Travel to China: Your Go-To Guide for Bargaining in Mandarin

With China now offering visa-free policies to many countries, more and more tourists are visiting to explore its culture and, of course, enjoy some shopping. Shopping in China is not just about buying things—it’s an exciting and unique experience, especially when it comes to bargaining. Haggling is a common part of the shopping culture in many markets and stores, and knowing a few key phrases can make the experience much smoother and more enjoyable.

I’ve had plenty of memorable haggling experiences during my time in China, and I know that many foreign friends visiting here will find themselves in similar situations. Because of my love for shopping and my wish to help others navigate this aspect of Chinese culture, I’ve put together this practical guide to bargaining in Mandarin. I hope it helps you feel confident when shopping in China and score some great deals with ease!

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I. Asking About the Price

When you pick up a product, the first thing you want to know is how much it costs. Here are two simple and useful sentences:

Zhè gè duō shǎo qián?
1. 这个多少钱 ?
How much is this?

It is applicable in any shopping scenario. As I began learning Chinese, I quickly discovered that starting with a simple “这个多少钱?” opened the door to more meaningful conversations. At first, I was hesitant, but I soon realized that vendors in China respect customers who speak their language—even if it’s just a little.

Learning the basics of bargaining not only gave me the confidence to ask about prices, but also created a more personal connection with the seller. It was like I was no longer just a tourist—I was engaging in the process as a local.

Zhè gè zěn me mài?
2. 这个怎么卖 ?
How do you sell this?

As I learned more Chinese, I began to notice that the words I used and the tone I adopted made a significant impact. This sentence is very colloquial and is often used in farmers’ markets and at street vendors. When you see a fresh and attractive fruit stand and want to ask about the price of the fruits, you can say “这个怎么卖?”

II. Expressing That the Price Is Expensive

One of the first things I’ve learned about bargaining in China is that a smile goes a long way. Vendors are used to bargaining, and they appreciate a friendly demeanor. However, don’t be afraid to assert yourself. Being polite yet firm lets the vendor know you’re not desperate, and you won’t settle for just any price. When you hear the price quoted by the merchant and think it exceeds your expectation, you can use the following two sentences to express your opinion:

Tài guì le.
1. 太贵了 。
It’s too expensive.

It is simple and straightforward. For example, in an antique – style antique store, you see a beautiful ceramic vase. After asking about the price and thinking it is too high, you can directly say to the boss, “太贵了

Zhè gè jià gé yǒu diǎn gāo, wǒ jué de bù tài hé lǐ.
2. 这个价格有点高,我觉得不太合理 。
This price is a bit high. I don’t think it’s reasonable.

The tone is relatively euphemistic and is suitable for communication in more formal stores or with more particular merchants. For example, in a handicraft store, you fancy a beautiful embroidery, but the price makes you hesitate. You can use this sentence to express your thoughts.

III. Bargaining Sentences

When you ask for a discount, do it confidently, but avoid being too aggressive. I’ve found that the phrases below work well.

Direct Bargaining

Pián yi yī diǎn kě yǐ ma?
1. 便宜一点可以吗 ?
Can it be a little cheaper?

This is the most commonly used sentence when bargaining and can be used in various shopping scenarios. For example, when buying local – characteristic tourist souvenirs, if you think the price is on the high side, you can hold the souvenir and ask the merchant, “便宜一点可以吗?

Gěi wǒ dǎ gè zhé ba.
2. 给我打个折吧 。
Give me a discount.

It is suitable for places like shopping malls and specialty stores where there is a habit of giving discounts. When you are choosing clothes in a clothing specialty store and find that you like the style but the price is a bit high, you can try to say to the clerk, “给我打个折吧

Kě yǐ pián yi duō shǎo qián?
3. 可以便宜多少钱 ?
How much can it be cheaper?

When the merchant indicates that the price can be reduced but does not specify by how much, use this sentence to ask about the reduction range.For example, in an electronics store, if the merchant agrees to give you a discount, you can immediately ask, “可以便宜多少钱 ?”

Emphasizing Purchase Intention

Many vendors expect bargaining as part of the shopping experience, so don’t be shy. You can demonstrate that you’re serious about the purchase while also making it clear that you’re not willing to pay just anything.

Wǒ zhēn de hěn xǐ huan zhè gè, dàn shì jià gé yǒu diǎn guì, néng gěi wǒ gè yōu huì jià ma?
1. 我真的很喜欢这个,但是价格有点贵,能给我个优惠价吗 ?
I really like this, but the price is a bit expensive. Can you give me a discounted price?

First express your love for the product, so that the merchant knows you have a strong intention to buy. For example, in a jewelry store, when you see a uniquely designed necklace and can’t put it down, you can use this sentence to communicate with the merchant and try to get a discount.

