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 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'.
値切るのは日本ではあまり一般的ではありません。
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.
このジャケットをお買い得で買った。
I got this jacket for a bargain.
彼女は市場で値切るのが大好きだ。
She loves to bargain at the market.
これはお買い得ですね。
This is a bargain, isn't it?
お買い得品を探しています。
I'm looking for bargains.
Loanword from English, used for sales or discounted items, especially in retail. Very common.
バーゲンで服を買った。
I bought clothes at a bargain sale.
この店はいつもバーゲンをやっている。
This store always has bargains.
Means 'special price'. Often seen in stores or advertisements. Slightly more formal than お買い得.
特価品コーナーはあちらです。
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.
この古本は掘り出し物だった。
This used book was a real bargain.
Means 'exceptionally cheap' or 'bargain-priced'. Often used in travel or accommodation contexts.
格安航空券を探す。
Look for bargain airfares.
The standard verb for haggling or bargaining down a price. Used in everyday situations.
市場で値切ってみた。
I tried to bargain at the market.
彼は値切るのが上手だ。
He is good at bargaining.
A more formal phrase meaning 'to negotiate the price'. Suitable for business or polite contexts.
値段の交渉をしてもいいですか？
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.
少し負けてもらえませんか？
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.
値段の駆け引きは難しい。
Price bargaining is difficult.