Negotiating prices is an integral part of the shopping experience in many countries, including China. Whether you’re at a local market or in a boutique, knowing how to haggle in Mandarin can help you get better deals and also respect the local customs of bargaining. Here are some useful Chinese phrases to help you negotiate prices effectively.
讨价还价 (táo jià huán jià)
This phrase literally means “discussing price and exchanging.” It is the term for the act of bargaining or haggling.
在旅游景点，你经常可以看到买家和卖家在讨价还价。
(At tourist spots, you often see buyers and sellers haggling.)
太贵了 (tài guì le)
This phrase is often used to indicate that the price is too expensive.
这个价格太贵了，你能便宜点吗？
(This price is too expensive, can you make it cheaper?)
便宜一点儿 (piányi yì diǎnr)
This is the polite way to ask for a lower price, meaning “a little cheaper, please.”
这个包包我很喜欢，但能否便宜一点儿？
(I really like this bag, but can it be a little cheaper?)
给个最低价 (gěi gè zuì dī jià)
Asking for the “best price” or “lowest price” is a direct way to enter negotiations.
我很感兴趣，你能给个最低价吗？
(I’m very interested, can you give me the best price?)
我看看还要不要 (wǒ kàn kan hái yào bu yào)
This phrase, meaning “I’ll think about whether I still want it or not,” can be used to show hesitation, implying that the price might be the deal breaker.
这个价位我得考虑一下，我看看还要不要。
(I have to think about this price, I’ll see if I still want it.)
这是我的最高出价 (zhè shì wǒ de zuì gāo chū jià)
Stating “This is my highest offer” sets a firm ceiling on what you’re willing to pay.
我真的买不起更多了，这是我的最高出价。
(I really can’t afford more, this is my highest offer.)
我们可以达成协议吗？ (wǒmen kěyǐ dáchéng xiéyì ma?)
Asking “Can we make a deal?” is a good way to push for closure after some back-and-forth.
我能接受你的出价，我们可以达成协议吗？
(I can accept your offer, can we make a deal?)
这已经是打折后的价格了 (zhè yǐjīng shì dǎ zhé hòu de jiàgé le)
The seller might use this phrase, meaning “This is already the discounted price,” as a rebuttal to your bargaining.
不好意思，这已经是打折后的价格了，真的不能再低了。
(Sorry, this is already the discounted price, it really can’t go any lower.)
成交 (chéng jiāo)
When an agreement is reached, this phrase meaning “deal” is used to confirm the sale.
这个价格可以，成交！
(This price is okay, it’s a deal!)
In conclusion, mastering these phrases can greatly enhance your negotiating prowess in Chinese-speaking markets. Remember, the key to successful bargaining is not just about the words you use, but also about your body language, tone, and willingness to walk away. Patience and respect go a long way in not only getting you a better price but also in ensuring a pleasant interaction for both parties involved. Happy shopping and bargaining!
