打折扣
dazhekou
To give a discount
Literally: {"\u6253":"to hit\/strike\/discount","\u6298\u6263":"discount"}
In 15 Seconds
- Literally means price discount.
- Figuratively means falling short of expectations.
- Use for sales or compromised performance.
- Avoid for total failures or serious issues.
Meaning
This phrase is super handy in Chinese! It literally means to give a discount on a price, like when you're shopping. But it also has a cool, slightly figurative meaning: when something or someone doesn't quite meet expectations, or a promise isn't fully kept. Think of it as a 'less than 100%' situation.
Key Examples
3 of 12Shopping at a clothing store
这家店新开张，所有商品都打八折。
This store just opened, all items are 20% off.
Texting a friend about a movie
电影票有点贵，我们看看有没有打折的。
Movie tickets are a bit expensive, let's see if there are any discounts.
Job interview (Zoom call)
虽然这个项目有挑战，但考虑到公司资源，我们可能需要打折扣来完成。
Although this project is challenging, considering the company's resources, we might need to compromise to complete it.
Cultural Background
The phrase `打折扣` likely emerged from the historical practice of merchants negotiating prices. The 'hitting' (`打`) of the price signifies the act of reducing it. The figurative extension reflects a cultural understanding of fairness and expectation – when a promise or effort is 'hit' or reduced, it's seen as not fully delivered. This reflects a value placed on sincerity and meeting one's commitments, even if the consequence is a 'discounted' outcome rather than outright failure.
The 'Hit' Factor
Remember `打` means 'to hit' or 'strike'. So `打折扣` is like 'hitting' the price down, or your expectations getting 'hit'!
Figurative vs. Literal
The magic is in the dual meaning! Use `打折` for simple price cuts, but `打折扣` (or `大打折扣`) when you want to talk about performance or promises that didn't quite make the cut.
In 15 Seconds
- Literally means price discount.
- Figuratively means falling short of expectations.
- Use for sales or compromised performance.
- Avoid for total failures or serious issues.
What It Means
This phrase, 打折扣, is a gem because it works in two main ways. The most common use is for actual price reductions. You see it in shops all the time! But its deeper meaning is about something falling short. Imagine a plan that didn't pan out perfectly. Or a person who promised a lot but delivered less. That's 打折扣. It carries a vibe of 'not quite there' or 'a bit compromised'.
How To Use It
When talking about prices, it's straightforward. You can say a store is 打折扣, or you're asking for a discount. For the figurative meaning, you'd say someone's efforts were 打折扣, or their explanation seemed 打折扣. It’s about a reduction from the ideal or expected. It's like saying something is 'diluted' or 'watered down' from its full potential. You wouldn't use it for a total failure, just a partial one. It’s subtle!
Real-Life Examples
- A shop owner might say: "本周全场八折！" (This week, everything is 20% off!)
- A friend might complain: "他答应帮我，结果只是象征性地打了个折扣。" (He promised to help me, but only gave token help.)
- You might notice: "这个新功能看起来很棒，但实际体验有点打折扣。" (This new feature looks great, but the actual experience is a bit compromised.)
- In a meeting: "我们对这个项目的期望很高，但考虑到现实情况，可能需要打折扣。" (We had high hopes for this project, but considering reality, we might need to compromise.)
When To Use It
Use 打折扣 when you're talking about sales and price cuts. Easy peasy! Also, use it when something isn't living up to its full potential. Did your friend promise to bake you a cake but only brought a cookie? Their baking effort was 打折扣. Is a movie trailer amazing, but the film itself is just okay? The movie experience is 打折扣. It's for when the reality is less than the promise or expectation. It’s not for total disasters, but for 'almost there' situations. Think of it as a gentle letdown.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use 打折扣 for absolute failures or zero results. If someone completely forgot your birthday, that's not 打折扣, that's a major oversight! Also, avoid using it for things that are inherently imperfect, like a baby's first steps. That's progress, not a discount! And definitely don't use it for serious emotional betrayals; it's too lighthearted for that. It’s not for when something is *bad*, but when it’s *less than expected*. It's like using a butter knife to cut a steak – it technically works, but it's not the right tool for the job.
