有便宜的吗？
Any cheaper ones?
Literally: Have cheap (ones) [question particle]?
Use this phrase to see lower-priced alternatives in markets without sounding overly aggressive or rude.
In 15 Seconds
- Use this to ask for lower-priced options while shopping.
- Perfect for street markets, stalls, and non-fixed price shops.
- Simple A1-level grammar that gets immediate results.
Meaning
This is your go-to phrase for bargain hunting. It's a simple way to ask a shopkeeper if they have a version of a product that costs less than the one you are currently looking at.
Key Examples
3 of 6Buying a souvenir at a local market
这个太贵了，有便宜的吗？
This is too expensive, are there cheaper ones?
Booking a room at a small guesthouse
这个房间两百块，有便宜的吗？
This room is 200 yuan, do you have any cheaper ones?
Asking a shop assistant for a different brand
我不想要这个牌子，有便宜的吗？
I don't want this brand, are there cheaper ones?
Cultural Background
In Chinese market culture, price is often flexible and seen as a starting point for conversation. This phrase reflects the pragmatic 'value-for-money' mindset prevalent in daily life. While modern malls have fixed prices, the spirit of seeking a 'good deal' remains a core part of the social fabric.
The 'One-Two' Punch
Say `太贵了` (tài guì le - too expensive) first, then follow up with `有便宜的吗？` for maximum bargaining power.
The 'De' Secret
The `的` (de) is crucial here. It acts like a placeholder for the object you're talking about, so you don't have to repeat the noun.
In 15 Seconds
- Use this to ask for lower-priced options while shopping.
- Perfect for street markets, stalls, and non-fixed price shops.
- Simple A1-level grammar that gets immediate results.
What It Means
有便宜的吗？ is the ultimate survival phrase for shopping in China. It literally translates to "Are there cheap ones?" but it functions as a polite request to see a lower-priced alternative. You aren't necessarily calling the current item 'bad.' You are just signaling that it's outside your budget. It is direct, clear, and very common.
How To Use It
Using this phrase is incredibly easy. You don't need complex grammar. Just point at an item and say the phrase. The 的 (de) at the end turns the adjective 'cheap' into a noun. It's like saying "the cheap one." If a vendor shows you a silk scarf for 500 RMB, you drop this line. They will usually reach under the counter for the 'budget' version. It’s like a secret password for the real prices.
When To Use It
You should use this at local markets or street stalls. It's perfect for souvenir shopping or buying fruit. Use it when the first price mentioned makes your eyes pop out. It's also great for hotels or guesthouses if the first room shown is too fancy. Even in some electronics markets, this opens the door to different brands. It shows you are a savvy shopper who knows how to compare.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this in high-end luxury boutiques or malls. Asking for a 'cheaper one' at a Gucci store will just get you a confused look. Avoid using it in fixed-price chain stores like 7-Eleven or Starbucks. It’s also a bit awkward to use with friends if they are showing you a gift they bought. You don't want to sound like a cheapskate in social settings. Keep it strictly for commercial negotiations.
Cultural Background
Bargaining is a sport in many parts of China. In traditional markets, the first price is rarely the final price. Asking 有便宜的吗？ is the opening move of a dance. It signals that you are willing to buy, but not at that price. Culturally, people respect a 'smart' buyer who looks for value. It’s not seen as rude; it’s seen as practical. Just remember to keep a smile on your face while asking!
Common Variations
If you want to sound even more natural, try 有没有便宜一点的？ (Is there a slightly cheaper one?). Adding 一点 (a little bit) makes the request feel softer. If you are really on a budget, you might say 太贵了 (Too expensive) before asking. You can also specify what you want, like 有便宜的衣服吗？ (Are there cheaper clothes?). These small tweaks help you navigate different levels of shopping intensity.
Usage Notes
This phrase is neutral to informal. It is perfectly acceptable in any market or small shop. Avoid using it in high-end environments where prices are strictly non-negotiable.
The 'One-Two' Punch
Say `太贵了` (tài guì le - too expensive) first, then follow up with `有便宜的吗？` for maximum bargaining power.
The 'De' Secret
The `的` (de) is crucial here. It acts like a placeholder for the object you're talking about, so you don't have to repeat the noun.
Avoid Luxury Stores
Using this in a store with fixed price tags (like a supermarket or designer shop) might be seen as a bit odd or 'low-class'.
Examples
6这个太贵了，有便宜的吗？
This is too expensive, are there cheaper ones?
A classic way to start the bargaining process.
这个房间两百块，有便宜的吗？
This room is 200 yuan, do you have any cheaper ones?
Useful for checking if there are basic rooms available.
我不想要这个牌子，有便宜的吗？
I don't want this brand, are there cheaper ones?
Focuses on finding a budget-friendly brand alternative.
你好，请问有便宜的吗？
Hello, do you have any cheaper ones available?
Standard inquiry for online second-hand shopping.
哇，你的包太贵了！有便宜的吗？我也想买。
Wow, your bag is so expensive! Is there a cheaper version? I want one too.
Using the phrase humorously to comment on high prices.
这些葡萄很漂亮，但是有便宜的吗？
These grapes are beautiful, but are there cheaper ones?
A polite way to decline premium goods for budget ones.
Test Yourself
You are at a market and the price is too high. Complete the sentence.
太贵了，___便宜的吗？
The verb `有` (yǒu) means 'to have' or 'there is/are,' which is necessary to ask if a cheaper option exists.
Make the request softer by adding 'a little bit'.
有便宜___的吗？
`一点` (yī diǎn) means 'a little bit,' making the request 'a little bit cheaper' more polite.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of '有便宜的吗？'
Too blunt for friends
便宜货？
Common in markets
有便宜的吗？
Polite inquiry
请问有没有更实惠的选择？
Where to use this phrase
Street Market
Buying a T-shirt
Fruit Stand
Buying apples
Hostel
Asking for a bunk bed
Wholesale Mall
Buying electronics
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot at all! In a market setting, it's a standard part of the negotiation process. Just say it with a friendly tone.
Yes, you can ask 有便宜的套餐吗？ (Are there cheaper packages?) if the service menu is too pricey.
打折吗？ (dǎ zhé ma) asks for a discount on the current item, while 有便宜的吗？ asks for a different, cheaper item.
Add 请问 (qǐng wèn) at the beginning: 请问有便宜一点的吗？
Not necessarily, but in a market, it often implies a simpler version or a different brand. Use 物美价廉 (wù měi jià lián) if you want quality and low price.
Absolutely. If a jacket is 1000 RMB, asking 有便宜的吗？ will prompt the seller to show you other styles.
This means they don't have cheaper options. You can then try to bargain for a discount on the current item instead.
No, it's too casual. In business, you would say 有没有更具竞争力的价格？ (Is there a more competitive price?).
The 的 turns the adjective 便宜 (cheap) into a noun phrase meaning 'cheap one' or 'cheap things'.
It's better to ask 有推荐的实惠菜吗？ (Are there any recommended affordable dishes?) to sound more natural.
Related Phrases
太贵了
Too expensive
打折吗？
Is there a discount?
便宜一点吧
Make it a bit cheaper (bargaining)
有没有别的？
Are there any others?
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