Travel Chinese
Chinese Market Bargaining Phrases: Polite Ways to Ask for a Better Price
Practice Mandarin market bargaining phrases for asking prices, requesting a discount, comparing items, walking away politely, and confirming the final total.
2026-06-01 · 5 min read
Start with price before bargaining
The safest opening phrase is 这个多少钱？ Once you hear the price, repeat or confirm it before you ask for anything cheaper.
In markets, learners should also practice 一共多少钱 and 可以写一下价格吗 so the final amount is clear before payment.
Ask for a lower price politely
Useful bargaining phrases include 太贵了, 可以便宜一点吗, and 有没有优惠. Keep your voice friendly and your sentence short so the request sounds natural rather than aggressive.
If the seller says no, reply 没关系，我再看看. This lets you walk away politely while still practicing Mandarin.
Practice one complete market loop
A realistic role-play should include asking the price, comparing one size or color, requesting a small discount, confirming the total, and deciding whether to buy.
This sequence teaches listening and repair phrases, not just isolated shopping vocabulary.
Related practice pages
FAQ
Common questions
How do I ask for a cheaper price in Chinese?
Say 可以便宜一点吗？ It means can it be a little cheaper?
How do I politely say something is too expensive?
Say 太贵了 with a friendly tone, then ask 有没有优惠 or 我再看看.
Is bargaining common in every Chinese store?
No. Bargaining is more natural in markets and small informal shops, while malls and chain stores often use fixed prices.