In this guide, we will explore different ways to say “discount” in Korean. Learning how to express the concept of a discount in Korean is useful when you are shopping or negotiating prices. We’ll cover formal and informal expressions, as well as provide you with tips, examples, and a few regional variations.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Discount in Korean
When speaking formally, you can use the following expressions to convey the idea of a discount:
1. 할인 (Hal-in)
할인 (Hal-in) is the most common and widely used term for “discount” in Korean. It can be used in various formal contexts, such as stores, advertisements, or formal conversations. Here are a few examples:
제품 가격에 20% 할인이 적용됩니다.
“A 20% discount will be applied to the product price.”
이번 주에 할인 행사가 있습니다.
“There is a discount event this week.”
2. 가격 인하 (Ga-geum In-ha)
가격 인하 (Ga-geum In-ha) is another formal way to express a discount. Although it specifically suggests a price reduction, it can be used interchangeably with 할인 (Hal-in) in most cases. Here’s an example:
지금은 가격 인하 중입니다.
“Prices are currently reduced.”
Informal Ways to Say Discount in Korean
When speaking informally or casually, you can use the following expressions:
1. 깎다 (Kkak-da)
깎다 (Kkak-da) is a common informal verb used to mean “to discount” or “to lower the price.” It can also be used as a noun to mean “discount.” Here’s an example:
이거 얼마에 깎아 주세요?
“Can you discount this price for me?”
2. 빼다 (Ppae-da)
빼다 (Ppae-da) is another informal verb that can be used to mean “to subtract” or “to deduct.” In the context of discounts, it is commonly used to indicate a reduction in price. Here’s an example:
이 제품은 5000원 빼주세요.
“Please give me a 5000 won discount on this product.”
Tips and Additional Examples
1. Be Polite and Respectful
When requesting a discount, it’s important to be polite and respectful. Adding polite markers such as “-요 (-yo)” or “-습니다 (-seumnida)” to the above examples can make your request more polite and courteous.
2. Practice Bargaining
In some situations, bargaining and negotiating prices is common in Korea. If you are comfortable with bargaining, you can use phrases like “가격을 조금 더 깎아 주시겠어요?” (Can you lower the price a bit more?) or “더 싸게 할 수 없을까요?” (Can’t you make it cheaper?) to negotiate further discounts.
3. Regional Variations
Generally, the expressions provided above are widely understood across Korea. However, there might be slight regional variations in terms or dialects. It’s always helpful to be aware of these variations if you are in a specific region. If unsure, sticking to the formal expressions will be universally understood.
Conclusion
Knowing how to say “discount” in Korean is advantageous when it comes to shopping or negotiating prices. Remember to be polite and respectful, especially when requesting a discount. Practice the expressions provided, and don’t hesitate to engage in bargaining if appropriate. Whether you use the formal expressions like 할인 (Hal-in) or the informal ones like 깎다 (Kkak-da), you’ll be able to navigate the concept of a discount efficiently in Korea.
