In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe sales or price reductions in any shopping context.
- The number used represents the percentage of the price you pay.
- Essential for bargaining and navigating retail stores in Chinese-speaking regions.
Meaning
This phrase is what you say when a price gets lowered or a store has a sale. It is the go-to way to talk about getting a bargain or asking for a discount.
Key Examples
3 of 7Shopping at a mall
这件衣服打折吗？
Is this piece of clothing on sale?
Seeing a big sale sign
哇！全场打五折！
Wow! Everything is 50% off!
Negotiating at a market
老板，多买几件能打折吗？
Boss, can I get a discount if I buy a few more?
Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, the discount system is inverse to the Western system; '8折' means 80% of the original price, not 80% off. This system dates back to traditional bookkeeping where prices were calculated in tenths (deciles).
The Math Flip
Always remember that Chinese discounts are the 'inverse' of Western ones. 7折 is 30% off, not 70% off. Don't get confused and think a 9折 sale is better than a 2折 sale!
Ask for the 'Lowest'
If you want the absolute best price, ask '最低打几折?' (What's the lowest discount you can give?). It shows you're a serious buyer.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to describe sales or price reductions in any shopping context.
- The number used represents the percentage of the price you pay.
- Essential for bargaining and navigating retail stores in Chinese-speaking regions.
What It Means
打折 is the standard way to say 'to give a discount.' In Chinese, 打 is a versatile verb meaning 'to hit' or 'to do,' and 折 refers to a fold or a fraction. Together, they describe the act of reducing a price. It is the bread and butter of shopping talk.
How To Use It
Using this is a bit like a math puzzle. In English, '20% off' means you pay 80%. In Chinese, you say the percentage you actually pay. So, 打八折 means you pay 80% of the price. If you see 打一折, run to that store! You are paying only 10% of the original price. You can use it as a verb or a noun.
When To Use It
You will use this everywhere. Use it at the mall when you see a big red sign. Use it at a street market when you are trying to save a few bucks. You can even use it metaphorically. If someone’s story sounds too good to be true, you might say their words need a 'discount.' It is perfect for texting friends about a weekend sale.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this at high-end luxury boutiques with guards at the door. They usually do not negotiate. Also, avoid using it for 'coupons' or 'cash back.' Those have their own specific words. If you are at a fancy business dinner, do not ask the waiter for a 打折 unless you want to look a bit cheap in front of your clients.
Cultural Background
Bargaining is an art form in many parts of China. While modern malls have fixed prices, smaller shops expect a little back-and-forth. The word 折 comes from the idea of 'folding' the price down. It reflects a culture that loves a good deal. Finding a 打折 item is often seen as a sign of being a smart, savvy shopper.
Common Variations
You will often hear 打对折, which means a 50% discount (literally 'folding it in half'). If you want to ask for a discount, you say 打不打折?. If they are stubborn, you might ask for a 折扣, which is the noun form for 'discount.' Just remember: the lower the number after 打, the better the deal for your wallet!
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and can be used in almost any shopping situation. The main 'gotcha' is the numerical system—always subtract the Chinese number from 10 to find the Western 'percentage off' equivalent.
The Math Flip
Always remember that Chinese discounts are the 'inverse' of Western ones. 7折 is 30% off, not 70% off. Don't get confused and think a 9折 sale is better than a 2折 sale!
Ask for the 'Lowest'
If you want the absolute best price, ask '最低打几折?' (What's the lowest discount you can give?). It shows you're a serious buyer.
Fixed Price Zones
In big supermarkets like Walmart or Carrefour, prices are usually fixed unless there is a printed sale sign. Don't try to haggle with the cashier there!
Examples
7这件衣服打折吗？
Is this piece of clothing on sale?
A very common way to ask if an item has a discount.
哇！全场打五折！
Wow! Everything is 50% off!
Using '5折' means the price is halved.
老板，多买几件能打折吗？
Boss, can I get a discount if I buy a few more?
A classic bargaining tactic using the phrase as a verb.
如果我们的订货量大，您可以打几折？
If our order volume is large, what kind of discount can you give?
Used here to negotiate bulk pricing in a professional setting.
那家店在打折，快去看看！
That store is having a sale, go check it out!
Informal notification to a friend.
他说的话，你得打个折听。
You have to take what he says with a grain of salt.
A humorous, metaphorical use meaning 'don't believe it 100%.'
我昨天买的时候还没打折，真可惜。
It wasn't on sale when I bought it yesterday, what a pity.
Expressing regret about missing a price drop.
Test Yourself
You want to ask if a pair of shoes is on sale. Which word fits?
这双鞋___吗？
`打折` is the specific term for price discounts.
If a sign says '打八折', how much of the original price do you pay?
打八折的意思是支付原价的___。
In the Chinese system, the number represents the percentage of the price you pay (8 = 80%).
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
When to Use '打折'
Bargaining at a street market with a vendor.
便宜点，打个折吧！
Asking a clerk at a standard retail store.
请问现在打折吗？
Negotiating contract prices in a meeting.
我们可以讨论一下折扣率。
Common '打折' Scenarios
Clothing Store
Seasonal clearance sales
Supermarket
Buy one get one deals
Online Shopping
Double 11 (Singles Day) deals
Business
Bulk purchase discounts
Practice Bank
2 exercises这双鞋___吗？
`打折` is the specific term for price discounts.
打八折的意思是支付原价的___。
In the Chinese system, the number represents the percentage of the price you pay (8 = 80%).
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, it is the most common way to say something is on sale or to ask for a discount. For example, 正在打折 means 'currently on sale.'
You would say 打八折. Remember, you say the percentage you pay (80%) rather than the amount taken off.
It is better to ask if they have any 优惠 (yōuhuì - promotions) or if you can use a specific app. Asking for a 打折 directly might feel a bit too blunt in a high-end setting.
打折 is usually a verb (to give a discount), while 折扣 is a noun (a discount). You can say 有折扣吗？ (Is there a discount?).
In markets and small shops, it is expected! In large malls, it is fine to ask 打折吗？ to see if there is an ongoing promotion.
You can say 打五折 or the more common 打对折 (dǎ duìzhé).
It means 'no discount' or 'fixed price.' If a vendor says this, they aren't willing to haggle.
Yes, you can ask 理发打折吗？ if they have a membership or a special promotion going on.
You would say 打八五折 (dǎ bā wǔ zhé), meaning you pay 85% of the price.
Yes, but in formal contracts, people often use 折扣 or 减免 (reduction). However, in verbal negotiations, 打折 is still very common.
打 is a 'dummy verb' in Chinese that can mean many things. Here, it signifies the action of applying a discount to a price.
It means 'sale season,' like the end-of-year sales or summer clearance periods.
Related Phrases
打对折
50% off / Half price
折扣
A discount (noun)
优惠
Promotion / Favorable price
讨价还价
To bargain / Haggle
