Knowing how to express that something is on sale in Spanish can prove helpful when shopping or conducting business transactions in Spanish-speaking countries. In this guide, we will explore different ways to convey this concept both formally and informally, providing useful tips, examples, and regional variations where necessary.
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions for Saying Something is on Sale
When you want to convey that something is on sale politely or in a more formal context, you can use the following expressions:
- Está en oferta: This is the most common way to say “It is on sale” in Spanish. It is a neutral expression used across Spanish-speaking regions. For example, “El artículo está en oferta esta semana” (The item is on sale this week).
- Tiene descuento: This expression literally means “It has a discount.” It is commonly used in Latin American countries. For instance, “Este producto tiene descuento del 20%” (This product has a 20% discount).
- Está rebajado: This phrase translates to “It is reduced.” It is frequently used in Spain and other European Spanish-speaking countries. For example, “El precio del vestido está rebajado” (The price of the dress is reduced).
- Está en liquidación: This expression means “It is on clearance.” It is typically used when selling off old stock or discontinued items. For instance, “La tienda está en liquidación, todo debe venderse” (The store is on clearance; everything must be sold).
Informal Expressions for Saying Something is on Sale
In more casual interactions or when speaking with friends and family, you may prefer to use the following expressions:
- Está de oferta: This is the informal equivalent of “Está en oferta” mentioned earlier. It is commonly used in daily conversations across Spanish-speaking regions. For example, “¡Mira, estos zapatos están de oferta!” (Look, these shoes are on sale!).
- Está en descuento: This phrase is similar to “Tiene descuento,” but in a more casual tone. It is widely understood and used across different Spanish-speaking countries. For instance, “El teléfono celular está en descuento” (The cellphone is on sale).
- Está rebajao: This expression is the informal version of “Está rebajado” mentioned earlier. It is commonly used in Spanish slang, primarily in informal conversations within Spain. For example, “La chaqueta está rebajao” (The jacket is reduced).
- Está de liquidación: Like “Está en liquidación,” this phrase is used in an informal context and is understood across different regions. For instance, “Los juguetes están de liquidación en la juguetería” (The toys are on clearance at the toy store).
Regional Variations
Spanish is spoken in various countries, and there may be slight differences in the way “on sale” is expressed. Here are a few regional variations:
Mexico:
In Mexico, the expressions “Está en oferta” and “Está de oferta” are most commonly used to convey that something is on sale.
Argentina:
In Argentina, locals often use the phrase “Está en promoción” to express that something is on sale.
Colombia:
In Colombia, the expression “Tiene descuento” is frequently used to convey that something has a discount.
Spain:
In Spain, “Está en rebajas” is commonly used to indicate that something is on sale, especially during seasonal clearance sales.
Examples:
Let’s look at some examples to better understand how to use these expressions:
Formal:
– Cliente: ¿Está el televisor en oferta? (Is the television on sale?)
– Vendedor: Sí, está rebajado un 15%. (Yes, it is reduced by 15%.)
Informal:
– Amigo: Oye, ¿está de oferta la computadora? (Hey, is the computer on sale?)
– Amiga: Sí, está en descuento. ¡Es una ganga! (Yes, it’s on sale. It’s a bargain!)
Remember, the choice of expression may vary depending on the country or region where Spanish is spoken. Use the expressions that feel most natural to you or follow local customs.
Now armed with these formal and informal expressions, you can confidently navigate discussions about sales and discounts while communicating in Spanish. ¡Aprovecha las ofertas! (Take advantage of the sales!)
