有便宜的吗？
you pian yi de ma?
Any cheaper ones?
Literally: Have cheap (ones) [question particle]?
In 15 Seconds
- Use this to ask for lower-priced options while shopping.
- Perfect for street markets, stalls, and non-fixed price shops.
- Simple A1-level grammar that gets immediate results.
Meaning
This is your go-to phrase for bargain hunting. It's a simple way to ask a shopkeeper if they have a version of a product that costs less than the one you are currently looking at.
Key Examples
3 of 6Buying a souvenir at a local market
这个太贵了，有便宜的吗？
This is too expensive, are there cheaper ones?
Booking a room at a small guesthouse
这个房间两百块，有便宜的吗？
This room is 200 yuan, do you have any cheaper ones?
Asking a shop assistant for a different brand
我不想要这个牌子，有便宜的吗？
I don't want this brand, are there cheaper ones?
Cultural Background
Bargaining is common in markets. Asking for a cheaper version is a polite way to start. Similar to mainland China, but often slightly softer in tone. Cantonese speakers might use '有冇平啲嘅?' instead.
Use '一点'
Adding '一点' (a little) makes you sound like a local.
Smile!
Always smile when bargaining. It keeps the atmosphere friendly.
In 15 Seconds
- Use this to ask for lower-priced options while shopping.
- Perfect for street markets, stalls, and non-fixed price shops.
- Simple A1-level grammar that gets immediate results.
What It Means
有便宜的吗？ is the ultimate survival phrase for shopping in China. It literally translates to "Are there cheap ones?" but it functions as a polite request to see a lower-priced alternative. You aren't necessarily calling the current item 'bad.' You are just signaling that it's outside your budget. It is direct, clear, and very common.
How To Use It
Using this phrase is incredibly easy. You don't need complex grammar. Just point at an item and say the phrase. The 的 (de) at the end turns the adjective 'cheap' into a noun. It's like saying "the cheap one." If a vendor shows you a silk scarf for 500 RMB, you drop this line. They will usually reach under the counter for the 'budget' version. It’s like a secret password for the real prices.
When To Use It
You should use this at local markets or street stalls. It's perfect for souvenir shopping or buying fruit. Use it when the first price mentioned makes your eyes pop out. It's also great for hotels or guesthouses if the first room shown is too fancy. Even in some electronics markets, this opens the door to different brands. It shows you are a savvy shopper who knows how to compare.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this in high-end luxury boutiques or malls. Asking for a 'cheaper one' at a Gucci store will just get you a confused look. Avoid using it in fixed-price chain stores like 7-Eleven or Starbucks. It’s also a bit awkward to use with friends if they are showing you a gift they bought. You don't want to sound like a cheapskate in social settings. Keep it strictly for commercial negotiations.
Cultural Background
Bargaining is a sport in many parts of China. In traditional markets, the first price is rarely the final price. Asking 有便宜的吗？ is the opening move of a dance. It signals that you are willing to buy, but not at that price. Culturally, people respect a 'smart' buyer who looks for value. It’s not seen as rude; it’s seen as practical. Just remember to keep a smile on your face while asking!
Common Variations
If you want to sound even more natural, try 有没有便宜一点的？ (Is there a slightly cheaper one?). Adding 一点 (a little bit) makes the request feel softer. If you are really on a budget, you might say 太贵了 (Too expensive) before asking. You can also specify what you want, like 有便宜的衣服吗？ (Are there cheaper clothes?). These small tweaks help you navigate different levels of shopping intensity.
Usage Notes
This phrase is neutral to informal. It is perfectly acceptable in any market or small shop. Avoid using it in high-end environments where prices are strictly non-negotiable.
Use '一点'
Adding '一点' (a little) makes you sound like a local.
Smile!
Always smile when bargaining. It keeps the atmosphere friendly.
Examples
6这个太贵了，有便宜的吗？
This is too expensive, are there cheaper ones?
A classic way to start the bargaining process.
这个房间两百块，有便宜的吗？
This room is 200 yuan, do you have any cheaper ones?
Useful for checking if there are basic rooms available.
我不想要这个牌子，有便宜的吗？
I don't want this brand, are there cheaper ones?
Focuses on finding a budget-friendly brand alternative.
你好，请问有便宜的吗？
Hello, do you have any cheaper ones available?
Standard inquiry for online second-hand shopping.
哇，你的包太贵了！有便宜的吗？我也想买。
Wow, your bag is so expensive! Is there a cheaper version? I want one too.
Using the phrase humorously to comment on high prices.
这些葡萄很漂亮，但是有便宜的吗？
These grapes are beautiful, but are there cheaper ones?
A polite way to decline premium goods for budget ones.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence: 这个太贵了，有______吗？
这个太贵了，有______吗？
You need the noun phrase 'cheap one' (便宜的).
Which is the most natural way to ask for a cheaper item?
Which is correct?
This is the standard way to ask for existence.
Match the Chinese phrase to its English meaning.
Match: 有便宜的吗？
The phrase specifically asks for existence of cheaper items.
Fill in the missing line.
Buyer: 这个多少钱？ Seller: 500元。 Buyer: ______
This is the most logical response to a high price.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises这个太贵了，有______吗？
You need the noun phrase 'cheap one' (便宜的).
Which is correct?
This is the standard way to ask for existence.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
The phrase specifically asks for existence of cheaper items.
Buyer: 这个多少钱？ Seller: 500元。 Buyer: ______
This is the most logical response to a high price.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsNo, it's a standard part of shopping in China.
Only if it's a small boutique, not a big brand store.
It's the standard question particle in Chinese.
Just say '谢谢' (thank you) and move on.
Usually not, food prices are mostly fixed.
No, sometimes it implies low quality.
Related Phrases
太贵了
builds onToo expensive
打折
similarDiscount
有没有
similarDo you have...
