Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| peu coûteux | |
| bon marché | /bɔ̃ maʁ.ʃe/ |
These terms are used to describe something that is reasonable in price. You may also hear the phrase Cela ne coûte pas cher to mean 'that doesn't cost much' or 'it's not expensive'.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase bon marché literally translates to 'good market'.
Which one should you use?
While bon marché is the standard term, it can sometimes imply that an item is of low quality. In contrast, peu coûteux means 'not costly' and is a more neutral or formal way to express that something is inexpensive.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions, particularly in France, people may add du tout to the informal pas cher to form pas cher du tout for emphasis.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase bon marché is invariable, meaning it does not change its form to agree with gender or number.
How do you pronounce it?
/bɔ̃ maʁ.ʃe/
Did you know?
- The word marché comes from the Latin mercātus, which is also the root of the English word 'merchant'.
Examples in context
- Ce bracelet est très bon marché.This bracelet is very inexpensive.This sentence is useful for describing the price of a bracelet using bon marché.Tatoeba #3258223 by nimfeo, translation #3258224 by CK
- C'est scandaleusement bon marché.It's shockingly inexpensive.This sentence is useful for using bon marché to express that something is shockingly inexpensive.Tatoeba #1777995 by sacredceltic, translation #1768844 by Spamster
- Je recherche un hôtel bon marché.I'm looking for an inexpensive hotel.This sentence is useful for describing a search for a hotel using bon marché.Tatoeba #11166795 by lbdx, translation #3823711 by CK
- Les prix sont assez bon marché dans ce magasin.The prices are quite inexpensive in this store.
- Cet hôtel est peu coûteux mais de grande qualité.This hotel is inexpensive yet of great quality.
- Ce resto est super sympa et pas cher du tout !This restaurant is really nice and not expensive at all!
- Les vêtements dans cette boutique sont vraiment abordables.The clothes in this store are really affordable.
- Les légumes dans ce marché ne sont pas chers du tout !The vegetables in this market are not expensive at all!
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Chloé are looking for a restaurant.
- HugoTu connais un restaurant bon marché par ici ?Do you know an inexpensive restaurant around here?
- ChloéOui, il y a une petite crêperie très bon marché.Yes, there is a very inexpensive little crepe shop.
- HugoC'est parfait, je n'ai pas beaucoup d'argent.That is perfect, I don't have much money.
- ChloéOn peut y aller maintenant, Hugo.We can go there now, Hugo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “inexpensive” translations and entries bon marché, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bon, bon marché, coûteux, marché, peu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
