打折扣
To give a discount
Literally: Hit/Beat + Discount
Use it for literal sales or to describe when reality doesn't meet the 100% promise.
In 15 Seconds
- Literally means giving a discount or having a sale.
- Metaphorically describes quality or effort falling short of expectations.
- Essential for bargaining and navigating Chinese retail environments.
Meaning
While it literally means getting a price reduction at a store, it's also a clever way to say someone's performance or a promise didn't quite live up to expectations.
Key Examples
3 of 6Bargaining at a local market
老板，这件衣服能打折扣吗？
Boss, can you give me a discount on this shirt?
Discussing a disappointing sequel
这部电影的质量比第一部打了不少折扣。
The quality of this movie is quite a step down from the first one.
In a professional performance review
如果后期工作打折扣，我们会失去客户。
If the later stages of work fall short, we will lose clients.
Cultural Background
The phrase reflects the deeply rooted bargaining culture in China, where prices were historically seen as starting points for negotiation. Interestingly, the Chinese way of expressing discounts is the opposite of the West; they state the percentage you *pay* rather than the percentage *off*.
The 10% Rule
In China, `打九折` means 10% off (you pay 90%). The number refers to what you pay, not what you save!
The 'Grain of Salt'
Use `打折扣` when someone is exaggerating. Saying `他的话要打折扣` is a polite way to say someone is a bit of a storyteller.
In 15 Seconds
- Literally means giving a discount or having a sale.
- Metaphorically describes quality or effort falling short of expectations.
- Essential for bargaining and navigating Chinese retail environments.
What It Means
At its core, 打折扣 is about paying less than the original price. You see it on signs in every mall in China. However, the magic happens in its metaphorical sense. It describes a situation where the quality of something drops. It's like buying a 'perfect' apple but finding a bruise. The value has been 'discounted' in your eyes.
How To Use It
For shopping, use it as a verb. You can ask 可以打折扣吗？ to see if a price is negotiable. In daily life, use it to describe results. If your friend promised to help for five hours but left after two, their promise 打折扣ed. It usually follows the subject directly or describes a specific action. It is a very flexible phrase for your toolkit.
When To Use It
You'll use this constantly while shopping or dining. It's the standard way to talk about sales. Use the metaphorical version when a project isn't perfect. It's great for expressing slight disappointment without being too aggressive. Use it when a movie wasn't as good as the trailer. Or when your workout was a bit lazy today.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for fixed-price luxury items unless you want a weird look. In very high-stakes formal apologies, it might sound too casual. Avoid using it if something is a total failure. 打折扣 implies a reduction, not a complete zero. If the cake is burnt to a crisp, it's not 'discounted'—it's ruined! Also, don't use it for people's character in a mean way.
Cultural Background
Bargaining is a social dance in many Chinese markets. 打折扣 is the music for that dance. Historically, it reflects a culture where prices were often fluid. Today, it shows the pragmatic Chinese worldview. Even quality and promises are viewed through a lens of 'value.' It’s a bridge between the marketplace and personal relationships.
Common Variations
You will often hear 打折 which is the shorter, more common version for shopping. If you want to specify the amount, remember the Chinese system is inverted. 打八折 means you pay 80%, so it is a 20% discount. Don't get confused and think you're getting 80% off! That would be a very lucky day indeed.
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly versatile across all levels of formality. Just remember the inverted numbering system for literal discounts to avoid paying more than you expected!
The 10% Rule
In China, `打九折` means 10% off (you pay 90%). The number refers to what you pay, not what you save!
The 'Grain of Salt'
Use `打折扣` when someone is exaggerating. Saying `他的话要打折扣` is a polite way to say someone is a bit of a storyteller.
Don't 'Hit' People
The word `打` (hit) is used in many phrases. Don't worry, `打折扣` doesn't involve any physical hitting!
Examples
6老板，这件衣服能打折扣吗？
Boss, can you give me a discount on this shirt?
Standard way to initiate a price negotiation.
这部电影的质量比第一部打了不少折扣。
The quality of this movie is quite a step down from the first one.
Uses the metaphor of a discount to show decreased quality.
如果后期工作打折扣，我们会失去客户。
If the later stages of work fall short, we will lose clients.
Professional warning about maintaining standards.
今天太累了，我的健身计划打折扣了。
I'm so tired today, my workout plan was a bit half-hearted.
Humorous way to admit you didn't do the full routine.
他说的话都要打个折扣。
You have to take what he says with a grain of salt.
A common idiom meaning don't believe 100% of what someone says.
我们的信任已经打折扣了。
The trust between us has been compromised.
Emotional use showing that something precious has diminished.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct phrase for asking for a lower price.
这双鞋太贵了，可以 ___ 吗？
`打折扣` is the standard verb phrase for 'to give/get a discount'.
Complete the sentence to mean 'The service quality has dropped'.
这家餐厅的服务质量 ___ 了。
While `打折` works for prices, `打折扣` is more common for metaphorical drops in quality.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 打折扣
Bargaining with street vendors.
便宜点，打个折吧！
Discussing work quality or shopping in malls.
服务不能打折扣。
Official business reports regarding standards.
执行力度绝不打折扣。
Where to use 打折扣
Clothing Store
Is there a sale?
Office Meeting
The plan wasn't fully executed.
Gym
Doing 5 reps instead of 10.
Gossip
Don't believe everything he says.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions打折 is almost always about money and prices. 打折扣 can be used for money, but it's the preferred choice for metaphorical meanings like 'reduced quality'.
You say 打五折. It means you are paying 5/10 of the original price.
Yes, especially when emphasizing that quality must *not* be compromised. You can say 质量不能打折扣 (Quality cannot be discounted).
In small shops and markets, it's expected! In large malls or supermarkets, it's less common but you can still ask if there are any promotions.
It means 'without compromise' or 'to the letter.' For example, 不打折扣地执行 means to carry out a task perfectly.
打 is a 'chameleon verb' in Chinese used for many actions. In this case, it's like 'striking' a deal or 'breaking' the price.
No, that would be confusing. It's for abstract values like quality, effort, or price, not physical measurements.
Not really. It's a standard idiom/collocation that is used by everyone from grandmas to CEOs.
Watch out! That means 'starting from 90% off.' It's a huge sale!
Yes! That means 'a huge discount' or 'a significant drop in quality.' It adds emphasis.
Related Phrases
减价
To reduce the price
讨价还价
To bargain/haggle
优惠
Preferential treatment/special offer
缩水
To shrink (often used for budgets or quality)
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