Common Mistakes
Learners often get confused about the two meanings. They might use the price discount meaning when talking about performance, or vice-versa. Another mistake is using it for situations that are completely broken, not just partially compromised. Remember, it implies a reduction, not an absence, of quality or commitment. It's like trying to use 打折 (discount) to describe a terrible movie – it just doesn't fit the vibe!
✗ 他考试没考好，表现打折扣。
✓ 他考试没考好，表现大打折扣。
✗ 这个计划很棒，但是执行的时候打折扣了。
✓ 这个计划很棒，但是执行的时候大打折扣。
Similar Expressions
打折(dǎ zhé): This is the most common and direct way to say 'to give a discount' for prices.打折扣is slightly more formal and can also carry the figurative meaning. Think of打折as the everyday shopper's term, and打折扣as the one you might see in a slightly more official announcement or use for more nuanced situations.优惠(yōuhuì): This means 'preferential treatment' or 'discount'. It's often used for special offers or promotions. It's less about a direct price cut and more about a benefit. Like "会员专享优惠" (member-exclusive benefits).降价(jiàng jià): This simply means 'to lower the price'. It's very direct and factual, without the potential figurative meaning of打折扣.
Common Variations
The most common variation is simply 打折 (dǎ zhé), which is used almost exclusively for price reductions. When the figurative meaning is intended, sometimes people say 大打折扣 (dà dǎ zhé kòu), which intensifies the sense of falling short. It means the performance or promise is *severely* compromised. It’s like taking the original phrase and adding a megaphone to it!
Memory Trick
Imagine a store sign that says "SALE! 20% OFF!". That's 打折. Now, imagine the store owner looking stressed, saying, "Ugh, my profits are taking a hit!" He's literally giving a discount (打折扣), but also, his *effort* to make money is being 'hit' (打). So, 打 is the 'hit' or 'strike', and 折扣 is the 'discount'. When the discount is big, or the performance is bad, it's a big hit (大打折扣). It's like the phrase itself is taking a hit!
Quick FAQ
- What's the difference between
打折and打折扣?
打折 is mainly for prices, while 打折扣 can be for prices OR for performance/promises that fall short.
- Can
打折扣be used for negative things?
Yes, it's used when something doesn't meet expectations, implying a reduction in quality or fulfillment. It's not a total failure, but a compromise.
- Is it formal or informal?
It's generally neutral but can lean slightly formal, especially when used figuratively. 打折 is more informal for price discussions.
Cultural Context
The phrase 打折扣 likely emerged from the historical practice of merchants negotiating prices. The 'hitting' (打) of the price signifies the act of reducing it. The figurative extension reflects a cultural understanding of fairness and expectation – when a promise or effort is 'hit' or reduced, it's seen as not fully delivered. This reflects a value placed on sincerity and meeting one's commitments, even if the consequence is a 'discounted' outcome rather than outright failure.
Formality Level
neutral
Usage Notes
While `打折扣` can mean a literal price discount (often simplified to `打折`), its figurative use for compromised performance or unmet expectations is very common. Be mindful of context; using the literal meaning when a figurative one is intended, or vice versa, can lead to confusion. The intensified form `大打折扣` signifies a more severe compromise.
The 'Hit' Factor
Remember `打` means 'to hit' or 'strike'. So `打折扣` is like 'hitting' the price down, or your expectations getting 'hit'!
Figurative vs. Literal
The magic is in the dual meaning! Use `打折` for simple price cuts, but `打折扣` (or `大打折扣`) when you want to talk about performance or promises that didn't quite make the cut.
Don't Discount Serious Stuff!
Avoid using `打折扣` for major failures or betrayals. It's for 'less than ideal' or 'compromised' situations, not 'complete disaster'. You wouldn't say your friend's betrayal 'gave you a discount' – that's way too light!
The Value of Fullness
Chinese culture often values completeness and sincerity. When something `打了折扣`, it implies a lack of that full commitment or quality, which is why the figurative meaning carries a subtle critique.
Examples
12这家店新开张，所有商品都打八折。
This store just opened, all items are 20% off.
Here, `打折扣` (simplified to `打折`) is used for a direct price reduction during a promotion.
