In 15 Seconds
- The essential phrase for bargaining in Chinese markets.
- Ask 'Néng dǎzhé ma?' to request a lower price.
- Best used in small shops, markets, and independent boutiques.
Meaning
This is your go-to magic spell for saving money. It literally asks a shopkeeper if they are willing to lower the price for you.
Key Examples
3 of 6At a local clothing market
老板，这件衣服能打折吗？
Boss, can I get a discount on this piece of clothing?
Buying several souvenirs
我买三个，能打折吗？
I'm buying three, can you give me a discount?
In a formal furniture showroom
请问，现在的活动能打折吗？
Excuse me, is there a discount for the current promotion?
Cultural Background
Bargaining is common in markets but rare in modern malls. Bargaining is less common than in the past, but still acceptable in traditional markets. Bargaining is generally not done in shops, but common in street markets like Ladies Market.
Smile
Always smile when asking. It makes the merchant more likely to agree.
Fixed Prices
Don't ask in big stores; it's embarrassing.
In 15 Seconds
- The essential phrase for bargaining in Chinese markets.
- Ask 'Néng dǎzhé ma?' to request a lower price.
- Best used in small shops, markets, and independent boutiques.
What It Means
能打折吗？ is the most common way to ask for a price reduction in China. The core verb here is 打折, which literally means 'to break the discount.' In Chinese math, discounts are expressed as a fraction of ten. For example, '8折' means you pay 80% of the price (a 20% discount). It is simple, direct, and very effective.
How To Use It
You can use this phrase at the very end of a transaction. Once you have picked out your items, look the seller in the eye and ask with a smile. It works best as a standalone question. You do not need a complex sentence structure. Just point at the item and say the magic words. If they say no, you can always try to walk away slowly to see if they change their mind!
When To Use It
Use this in local markets, independent boutiques, or when buying electronics. It is perfect for street food stalls if you are buying in bulk. You can also use it at hair salons or spas if you are buying a membership card. Basically, if there is a person in charge of the cash register who owns the place, go for it. It is a standard part of the shopping dance in many parts of Asia.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this in high-end department stores or luxury malls. Gucci will not give you a discount just because you asked nicely. Avoid it in chain supermarkets like Walmart or convenience stores like 7-Eleven. The poor cashier there has zero power over the computer system. Also, do not use it in formal business negotiations for multi-million dollar contracts; there are more professional terms for that!
Cultural Background
Bargaining is a social sport in China. It is not just about the money; it is about the interaction. In the past, almost everything was negotiable. Today, fixed prices are becoming the norm in big cities, but the 'bargaining spirit' remains. It shows you are a savvy shopper who knows the value of a yuan. If you do not ask, many sellers assume you are happy to pay the 'tourist tax.'
Common Variations
You might hear 便宜点吧 (Make it a bit cheaper). This is a bit more casual and pushy. If you want to be extra polite, add 请问 (May I ask) at the beginning. If you are buying a lot, try 多买点能打折吗？ (Can I get a discount if I buy more?). This gives the seller a logical reason to say yes to your request.
Usage Notes
This phrase is neutral to informal. It is perfectly acceptable for a foreigner to use it with any shopkeeper. Just avoid using it in places with clearly printed price tags on every item (like supermarkets).
Smile
Always smile when asking. It makes the merchant more likely to agree.
Fixed Prices
Don't ask in big stores; it's embarrassing.
Buy More
Ask for a discount when buying multiple items.
Examples
6老板，这件衣服能打折吗？
Boss, can I get a discount on this piece of clothing?
Calling the seller 'Lǎobǎn' (Boss) builds a quick rapport.
我买三个，能打折吗？
I'm buying three, can you give me a discount?
Using volume as leverage is a classic bargaining tactic.
请问，现在的活动能打折吗？
Excuse me, is there a discount for the current promotion?
Adding 'Qǐngwèn' makes the request sound more professional and polite.
亲，能打折吗？包邮吗？
Dear, can I get a discount? Is shipping included?
'Qīn' is the standard 'dear' used in online shopping contexts.
太贵了！能打折吗？
Too expensive! Can you discount it?
Expressing shock at the price is a common prelude to the phrase.
我想办卡，能打折吗？
I want to get a membership, can you offer a discount?
Service industries often have hidden flexibility for new members.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word.
这个能___吗？
The phrase is '打折' (discount).
Which is the most natural way to ask for a discount?
Choose the best option.
The correct word order is [Verb] + [Object] + [Particle].
Complete the dialogue.
Vendor: 'This is 100 yuan.' You: '___'
This is the appropriate response to a price quote.
Where should you NOT use this phrase?
Select the location.
Supermarkets have fixed prices.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises这个能___吗？
The phrase is '打折' (discount).
Choose the best option.
The correct word order is [Verb] + [Object] + [Particle].
Vendor: 'This is 100 yuan.' You: '___'
This is the appropriate response to a price quote.
Select the location.
Supermarkets have fixed prices.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsNot in markets! It's part of the culture.
No, prices are fixed in restaurants.
Just say '没关系' (no problem) and walk away or buy it anyway.
No, you can also use '可以'.
Usually not, unless you are using a chat feature with a seller.
It's a historical metaphor for price reduction.
Ask before you pay.
Yes, it effectively means the same thing in a market.
Related Phrases
便宜点
synonymA bit cheaper
多少钱
builds onHow much money
不打折
contrastNo discount
