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.
Haggling in a broader sense: discussing conditions, contracts, or deals.
General verb for 'negotiate'. Covers price haggling but also broader negotiations.
契約条件を交渉する。
Negotiate the contract terms.
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.
値段のことで細かいことで言い争うのはやめよう。
Let's stop haggling over the price.
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.
値引きは可能ですか？
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.
値切るのはちょっと気が引ける。
I feel a bit awkward haggling.
Can you haggle at this store?
彼はいつも値切って買う。
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.
もう少し負けてもらえませんか？
Could you lower the price a bit more?
Formal phrase meaning 'to negotiate a discount'. Used in business or written contexts.
値引き交渉をしても無駄だった。
It was useless to try to negotiate a discount.
Implies tactical bargaining, using ploys or strategy. Often used in business or games.
彼は駆け引きが上手い。
He's good at bargaining tactics.
To have a dispute or disagreement. Can be used when haggling turns into an argument.
値段で揉めた。
We haggled and got into an argument.
まけてもらえると嬉しいです。
I'd be happy if you could give me a discount.
まけてもらえると嬉しいです。
I'd be happy if you could give me a discount.