French for Haggling: Ask 'Can You Give Me a Discount?'
Learn to bargain in French: ask for a discount, respond to counteroffers, and close a deal politely in shops and markets.
By MarcusFood & cafés · Yapr Learn
Haggling in French is less about confrontation and more about polite negotiation. This lesson gives you the exact phrases to ask for a discount, react to a price, and settle on a final amount. You will learn the difference between asking for a reduction in a shop and bargaining at a market, and how to use polite forms like 'vous' and the conditional to keep the tone friendly. By the end, you will be able to negotiate a better price without sounding rude or overly aggressive.
By the end, you can…
- ask for a discount using polite French phrases.
- respond to a seller's counteroffer and propose a different price.
- close a bargain by accepting or declining politely.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
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Vous pouvez me faire un prix ?
Can you give me a better price?
voo poo-vay muh fair uhn pree
Standard polite request in shops and markets. Use 'vous' with strangers.
C'est trop cher pour moi.
It's too expensive for me.
say troh shair poor mwah
Softens the negotiation by making it personal, not a judgment of the seller.
Vous pouvez me faire une réduction ?
Can you give me a discount?
voo poo-vay muh fair ewn ray-dook-syon
More formal; common in stores. 'Réduction' is the standard word for a discount.
Je vous en propose dix euros.
I'll offer you ten euros.
zhuh voo zahn pro-poz dee zuh-roh
Use when making a counteroffer. 'Je vous en propose' is polite and direct.
On peut couper la poire en deux ?
Can we split the difference?
ohn puh koo-pay lah pwahr ahn duh
Idiomatic and friendly; literally 'cut the pear in two'. Good for reaching a compromise.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
The most useful pattern is 'Vous pouvez me faire... ?' followed by a noun or an amount. For example: 'Vous pouvez me faire un prix ?' (Can you give me a price?) or 'Vous pouvez me faire une réduction ?' (Can you give me a discount?). You can also use the conditional 'Pourriez-vous me faire... ?' to be extra polite. To make a counteroffer, use 'Je vous en propose...' + amount: 'Je vous en propose quinze euros.' This structure keeps the negotiation respectful and clear.
When to use it
Haggling is common in open-air markets, flea markets, and with independent sellers, but not in supermarkets or chain stores. In markets, start with 'Vous pouvez me faire un prix ?' after showing interest. In a shop, a polite 'Vous pouvez me faire une réduction ?' may work for slightly damaged items or bulk purchases. Avoid haggling on essential services or in formal settings. Always keep a smile and use 'vous' unless the seller is a friend or a young peer who uses 'tu' first.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Bonjour, ce sac est à combien ?
Hello, how much is this bag?bohn-zhoor, suh sak ay ah kohn-byanIl est à quarante euros.
It's forty euros.eel ay ah ka-rahnt uh-rohC'est un peu cher. Vous pouvez me faire un prix ?
That's a bit expensive. Can you give me a better price?say tuhn puh shair. voo poo-vay muh fair uhn preeJe peux vous le laisser à trente-cinq euros.
I can let you have it for thirty-five euros.zhuh puh voo luh lay-say ah trahnt-sank uh-rohA little context goes a long way
In France, haggling is expected in markets and with some independent artisans, but it is not appropriate in most shops, where prices are fixed. A polite request for a discount may be accepted for bulk purchases or if you are a regular customer. Always begin with 'Bonjour' and maintain a friendly tone; aggressive bargaining can be seen as rude. In Belgium and Switzerland, similar norms apply, though Swiss sellers may be less open to negotiation.
One thing to watch for
Using 'C'est combien ?' as a bargaining opener without 'Bonjour' or a polite request.
Try this instead: Start with 'Bonjour' and then ask 'Vous pouvez me faire un prix ?' to sound polite. For example: 'Bonjour, vous pouvez me faire un prix ?' This shows respect and increases your chances of a discount.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you politely ask for a discount in a French shop?
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Vous pouvez me faire une réduction ?
This uses the polite 'vous' form and the standard word 'réduction'. You could also say 'Vous pouvez me faire un prix ?' in a market setting.
2What phrase means 'Can we split the difference?' in French?
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On peut couper la poire en deux ?
This idiom is used to propose a compromise. It is informal but friendly, suitable for markets or casual negotiations.
3How do you make a counteroffer of 20 euros?
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Je vous en propose vingt euros.
This structure is polite and direct. You could also say 'Je vous en donne vingt euros' but 'propose' is more negotiation-friendly.
To haggle in French, use polite phrases like 'Vous pouvez me faire un prix ?' and keep a friendly tone. Know where haggling is appropriate and always start with 'Bonjour'.
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