Learning how to say “discount” in Japanese can be incredibly useful, whether you’re a traveler looking for deals or a language enthusiast exploring new phrases. In this guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways to express the concept of a discount in Japanese. While there are some regional variations, we will primarily focus on standard Japanese used nationwide. So, let’s jump right in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Discount”
1. 割引 (わりびき, waribiki): This is the most common and general term for “discount” in Japanese. It can be used in various contexts, such as in retail, restaurants, or services. You can simply state the amount of the discount using numbers before or after this term. For example, 50% discount would be “50%割引” (50% waribiki).
2. ディスカウント (disukaunto): This is a loanword from English, commonly used in formal settings and when referring to discounts offered by international brands or large-scale stores. While it is less common among native Japanese speakers, it is still widely understood.
3. 特別価格 (とくべつかかく, tokubetsu kakaku): This translates to “special price” and is often used when something is priced lower than usual, indicating an exclusive offer or limited-time discount.
Informal Ways to Say “Discount”
1. 割引 (わりびき, waribiki): Yes, the same term from the formal section can also be used casually. It is worth mentioning again since it is widely used across various situations. For example, you can say “ちょっと割引してくれませんか?” (chotto waribiki shite kuremasen ka?) meaning “Could you give me a little discount, please?”
2. 安売り (やすうり, yasuuri): This colloquial term is often used in more casual settings. It can be translated as “cheap sale” or “bargain.” It reflects a sense of excitement and urgency, as if there is a limited opportunity to save money.
3. 値引き (ねびき, nebiki): Similar to “割引,” this term is commonly used in everyday conversations. If you’re negotiating prices at local markets or small shops, this is a useful word to know and use.
Regional Variations
While the formal and informal ways to say “discount” mentioned earlier are understood nationwide, there can be some regional variations worth considering:
1. Kansai Dialect: In the Kansai region, including cities like Osaka and Kyoto, people tend to say “バーゲン” (ba-gen) to refer to “bargain” or “discount.” So, if you find yourself in Kansai, you might come across this term more often.
2. Tohoku Dialect: In the Tohoku region, particularly in Yamagata Prefecture, people use the word “割り引き” (わりびき, wari-biki) instead of “割引.” It’s a slight variation, but still recognizable.
Tips and Examples
1. When asking for a discount politely, you could say:
すみません、少し値引きしていただけませんか？ (Sumimasen, sukoshi nebiki shite itadakemasen ka?) – Excuse me, could you give me a little discount, please?
2. If you want to emphasize that you are asking for a “big” discount, you can use the word “大幅（だいふく, daifuku)” meaning significant or substantial:
この商品にはもう少し大幅な値引きはできますか？ (Kono shouhin ni wa mousukoshi daifuku na nebiki wa dekimasu ka?) – Can you offer a bigger discount for this item?
3. When discussing discounts, it can be helpful to know numbers and percentages. Here are some examples:
- 20% off: 20%割引 (にじゅうパーセントわりびき, nijuu pāsento waribiki)
- 1,000 yen discount: 1,000円値引き (せんえんねびき, sen’en nebiki)
- Buy one, get one free: 1つ買うともう1つ無料 (ひとつかうともうひとつむりょう, hitotsu kau to mou hitotsu muryou)
Remember, it’s always beneficial to practice and listen to native Japanese speakers to improve your pronunciation and fluency in using these phrases!
Whether you’re shopping or negotiating prices, knowing how to say “discount” in Japanese can make your experience more enjoyable and help you secure the best deals. Now that you have a guide to formal and informal expressions, as well as some regional variations, you’re well-equipped for your next Japanese conversation about discounts!