电影票有点贵，我们看看有没有打折的。
Movie tickets are a bit expensive, let's see if there are any discounts.
A common, informal way to ask about price reductions for tickets.
虽然这个项目有挑战，但考虑到公司资源，我们可能需要打折扣来完成。
Although this project is challenging, considering the company's resources, we might need to compromise to complete it.
Here, `打折扣` is used figuratively, meaning the project's scope or quality might be reduced due to constraints.
夏季大促销！全场商品一律打七折，快来抢购！#清仓 #打折季
Summer big sale! All items are 30% off, come grab them! #Clearance #DiscountSeason
Using `打折` in a social media context to announce a sale.
他说会准时到，结果迟到了半小时，他的承诺打了折扣。
He said he'd arrive on time, but he was half an hour late; his promise was compromised.
Figurative use: the promise wasn't fully kept, it was 'discounted'.
这个手机的电池续航能力有点打折扣，不如宣传的那么好。
This phone's battery life is a bit compromised; it's not as good as advertised.
Figurative use, indicating the performance is less than expected.
✗ 他考试没考好，表现打折扣。
✗ He didn't do well on the exam, his performance was discounted.
While understandable, `大打折扣` is more common for significantly reduced performance.
✗ 他今天心情不好，给我的服务打折扣。
✗ He's in a bad mood today, he gave my service a discount.
This sounds like the service itself was cheaper, not that the quality of service was lower due to his mood.
就便宜一块钱？这折扣打得也太‘实在’了吧！
Only one dollar cheaper? That's a really 'generous' discount!
Sarcastic use of `折扣` to highlight a minimal price reduction.
我们必须在预算内完成，所以一些非核心功能可能要打折扣。
We must finish within budget, so some non-core features might have to be compromised.
Figurative use: reducing the scope or ambition of features.
我们找到了一家超划算的酒店，足足打了六折！
We found a super affordable hotel, it was a whopping 40% off!
Emphasizing a significant price reduction in a travel context.
他虽然没完全做到，但看得出来他尽力了，只是有些方面打了折扣。
Although he didn't fully achieve it, you can tell he tried his best, just that some aspects were compromised.
A nuanced figurative use, acknowledging effort while noting shortcomings.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct word.
The phrase `打折` means to give a discount. `打` is the verb that pairs with `折` (discount).
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
`打折扣` implies a reduction from the full promise, not a complete absence of fulfillment. If the promise was entirely unmet, '实现' (fulfill) is a better word.
Choose the sentence that uses the phrase correctly.
Which sentence uses `打折扣` correctly?
Option A uses `打折扣` for price reduction. Option B uses it figuratively for performance falling short. Option C uses it figuratively for compromising the project scope. All are correct usages.
Translate this sentence into Chinese.
The phrase `打了折扣` captures the idea of something being less than complete or fully convincing.
Fill in the blank with the correct word.
Here, `打折扣` is used figuratively to mean that expenses were reduced or compromised due to budget limitations.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
While `打折` is a common colloquialism for price reduction, when used as a noun meaning 'a discount', the correct term is `折扣`. The sentence implies a large *amount* of discount, making `折扣` the appropriate noun.
Choose the correct option.
Which phrase means 'to give a discount'?
`打折扣` is the standard collocation for giving a discount, especially in a slightly more formal or figurative context. `打折` is also very common for prices.
Put the words in the correct order to form a meaningful sentence.
This sentence means 'Today there are many discounts.' It's a common way to announce sales.
Translate this sentence into English.
The phrase `有些打折扣` implies that the promise wasn't fully kept or is unreliable.
Match the Chinese phrase with its meaning.
Understanding the context helps differentiate the literal price meaning from the figurative one.
Fill in the blank with the correct word.
This sentence uses `打折扣` figuratively, meaning 'to compromise' or 'to reduce' the quality, which is a common advanced usage.
Put the words in the correct order to form a meaningful sentence.
This sentence means 'His promise was compromised.' It uses the figurative meaning of `打折扣`.
🎉 Score: /12
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum of 打折扣
Rarely used here. Maybe in slang contexts but not typical.
这衣服打五折！(This clothing is 50% off!)
