打折
dǎzhé
The English phrase 'discount' is translated into Chinese as 打折 (dǎzhé).
打折 is used to mean a reduction in price. A specific way to express the amount is by using a number followed by 折. For example, 九折 (jiǔ zhé) represents a 10% discount because it indicates you are paying 90% of the original price.
Meaning: reduction in price (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The verb 打折 is composed of 打 (to strike or to do) and 折 (a fold, a discount or a break).
Which one should you use?
While 打折 is primarily used as a verb meaning 'to discount', the word 折扣 is the formal noun used to refer to the discount itself. Additionally, 优惠 can be used as a formal way to say 'discount' or 'favorable'.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
dǎzhé
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistake the number used with 打折 for the percentage being taken off. In Chinese, the number refers to the percentage of the original price that you actually pay. For example, 打八折 means you pay 80% of the price, which is 20% off.
Did you know?
- The phrase 打折 can also be used metaphorically to mean 'to diminish' or 'to compromise' the truth of a story or a principle.
- The character 打 in 打折 is one of the most versatile words in Chinese, acting as a 'placeholder' verb that can mean anything from 'hitting' and 'calling' to 'playing' and 'discounting'.
- The word 折 also means 'to break' or 'to snap', suggesting that a discount is a 'break' in the standard pricing structure.
Examples in context
- 能不能给我打折？Can you give me a discount?This sentence is useful for asking if a discount is available using 打折.Tatoeba #9975140 by GlossaMatik, translation #31283 by CK
- 请问有没有折扣？Excuse me, are there any discounts?
- 全场九折优惠10% discount storewide
- 这个可以打折吗？Can this be discounted?
- 这个便宜一点可以吗？Can this be a little cheaper?
- 这件衣服打五折。This piece of clothing is 50% off.
- 这家店现在在打折。Zhè jiā diàn xiànzài zài dǎzhé.This shop is having a discount now.
- 我想问一下有没有打折。Wǒ xiǎng wèn yīxià yǒu méiyǒu dǎzhé.I want to ask if there is a discount.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Jia Yi and Jun Jie are shopping for clothes in a mall.
- 佳怡 Jiayi这件衣服打折吗？Zhè jiàn yīfu dǎzhé ma?Is this piece of clothing discounted?
- 俊杰 Junjie目前没有打折。Mùqián méiyǒu dǎzhé.There is no discount at the moment.
- 佳怡 Jiayi那太可惜了。Nà tài kěxī le.That is a pity.
- 俊杰 Junjie下次促销一定会打折的。Xià cì cùxiāo yīdìng huì dǎzhé de.It will definitely have a discount during the next sale.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
