Translation guide
How to express the idea of negotiating a price in Japanese, from casual bargaining to formal negotiation.
The most common meaning: trying to get a lower price when buying something, especially at markets or second-hand shops.
The standard verb for haggling over price. Used in everyday situations like flea markets or electronics stores.
Can you haggle at this store?
He always haggles when he buys things.
Literally 'to get a discount'. A softer, more polite way to ask for a lower price. Often used as a request.
Could you lower the price a bit more?
Formal phrase meaning 'to negotiate a discount'. Used in business or written contexts.
It was useless to try to negotiate a discount.
Haggling in a broader sense: discussing conditions, contracts, or deals.
When 'haggle' means to argue or dispute over small details, not necessarily about money.
To argue over trivial matters. Captures the negative nuance of haggling over details.
Let's stop haggling over the price.
To have a dispute or disagreement. Can be used when haggling turns into an argument.
Haggling is not common in most Japanese retail stores, especially chain stores or department stores. It is more acceptable at flea markets, used goods shops, or when buying large items like cars or electronics. Always be polite and use indirect language.
Is a discount possible?
値切る is a direct verb for haggling, while まけてもらう is a softer expression focusing on receiving a discount. Use まけてもらう when you want to be more polite.
I feel a bit awkward haggling.
I'd be happy if you could give me a discount.
We haggled and got into an argument.