Bargaining vocabulary, key phrases, and cultural tips for negotiating prices in French markets and shops.
Bargaining is a common practice in many French-speaking markets and shops, especially in more traditional or tourist areas. Having the right vocabulary and phrases can help you negotiate prices confidently and politely. This guide covers essential words, useful expressions, and cultural tips to navigate bargaining situations smoothly.
Bargaining Vocabulary
These are the key nouns, verbs, and adjectives you'll need to talk about prices, discounts, and making deals in French.
| French Singular/Plural | English Singular/Plural | French Example | English Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| le prix / les prix (m.) | the price / the prices | Quel est le prix de ce sac ? | What is the price of this bag? |
| la réduction / les réductions (f.) | the discount / the discounts | Avez-vous une réduction ? | Do you have a discount? |
| la remise / les remises (f.) | the rebate / the rebates | Je voudrais une remise, s'il vous plaît. | I would like a discount, please. |
| la négociation / les négociations (f.) | the negotiation / the negotiations | La négociation est possible ? | Is negotiation possible? |
| le commerçant / les commerçants (m.) | the merchant / the merchants | Le commerçant m'a fait une bonne offre. | The merchant gave me a good offer. |
| le client / les clients (m./f.) | the customer / the customers | Le client a demandé un prix plus bas. | The customer asked for a lower price. |
| le marché / les marchés (m.) | the market / the markets | J'adore faire du shopping au marché. | I love shopping at the market. |
| le paiement (m.) | the payment | Le paiement se fait en espèces. | Payment is made in cash. |
| l'offre / les offres (f.) | the offer / the offers | Quelle est votre meilleure offre ? | What is your best offer? |
| la marchandise (f.) | the merchandise | La marchandise est de bonne qualité. | The merchandise is of good quality. |
Useful Phrases
These common bargaining phrases will help you ask for discounts, make counteroffers, and close deals politely.
| French Singular | English Singular | French Example | English Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| C’est trop cher. | That’s too expensive. | Ce sac est joli, mais c’est trop cher. | This bag is pretty, but it’s too expensive. |
| Pouvez-vous baisser le prix ? | Can you lower the price? | Pouvez-vous baisser le prix de cette montre ? | Can you lower the price of this watch? |
| Je peux l’avoir pour ... ? | Can I have it for ...? | Je peux l’avoir pour 20 euros ? | Can I have it for 20 euros? |
| C’est mon dernier prix. | This is my final price. | C’est mon dernier prix, je ne peux pas faire moins. | This is my final price; I can’t go lower. |
| Je prends ça. | I’ll take it. | D’accord, je prends ça. | Okay, I’ll take it. |
| Vous faites un prix ? | Will you give a discount? | Vous faites un prix pour deux ? | Will you give a discount for two? |
| Je regarde seulement. | I’m just looking. | Merci, je regarde seulement pour l’instant. | Thanks, I’m just looking for now. |
| Ça vaut combien ? | How much is it worth? | Ce collier, ça vaut combien ? | How much is this necklace worth? |
| C’est un cadeau ? | Is it a gift? | C’est un cadeau si j’achète deux ? | Is it a gift if I buy two? |
| Je reviens tout à l’heure. | I’ll come back later. | Je reviens tout à l’heure, merci. | I’ll come back later, thank you. |
Tips for Bargaining in French-Speaking Countries
Understanding the cultural context can make your bargaining experience more successful and enjoyable.
| Tip | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Be polite and friendly. | A smile and a courteous “Bonjour” go a long way. | Bonjour, est-ce que je peux vous demander... ? |
| Bargain in person. | Negotiation is usually done face-to-face, not over the phone. | (Approach the stall and start talking.) |
| Use cash. | Small bills are often preferred for easier transactions. | Voici 20 euros en espèces. |
| Start lower than your budget. | Leave room to increase your offer if needed. | Je peux vous donner 15 euros ? |
| Don’t be afraid to walk away. | Sometimes, leaving can prompt a better offer. | Je réfléchis, merci. *Tourne les talons |
| Learn local customs. | Bargaining styles vary across regions and markets. | En Tunisie, la négociation est très vive. |
| Observe before you buy. | Watch how others negotiate to gauge acceptable prices. | Un client a obtenu ce tapis pour 30 euros. |
| Ask about quality and origin. | This can justify the price or open negotiation. | Ce tissu est fait main ? |
| Be patient. | Negotiations can take time; don’t rush the process. | Attendre un peu peut faire baisser le prix. |
| Thank the seller. | Whether you buy or not, politeness is appreciated. | Merci beaucoup, bonne journée ! |
Mastering these words, phrases, and tips will make you more confident in French-speaking markets, turning shopping into a true cultural experience.
Why is it recommended to start with a lower offer than your budget when bargaining?
It leaves room to increase your offer if needed
Starting lower allows you to negotiate upwards, which is a common and effective bargaining tactic.
Flashcards (1 of 20)
- English Singular/Plural: the price / the prices
- English Example: What is the price of this bag?
Last updated: Thu Jun 12, 2025
