to give you a discount, always attach the auxiliary verb '주다' (to give). Say '할인해 주세요' instead of just '할인해요'. This changes the nuance from a statement ('You discount') to a polite request ('Please give me a discount').

Percent vs Pro

When talking about discount rates, Koreans frequently use the word '프로' (pro) instead of '퍼센트' (percent). For example, '50프로 할인' (50 pro hal-in) is extremely common in spoken Korean. Both are correct, but '프로' sounds very natural in casual speech.

Look for the Red Signs

In Korean shopping districts, the word '할인' is almost always written in bold red or yellow letters to grab attention. If you see a big red sign with a percentage and the word '할인', you know a sale is happening.

Active vs Passive

Pay close attention to what the subject of your sentence is. If the subject is the store (e.g., 백화점이), use the active '할인하다'. If the subject is the item (e.g., 가방이), use the passive '할인되다'.

Online Shopping

If you shop online in Korea, memorize the phrase '할인 적용' (apply discount). You will often need to click a button with this phrase to activate your coupons before checking out.

Softening the Request

To sound even more polite when asking for a discount, add '조금만' (just a little). '조금만 할인해 주시겠어요?' (Could you please discount it just a little?) sounds much softer and more persuasive than a blunt demand.

Compound Words

'할인' is highly productive and forms many compound words. Learn '할인권' (discount ticket/coupon), '할인율' (discount rate), and '할인점' (discount store like E-mart) to rapidly expand your vocabulary.

Card Discounts

Korea is a heavily cashless society. Many discounts are tied to specific credit cards. Get used to the phrase '특정 카드 할인' (specific card discount). Clerks will often ask, '할인되는 카드 있으세요?' (Do you have a card that offers a discount?).

Supermarket Announcements

When shopping at a large mart, listen for the bell ringing and an announcement starting with '고객 여러분...' (Dear customers...). This is usually followed by a flash sale announcement using the word '할인합니다'.

Modifying Nouns

To say 'discounted item', use the modifying form '할인하는'. For example, '할인하는 물건' (discounting item) or '할인된 가격' (discounted price). This is essential for describing things you bought.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine 'hauling in' (hal-in) a big net full of cheap, discounted goods.

Word Origin

Sino-Korean

Cultural Context

Korea has massive nationwide sale events like 'Korea Sale Festa' (the Korean equivalent of Black Friday) where '대폭 할인' (massive discounts) are heavily advertised.

Telecom companies (SKT, KT, LG U+) offer extensive membership points that can be used to '할인하다' prices at convenience stores, bakeries, and cinemas.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"혹시 학생 할인 되나요? (Do you happen to offer a student discount?)"

"이 카드로 결제하면 얼마나 할인돼요? (How much is discounted if I pay with this card?)"

"지금 백화점에서 겨울옷 할인한대요. 같이 갈래요? (I heard the department store is discounting winter clothes now. Want to go together?)"

"쿠폰 적용해서 할인받는 방법 좀 알려주세요. (Please tell me how to get a discount by applying a coupon.)"

"이거 너무 비싼데, 조금만 할인해 주시면 안 될까요? (This is too expensive, couldn't you discount it just a little?)"

Journal Prompts

Describe the best discount (할인) you ever got while shopping.

Write about the differences between haggling in a market and getting a discount in a modern store.

How do you usually find out about items that are discounted (할인하는 물건)?

Write a short dialogue between a customer asking for a discount and a shop clerk.

Do you think excessive discounting (과도한 할인) is good or bad for the economy? Why?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

While people will understand you, it sounds a bit too formal and stiff for a street market. In traditional markets or when haggling with a street vendor, it is much more natural to use the verb '깎다' (kkak-da). You would say '좀 깎아 주세요' (Please cut the price a little). '할인하다' is better suited for stores with fixed prices, like department stores or online shops.

'할인하다' is the active verb meaning 'to discount'. The subject is the person or store doing the discounting (e.g., The store discounts the shoes). '할인되다' is the passive form meaning 'to be discounted'. The subject is the item itself (e.g., The shoes are discounted). If you want to ask if an item is on sale, you should use the passive: '이거 할인돼요?' (Is this discounted?).

In Korean, the modifier comes before the verb. You use Sino-Korean numbers for percentages. So, you would say '이십 퍼센트 할인하다' (20 percent discount) or '이십 프로 할인하다' (using 'pro', a common slang for percent). Never put the percentage after the verb.

It depends entirely on the context. In large department stores, supermarkets, or chain restaurants, prices are strictly fixed, and asking for a personal discount is not customary (though you can ask if there are any ongoing promotions or card discounts). In smaller, independent shops, underground malls, or traditional markets, asking for a small discount or a 'service' (free extra item) is a normal and expected part of the shopping culture.

Yes, absolutely. It can be used for services, fees, and fares. For example, you can use it for a haircut (미용실 요금을 할인하다), a bus fare (버스 요금을 할인하다), or a subscription service (구독료를 할인하다). The core meaning of reducing a set price applies universally.

'학생 할인' (hak-saeng hal-in) translates to 'student discount'. It is a very common type of promotion in Korea. Movie theaters, amusement parks, museums, and sometimes public transportation offer reduced prices for students. You usually need to present a valid student ID (학생증) to receive it.

You can ask, '할인 쿠폰 있어요?' (Do you have a discount coupon?). If you are asking a store clerk if they are currently offering any coupons, you might say '적용할 수 있는 할인 쿠폰이 있나요?' (Are there any discount coupons I can apply?).

The noun form is simply '할인' (hal-in), which means 'discount'. This is the word you will see printed on red sale tags, promotional banners, and website buttons. It is the root word to which the verb '하다' is attached.

In a metaphorical sense, yes, though it's an advanced usage. You might hear phrases like '그의 능력을 할인해서 평가하다' (to evaluate his abilities at a discount), meaning to underestimate him. However, for everyday conversation, it is strictly used for financial transactions.

'통신사 할인' (tong-sin-sa hal-in) refers to 'telecom carrier discounts'. In Korea, the major mobile network operators (SKT, KT, LG U+) provide their subscribers with membership cards or barcodes that offer discounts at various partner businesses, such as convenience stores, bakeries, and cinemas. It is a massive part of daily consumer life.