Translation guide
The English word "bargain" has two main meanings: a good deal or cheap purchase, and the act of negotiating a price. This guide covers both, with natural Japanese expressions for each.
Expressing that something was bought at a low price or is a great value.
A common, neutral term for a good deal or bargain purchase. Often used in advertising and everyday speech.
Expressing the act of haggling or negotiating to get a lower price.
The standard verb for haggling or bargaining down a price. Used in everyday situations.
The loanword バーゲン only means a sale or discounted item, not the act of haggling. Use 値切る or 交渉 for the verb 'to bargain'.
I got this jacket for a bargain.
This is a bargain, isn't it?
I'm looking for bargains.
Loanword from English, used for sales or discounted items, especially in retail. Very common.
I bought clothes at a bargain sale.
This store always has bargains.
Means 'special price'. Often seen in stores or advertisements. Slightly more formal than お買い得.
The bargain corner is over there.
Literally 'dug-up item', meaning a great find or unexpected bargain. Often used for second-hand or rare items.
This used book was a real bargain.
Means 'exceptionally cheap' or 'bargain-priced'. Often used in travel or accommodation contexts.
Look for bargain airfares.
I tried to bargain at the market.
He is good at bargaining.
A more formal phrase meaning 'to negotiate the price'. Suitable for business or polite contexts.
May I bargain over the price?
Literally 'to get a discount', often used when asking for a lower price. Implies a request rather than aggressive haggling.
Can you give me a discount? (Can you bargain a little?)
Refers to bargaining tactics or strategic negotiation. Can be used in business or personal dealings.
Price bargaining is difficult.
Bargaining is not very common in Japan.
In Japan, haggling is not common in most stores, but it can be acceptable at flea markets, electronics shops, or when buying large items. Using polite language like まけてもらえませんか is safer than direct demands.
She loves to bargain at the market.