Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing a 'special discount' depends on the context—whether it's a limited-time sale, a personalized offer, or a promotional deal. The most common and versatile term is 特別割引 (tokubetsu waribiki), but other expressions like 特価 (tokka) or お得 (otoku) are often more natural in everyday speech and advertising.
special discount (general)
special discount (sale price)
special discount (limited time)
A discount that is not the regular price, often for a limited time or for specific customers.
The most direct translation, used in formal contexts like business or official announcements. It literally means 'special discount'.
We offer a special discount to our members.
Common in retail and advertising, meaning 'special price'. It implies a bargain or sale price, often used on signs and flyers.
A discount available only for a short period, often as part of a promotion.
A special discount offered to a specific person or group, like a loyalty discount or a coupon.
Describing something as a 'special discount' in the sense of being a great value or steal.
Means 'good value' or 'bargain'. Extremely common in everyday conversation and advertising to describe a special deal.
While 特別割引 is correct, it can sound stiff in casual conversation. In everyday situations, 特価 or お得 are more natural. For example, telling a friend 'That's a special discount!' would be 「それ、お得だね！」 rather than 「それは特別割引ですね」.
割引 (waribiki) is a general discount, often a percentage off. 値引き (nebiki) is a price reduction, often a fixed amount, and can imply negotiation. 特別割引 is standard for 'special discount', while 特別値引き is more informal and used in bargaining contexts.
Do you have any special discounts?
Polite and general. In a store, you might also ask 「何かお得なものはありますか？」 (Do you have any good deals?)
今週末は全品特価で販売します。
This weekend, everything is on special discount.
Similar to 特別割引 but focuses on the 'special price' rather than the discount itself. Used in formal settings.
This product is offered at a special price.
Don't miss our limited-time special discount!
Loanword from English 'time sale', meaning a flash sale or limited-time discount. Very common in retail.
It became half-price in the time sale.
General term for 'sale', often implying a special discount. Can be combined with other words like バーゲンセール (bargain sale).
We're having a sale now.
You get 10% off with the member special discount.
Specifically a discount using a coupon. Very common in online shopping and apps.
This coupon discount is only for today.
Literally 'special price reduction', often used in negotiations or informal business settings. 値引き implies a reduction from the original price.
Since you're a regular, I'll give you a special discount.
This set is a special discount (a great deal).
Similar to お得, specifically meaning 'good buy' or 'value for money'. Often seen on price tags.
I'm looking for special discounts (bargains).
会員なので特別割引を受けました。
I got a special discount because I'm a member.
This is a special discount for today only.