You spot a beautiful tea set in a Beijing market. The shopkeeper says, "One thousand RMB." You smile, type "100" into your calculator app, and say, "How about this?"
In Western culture, this might seem rude. In Chinese market culture, this is Game On.
For HSK learners, shopping scenarios are frequent in exams (especially HSK 2-3 listening sections). Knowing how to navigate numbers, negotiate prices, and express dissatisfaction is not just about saving money—it's about mastering specific pragmatic markers in the language.
Bargaining (known as 讨价还价 - tǎojià huánjià) is a cultural dance. If you don't know the steps, you will pay the "Foreigner Tax." In this guide, we provide the essential vocabulary scripts, the "reverse" math of Chinese discounts, and the cultural rules of where you absolutely should not haggle.
The Cultural Rule: Where Can You Bargain?
Before you start arguing about prices, you must know the battlefield.
- NO: Shopping malls, brand stores (Nike, Apple), convenience stores (FamilyMart/7-11), and restaurants.
- YES: Wholesale markets (like the Silk Market or Electronics Cities), street stalls, independent clothing shops without price tags, and rent agents.
HSK Note: In listening exams, pay attention to the setting. If the dialogue is in a Chāoshì (Supermarket), prices are fixed. If it is in a Shìchǎng (Market), negotiation is expected.
Phase 1: The Sticker Shock (Key Vocabulary)
When you first hear the price, your reaction sets the stage. Even if the price is fine, you must act shocked to start the game.
1. 太贵了! (Tài guì le!)
Meaning: Too expensive!
HSK Grammar: 太 (Tài) + Adjective + 了 (Le) = Excessive degree.
- Note: Your acting skills matter here. Feign physical pain.
2. 怎么这么贵? (Zěnme zhème guì?)
Meaning: How/Why is it this expensive?
Grammar: 这么 (Zhème) indicates degree/extent ("so much"). This puts pressure on the seller to justify the quality.
3. 是真的吗? (Shì zhēn de ma?)
Meaning: Is this real (genuine)? Context: Markets are full of Jiǎhuò (Fakes). Even if you know it's fake, asking this puts the seller on the defensive.
Phase 2: The Negotiation (Asking for a Deal)
Now you start the counter-offer.
1. 便宜一点 (Piányi yīdiǎn)
Meaning: Make it a little cheaper.
HSK Grammar: Adjective + 一点 (Yīdiǎn). Be careful not to say "Yǒu diǎn" (a bit), which usually goes before adjectives to complain (e.g., Yǒu diǎn guì).
2. 打折吗? (Dǎzhé ma?)
Meaning: Is there a discount? The "Reverse Math" Trap: Chinese discounts work backwards from English.
- English: 20% Off (You pay 80%).
- Chinese: 打八折 (Dǎ bā zhé). (We count the part you PAY).
- Trap: If a sign says "打一折" (Dǎ yī zhé), it isn't 1% off; it's 90% off (You pay 10%). Huge difference!
3. 最低价 (Zuìdī jià) / 底价 (Dǐ jià)
Meaning: Lowest price / Bottom price. Phrase: Bié kāiwánxiào, dǐ jià shì duōshao? (Don't joke, what is the bottom price?)
Phase 3: The "Walk Away" (The Nuclear Option)
If the price isn't moving, you must be willing to leave. This is the strongest negotiating tactic.
1. 算了, 我不要了 (Suàn le, wǒ bù yào le)
Meaning: Forget it, I don't want it anymore.
Grammar: Sentence + Le indicates a change of mind/status. "I wanted it, now I don't."
2. 再看看 (Zài kànkan)
Meaning: I'll look around more / look again. Logic: A polite way to leave the shop. 90% of the time, the shopkeeper will call you back with a lower price as soon as you step out the door.
HSK Grammar Breakdown: Comparison and Choice
Bargaining is the best way to practice two essential HSK structures.
The "Bǐ" Structure (Comparison)
- Argument: This shop is expensive compared to others.
- Sentence: 你的比那家的贵。(Nǐ de bǐ nà jiā de guì).
- Meaning: Yours is more expensive than that family's (shop's).
The "A-Not-A" Question (Capabilities)
- Argument: Asking possibility.
- Sentence: 100块，卖不卖？(100 kuài, mài bú mài?)
- Meaning: 100 RMB, sell or not sell? (Take it or leave it).
Sample Dialogue: Battle at the Silk Market
Study this script to see the vocabulary in action.
- Seller: 帅哥，看一看？(Handsome guy, take a look?)
- You: 这件衬衫多少钱？(How much for this shirt?)
- Seller: 500块。(500 RMB).
- You: 太贵了！(Too expensive!) 便宜一点吧。(Make it cheaper.)
- Seller: 那给你打八折，400。(Then I'll give you an 8 "zhe" discount [20% off], 400.)
- You: 400? 不行，我是学生，没钱。(400? No way, I'm a student, no money.) 100块，卖不卖？(100 RMB, sell or not?)
- Seller: 你在开玩笑！最少350。(You're joking! Lowest 350.)
- You: 算了，我再看看。(Forget it, I'll look around.) [Starts walking away].
- Seller: 等等！回来！150给你！(Wait! Come back! 150 I give to you!)
- You: 成交。(Deal.)
Conclusion: Confidence is Key
Learning Chinese vocabulary for bargaining does two things:
- Practical: It saves you money.
- Psychological: It forces you to speak under pressure.
Don't be afraid of looking silly or getting the tones wrong. In a noisy market, context is king. Use your calculator, use these key phrases like "Piányi yīdiǎn," and smile.
Ready to test these phrases in real life? Check out our list of Shanghai's Hidden Gems to find markets where you can practice your new skills.