Wǒ hěn xiǎng mǎi zhè gè, nǐ gěi wǒ pián yi diǎn, wǒ men jiù chéng jiāo.
2. 我很想买这个,你给我便宜点,我们就成交 。
I really want to buy this. If you make it cheaper, we can make a deal.

Clearly show your intention to buy, prompting the merchant to consider reducing the price. For example, in an outdoor products store, if you fancy a high – quality backpack, you can say this to the boss, so that he knows that as long as the price is right, you will buy it immediately.

Comparing Prices

I’ve found that comparing prices from nearby shops is an excellent bargaining tactic. By subtly showing that you’re aware of the competition, you encourage the vendor to adjust their price to stay competitive. However, make sure to remain respectful, as being overly demanding can backfire. Saying something like this can be an effective way to bring the price down.

Wǒ gāng gāng zài bié jiā kàn dào yī yàng de dōng xī, jià gé bǐ nǐ zhèr pián yi.
1. 我刚刚在别家看到一样的东西,价格比你这儿便宜 。
 I just saw the same thing in another store, and the price is cheaper than yours.

Use the price of other stores as a reference to imply that the merchant should reduce the price. For example, in a shoe store on the pedestrian street, if you try on a pair of shoes and think the style is good, but the price is higher than that in the neighboring store, you can say to the clerk, “我刚刚在别家看到一样的东西,价格比你这儿便宜

Bié rén mài de bǐ nǐ pián yi, nǐ néng bù néng yě gěi wǒ zhè gè jià gé?
2. 别人卖得比你便宜,你能不能也给我这个价格 ?
Others sell it cheaper than you. Can you give me the same price?

Directly ask the merchant to give you a discount based on the price of other stores. For example, in a toy store, if you find that a popular toy is more affordable in other stores, you can communicate with the merchant like this to try to get the same low price.

Bulk Purchase Bargaining

One of the most effective strategies in bargaining is leveraging your intent to buy multiple items. Vendors understand that when you’re ready to make a larger purchase, there’s more room for negotiation. By showing you’re committed to buying several items, you’re in a stronger position to ask for a discount.

Wǒ yào mǎi hǎo jǐ gè, néng bù néng gěi wǒ yī gè zhé kòu?
1. 我要买好几个 ,能不能给我一个折扣 ?
I want to buy several / pieces. Can you give me a discount?

When you plan to buy multiple products, use this sentence to get a discount. For example, in a gift store, if you want to choose several gifts for your friends, you can ask the boss, “我要买好几个 / 件,能不能给我一个折扣 ?”

Rú guǒ wǒ mǎi hěn duō, nǐ kě yǐ pián yi duō shǎo?
2. 如果我买很多,你可以便宜多少 ?
If I buy a lot, how much can you make it cheaper?

Emphasize the large quantity of purchase and ask about the specific discount range. For example, when purchasing goods in a wholesale city, you can say to the merchant, “如果我买很多,你可以便宜多少?”

IIII. Bonus Sentences for Bargaining Success

One of the most empowering moments in any bargaining situation is the ability to walk away. Vendors know that once you’ve shown interest and started negotiating, there’s always a risk they might lose the sale if they don’t lower the price. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve walked away from a store, only to have the vendor chase after me with a better offer.

While bargaining can be thrilling, it’s important not to get swept up in the excitement. Setting a budget beforehand and sticking to it is key. I’ve been tempted to overspend just to score a “good deal,” but remember: you’re still paying for the product. Be realistic about how much you’re willing to spend, and don’t let the rush of negotiation cloud your judgment.

From my experience, having a clear price range in mind makes the entire process smoother. You’re not just aiming for the lowest price, but for a fair one that reflects the value of the product and your expectations. With that in mind, here are some bonus sentences that will help you achieve bargaining success:

Zhè shì zuì dī jià le ma?
1. 这是最低价了吗 ?
Is this the lowest price?

After a round of bargaining, it is used to confirm whether the price given by the merchant is the minimum limit. For example, in a jewelry store, if the merchant gives you a discounted price and you want to know if there is still room for price reduction, you can ask, “这是最低价了吗 ?”

Néng bù néng zài sòng wǒ yī gè xiǎo lǐ wù?
2. 能不能再送我一个小礼物 ?
Can you give me a small gift as well?

On the basis of successful bargaining, you can also try to ask the merchant to give a small gift. For example, after negotiating the price when buying cosmetics in a beauty store, you can ask the clerk with a smile, “能不能再送我一个小礼物?”

Shopping in China is not just about buying—it’s about the thrill of negotiating and connecting with local culture. Mastering these Mandarin bargaining phrases will empower you to confidently navigate markets, stores, and vendors.

If you’re looking to improve your Mandarin skills even further, consider eChineseLearning’s one-on-one online lessons. Their professional teachers and interactive courses will help you gain fluency quickly. Register today and prepare to make your next shopping trip in China a memorable one!

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