Commonly used for price reductions, often simplified to `打折`.
今天买东西能打折吗？(Can I get a discount buying things today?)
Standard usage for both literal price discounts and figurative compromises.
这个项目的预算打了折扣。(This project's budget was compromised.)
Used in business contexts for figurative meanings like compromised plans or expectations.
鉴于市场变化，我们的增长目标可能需要打折扣。(Given market changes, our growth targets may need to be compromised.)
When Do You Use 打折扣?
Shopping Mall
所有商品八折！(All items 20% off!)
Discussing a Project
我们需要打折扣来完成。(We need to compromise to finish.)
Online Shopping
限时打折，快来抢！(Limited time sale, hurry!)
Friend's Promise
他答应的事打了折扣。(What he promised was compromised.)
Product Review
性能有点打折扣。(Performance is a bit compromised.)
Job Interview
目标可能需要打折扣。(Targets may need to be compromised.)
打折扣 vs. Similar Phrases
Usage Scenarios for 打折扣
Commercial
- • Store sales announcements
- • Negotiating prices
- • Promotional offers
Performance
- • Evaluating work quality
- • Assessing effort
- • Reviewing products/services
Promises & Plans
- • Assessing commitment
- • Adjusting project scope
- • Evaluating reliability
Figurative Language
- • Expressing disappointment
- • Highlighting unmet expectations
- • Describing compromises
Practice Bank
12 exercises这家商店正在进行促销活动，所有商品都 ___ 价格。
The phrase `打折` means to give a discount. `打` is the verb that pairs with `折` (discount).
Find and fix the mistake:
他的承诺只是空话，根本没有打折扣。
`打折扣` implies a reduction from the full promise, not a complete absence of fulfillment. If the promise was entirely unmet, '实现' (fulfill) is a better word.
Which sentence uses `打折扣` correctly?
Option A uses `打折扣` for price reduction. Option B uses it figuratively for performance falling short. Option C uses it figuratively for compromising the project scope. All are correct usages.
His explanation seemed to be discounted, lacking full conviction.
Hints: Think about how to express 'lacking conviction'., Use the figurative meaning of 'discounted'.
The phrase `打了折扣` captures the idea of something being less than complete or fully convincing.
这次的旅行预算有限，很多开销都 ___ 了。
Here, `打折扣` is used figuratively to mean that expenses were reduced or compromised due to budget limitations.
Find and fix the mistake:
为了吸引顾客，他们给了很大的打折。
While `打折` is a common colloquialism for price reduction, when used as a noun meaning 'a discount', the correct term is `折扣`. The sentence implies a large *amount* of discount, making `折扣` the appropriate noun.
Which phrase means 'to give a discount'?
`打折扣` is the standard collocation for giving a discount, especially in a slightly more formal or figurative context. `打折` is also very common for prices.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
Click words above to build the sentence
This sentence means 'Today there are many discounts.' It's a common way to announce sales.
他的承诺有些打折扣，我不太确定他会不会来。
Hints: Think about the nuance of 'somewhat compromised'., Consider the uncertainty expressed.
The phrase `有些打折扣` implies that the promise wasn't fully kept or is unreliable.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Understanding the context helps differentiate the literal price meaning from the figurative one.
我们不能为了赶进度而 ___ 质量。
This sentence uses `打折扣` figuratively, meaning 'to compromise' or 'to reduce' the quality, which is a common advanced usage.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
Click words above to build the sentence
This sentence means 'His promise was compromised.' It uses the figurative meaning of `打折扣`.
🎉 Score: /12
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
18 questionsThe most straightforward meaning of 打折扣 is to give a price reduction, just like saying 'to give a discount' in English when shopping. You'll see this often in stores or advertisements.
打折 is the more common and colloquial term used almost exclusively for price reductions. 打折扣 can also mean price reduction but is slightly more formal and importantly, can be used figuratively to describe performance or promises that fall short.
Yes! Figuratively, 打折扣 means something didn't meet its full potential or expectations. Imagine a promise that wasn't fully kept, or a plan that had to be scaled back. It implies a reduction in quality, completeness, or commitment from the ideal.
