Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ganga | /ˈɡanɡa/ | feminine |
| chollo | /ˈt͡ʃoʝo/ | colloquial, masculine |
| bicoca | /biˈkoka/ | colloquial, feminine |
| momio | /ˈmomjo/ | colloquial, masculine |
| pichincha | /pit͡ʃint͡ʃa/ (from spelling rules) | colloquial, feminine |
While ganga is the standard term, you may also encounter verbs like regatear or recatear, which mean to trade or haggle.
Which one should you use?
ganga is a noun used to name the bargain itself, whereas regatear or recatear are the verbs used to describe the action of bargaining or haggling.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ganga is a neutral, standard term used across most Spanish-speaking regions. In contrast, chollo, bicoca, momio and pichincha are colloquial terms. chollo is an informal way to say a great deal and is very common in Spain.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the term chollo is a very common colloquialism. In some Latin American countries, such as Colombia, the slang term gangazo is used to mean a 'steal'. In Spain, when referring to the process of bargaining or negotiation, the term regateo may be used.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
ganga is a feminine noun, so it is used with the feminine article una (e.g., una ganga). chollo is a masculine noun and is used with the masculine article un (e.g., un chollo).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɡanɡa/
Did you know?
- The term momio for a bargain is a linguistic curiosity, as it is derived from the word for 'mummy' or 'wax'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, regatear is not just a transaction but a social ritual of negotiation between buyer and seller.
- The term chollo is widely used in Spain but would be rarely understood in most Latin American countries.
Examples in context
- Estos calcetines son una ganga.These socks are a bargain.This sentence shows how to use ganga to describe a specific item like socks.Tatoeba #2268751 by cueyayotl, translation #2268750 by _undertoad
- Este reloj es una verdadera ganga.This watch is a real bargain.This sentence demonstrates using ganga to emphasize that a watch is a real bargain.Tatoeba #5854082 by arh, translation #58907 by CK
- Estamos en medio de una negociación para llegar a un buen acuerdo.We are in the middle of a negotiation to reach a good agreement.
- ¡Mira este teléfono! ¡Es un chollo! Solo pagué la mitad del precio original.Look at this phone! It’s a great deal! I only paid half the original price.
- ¡Conseguí este vestido por solo $10! ¡Fue un gangazo!I got this dress for only $10! It was a steal!
- Ese abrigo es una ganga.That coat is a bargain.
Example conversation
Mateo and María are shopping at a flea market.
- MateoMira este libro, ¡está muy barato!Look at this book, it's very cheap!
- MaríaTienes razón, es una ganga.You're right, it's a bargain.
- MateoLo voy a comprar ahora mismo.I'm going to buy it right now.
- MaríaHazlo, Mateo, no lo pienses más.Do it, Mateo, don't think about it any longer.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bargain” translations and entries ganga, chollo, bicoca, momio, pichincha, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bicoca, ganga, momio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
