What does it mean word for word?
In a commercial context, this means "to reduce" or "to discount" a price.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The most common way to request a discount is 깎아 주세요, which uses the polite imperative form to make a request to a stranger or a seller. For a more formal way to negotiate, you can say 가격을 깎아 주실 수 있을까요? (Can you lower the price?) or use the polite and straightforward 저에게 할인해주세요. If you are in a friendly and casual setting, you might use 할인 좀 해줄래요? or, if you are much more familiar with the person, 가격을 좀 깎아 줄래? The casual, non-polite version 깎아 줘 is used with people you are close to or who are much younger than you.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase 깎아 주세요 uses the polite imperative form –주세요 (juseyo), which is the standard way to make a polite request to a stranger or a seller.
How do you pronounce it?
kkakka juseyo
Did you know?
- The verb 깎다 in 깎아 주세요 literally means 'to peel' or 'to shave', such as when peeling an apple or shaving hair. In a commercial context, you are figuratively asking the seller to 'peel away' a layer of the price.
- The word 서비스 (service) is often used by sellers as a way to give a 'discount' by providing a free extra item instead of lowering the cash price.
- In traditional Korean markets, bargaining is often viewed as a social interaction and a game rather than a cold business transaction. A seller may refuse a discount first just to engage in the ritual of negotiation.
Examples in context
- 너무 비싸요. 깎아 주세요!neomu bissayo. kkakka juseyo!It's too expensive. Give me a discount!
- 시장인데 좀 깎아 주세요.sijanginde jom kkakka juseyo.Since this is a market, please give me a discount.
Example conversation
Jihoon is trying to buy fruit from Jieun at a local market.
- 지훈 Ji-hun사과 정말 맛있어 보이네요.sagwa jeongmal masisseo boineyo.The apples look really delicious.
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 아주 신선해요. 한 봉지에 만 원이에요.ne, aju sinseonhaeyo. han bongjie man won-ieyo.Yes, they are very fresh. They are ten thousand won per bag.
- 지훈 Ji-hun조금만 깎아 주세요.jogeumman kkakka juseyo.Please give me a small discount.
- 지은 Ji-eun알겠어요. 8천 원에 드릴게요.algetseoyo. yeodeol cheon won-e deurilgeyo.Okay. I will give them to you for 8,000 won.
