Shopping in China can be fun and full of surprises, especially in open-air markets, tourist streets, or small local shops. But unlike fixed-price stores, bargaining is often expected in these places. For many foreigners, the challenge is: how can you ask for a lower price politely, without sounding rude or losing face?
The good news is, bargaining in China is more about friendly communication than conflict. With the right words, tone, and body language, you can turn bargaining into an enjoyable cultural exchange. Here‘s your step-by-step guide to bargaining in China without offending anyone.
1. Start with Polite Greetings
Never jump directly to “too expensive.” Begin with a friendly greeting to set a positive tone.
Core Sentences:
Nǐ hǎo, zhè gè duō shǎo qián?
你好，这个多少钱？
Hello, how much is this?
Lǎo bǎn, zhè gè zěn me mài?
老板，这个怎么卖？
Boss, how much for this?
Pro tip: Calling the seller “老板” (lǎo bǎn, boss) is a polite and common way to address them. It makes the conversation warmer.
2. Show Interest, Not Desperation
If you show that you “must buy” something, it‘s harder to get a discount. Instead, express interest but keep it casual.
Core Sentences:
Zhè gè bú cuò.
这个不错。
This one is nice.
Wǒ xǐ huān zhè gè yán sè.
我喜欢这个颜色。
I like this color.
Pro tip: Smile and keep your tone light. In China, bargaining is often like a friendly game.
3. Politely Ask for a Lower Price
Now you can make your offer — but do it politely.
Core Sentences:
Kě yǐ pián yí yī diǎn ma?
可以便宜一点吗？
Can it be a little cheaper?
Néng dǎ gè zhé ma?
能打个折吗？
Can you give me a discount?
Variation:
Tài guì le, kě yǐ shǎo yī diǎn ma?
太贵了，可以少一点吗？
It’s too expensive, can you make it less?
Cultural tip: Avoid saying “太贵了!” in a harsh way. Keep your tone soft — otherwise, it may sound like criticism.
4. Suggest a Price Gently
Sometimes the seller will ask: “你要多少钱?” (“How much do you want to pay?”). Be ready to suggest your price politely.
Core Sentences:
Wǒ jué de ___ kuài bǐ jiào hé shì.
我觉得___块比较合适。
I think ___ yuan is more reasonable.
Rú guǒ ___ kuài, wǒ jiù mǎi.
如果___块，我就买。
If it’s ___ yuan, I’ll take it.
Pro tip: Usually you can start by offering around half the asking price, then meet in the middle.
5. Know When to Stop
Good bargaining is about balance. If the seller won‘t go lower, don’t push too hard — it may cause awkwardness.
Core Sentences:
Hǎo ba, nà wǒ mǎi le.
好吧，那我买了。
Okay, then I’ll buy it.
Xiè xiè, wǒ zài kàn kàn.
谢谢，我再看看。
Thanks, I’ll look around.
Cultural tip: Walking away politely often makes sellers call you back with a better price.
More Than a Deal: Bargaining as Cultural Connection
Bargaining in China isn‘t about arguing — it‘s about friendly communication. Use greetings, show interest, make polite requests, and smile throughout. Even if your Chinese is simple, sellers will appreciate your effort and you‘ll enjoy the process more.
At eChineseLearning, our native teachers not only teach you useful phrases but also coach you on the right tone, timing, and cultural skills to make your conversations natural and effective.
Book your free 1–on–1 trial today, and turn your next shopping trip in China into both a language lesson and a cultural adventure!
Quiz: When bargaining in China, which of these is the MOST polite way to ask for a discount?
A. 这个太贵了！(Zhè gè tài guì le! — This is too expensive!)
B. 可以便宜一点吗？(Kě yǐ pián yí yī diǎn ma? — Can it be a little cheaper?)
C. 给我最便宜的！(Gěi wǒ zuì pián yí de! — Give me the cheapest!)
Comment your answer below!