Use it when you're talking about sales or price cuts (though 打折 is more common). More importantly, use it when discussing situations where the outcome is less than expected. For example, if a project's scope had to be reduced, you could say the project '打了折扣'.
You shouldn't use 打折扣 for complete failures or disasters. It implies a partial reduction, not zero achievement. Also, avoid it for serious emotional issues or betrayals, as the phrase is too lighthearted for such contexts.
It's generally considered neutral. When used for prices, it can lean informal (especially when simplified to 打折). However, its figurative use, implying compromise or falling short, can feel slightly more formal or serious in business or professional contexts.
大打折扣 (dà dǎ zhé kòu) is an intensified version, meaning something is *severely* compromised or significantly reduced from its original standard. It emphasizes a substantial drop in quality or fulfillment compared to the expected level.
Yes, 优惠 (yōuhuì) means 'preferential treatment' or 'special offer', often used for promotions or benefits. 降价 (jiàng jià) simply means 'to lower the price' and is very direct.
Absolutely! That's where its figurative power shines. You can talk about '打折扣' in quality, effort, promises, plans, expectations, and even someone's enthusiasm. It's a versatile phrase for describing reductions from an ideal state.
A frequent mistake is using the literal price-discount meaning when the context clearly implies a figurative compromise in performance or quality. For instance, saying 'His performance gave me a discount' instead of 'His performance was compromised'.
The phrase reflects a cultural emphasis on sincerity and meeting expectations. When something 打了折扣, it suggests a deviation from a promised standard, which can be viewed subtly negatively, highlighting the gap between expectation and reality.
Yes, the figurative meaning of 打折扣 is often found in formal writing, especially in business or analytical contexts where compromises or reductions in scope/quality need to be discussed professionally. The literal price meaning is less common in very formal writing unless discussing sales policies.
While both mean discount, 打折 is the everyday, casual term you'll hear most often in shops. 打折扣 might appear on a formal sign or be used when discussing the *policy* of giving discounts, sounding slightly more official.
It can, but often if the discount is *very* small, people might use sarcasm or say 一点折扣 (a little discount). The phrase itself doesn't specify the size of the discount, but context usually clarifies.
If the effort was completely absent, 打折扣 isn't the best fit. You'd use phrases like 毫无作为 (no action taken at all) or 完全没做 (didn't do it at all) to convey a total lack of effort, rather than just a reduction.
You wouldn't typically use 打折扣 for that. That phrase implies a reduction from a standard. Instead, you might say '这个交易好得不像真的' (This deal is too good to be true) or perhaps imply the 'discount' was suspiciously large, like '这折扣打得太离谱了' (This discount is outrageous).
Not directly for personality traits. However, you could say someone's *enthusiasm* or *commitment* 打了折扣 if it waned. It describes a change or reduction in a quality, not an inherent personality trait itself.
打折扣 is the general term for giving a discount. 打五折 is specific: it means to give a 50% discount (literally 'hit five-tenths'). So, 打五折 is a *type* of 打折扣.
Related Phrases
打折
informal versionTo give a discount (colloquial, mainly for prices)
This is the most common, everyday version used primarily for price reductions, making it the informal counterpart to `打折扣` in that specific context.
大打折扣
related topicSeverely compromised; Significantly reduced
This phrase intensifies the meaning of `打折扣`, specifically indicating a substantial reduction or compromise rather than a minor one.
优惠
related topicPreferential treatment; Special offer; Benefit
`优惠` refers to benefits or special terms, which often include discounts but can encompass other advantages, making it related but broader than just a price cut.
降价
related topicTo lower the price; Price reduction
`降价` is a direct statement about reducing the price, focusing solely on the action of lowering costs, unlike `打折扣` which can also imply a compromise in quality or promise.
缩水
related topicTo shrink; To reduce (often used figuratively for value or quality)
`缩水` (shrink) is often used figuratively like `打折扣` to mean a reduction in value, quality, or quantity, providing a similar sense of something being less than expected.
妥协
related topicTo compromise
`妥协` is a more direct word for compromise, often used in negotiations or when resolving conflicts, whereas `打折扣` can imply compromise more subtly, especially regarding plans or expectations.
