Discounts at ticket counters, museums, and cinemas often depend on who you are and what you can show. In this workshop you practice three useful moves: asking whether a discount exists, saying that you are a student or asking about senior eligibility, and checking what identification is required. You will hear short polite lines and use them in realistic situations. Listen for the question ending, keep the full polite form, and answer in the role that fits the scene.
Asking whether a discount exists
The core question for a student discount is «学生割引はありますか。». It means "Is there a student discount?" The topic comes first, then the polite question. For a senior discount, change only the first word: «シニア割引はありますか。». This means "Is there a senior discount?" Both lines work at a counter before you pay. Say them clearly and keep the full ending. If you are speaking first, you can add a polite opener, as in «すみません、学生割引はありますか。», which means "Excuse me, is there a student discount?" The opener makes the question softer in a public place.
Saying you are a student and checking the age rule
After you ask, staff may want to know your status. A simple statement is «私は学生です。», meaning "I am a student." In casual conversation the first part is often left out, but the polite full form is safe at a counter. For a senior discount, the age rule matters. Use «何歳からですか。», which means "From what age does it apply?" This checks the starting age for a senior discount. For a student discount, state that you are a student and use the student-discount question from the workshop rather than the age question. State your situation, then ask the follow-up question.
Understanding the reply and showing proof
A staff member may confirm the discount and ask for identification. In «はい、ありますよ。学生証はお持ちですか。», the speaker says "Yes, there is. Do you have your student ID?" The first part confirms the discount; the second part asks about your student ID. If you have it, answer yes and then ask the price, as in «はい、持っています。割引料金はいくらですか。»: "Yes, I have it. How much is the discounted price?" The reply may give the exact amount, as in «学生割引料金は千二百円です。», which means "The student discount price is 1,200 yen." Listen for the confirmation, the request for proof, and the price. Then respond in the correct role.
Listen once, then say the phrase yourself. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Checking available voices…
学生割引はありますか。
Is there a student discount?
gakusei waribiki wa arimasu ka
私は学生です。
I am a student.
watashi wa gakusei desu
シニア割引はありますか。
Is there a senior discount?
shinia waribiki wa arimasu ka
何歳からですか。
From what age does it apply?
nansai kara desu ka
Read one side aloud, then answer in your own words. The goal is to make the exchange yours.
すみません、学生割引はありますか。
Excuse me, is there a student discount?はい、ありますよ。学生証はお持ちですか。
Yes, there is. Do you have your student ID?はい、持っています。割引料金はいくらですか。
Yes, I have it. How much is the discounted price?学生割引料金は千二百円です。
The student discount price is 1,200 yen.Your turn
Try each prompt out loud. Choose a guided start, the full sequence, or a challenge pass after your first attempt.
Guided exchange at the ticket counter
You are at a museum ticket counter. You want to know whether a student discount is available, and you are ready to say that you are a student.
Your task: Play the customer. First ask whether a student discount is available using the polite question from the recordings. Then say that you are a student. Say both lines aloud, slowly and clearly.
Choose the right reply for a senior discount
You are at a cinema counter. You ask whether a senior discount is available. The staff member confirms it, and you want to know the starting age.
Your task: Play the customer. Ask whether a senior discount is available with «シニア割引はありますか。» Then ask from what age it applies with «何歳からですか。». Choose the line that fits this situation: «私は学生です。» or «何歳からですか。». Say the correct follow-up aloud.
Recall the full exchange with correct roles
You hear a short exchange between a customer and a staff member. The customer asks about a student discount, the staff member confirms it and asks for a student ID, and the customer answers and asks the price.
Your task: Without looking at the lines, say the customer's first question, the staff member's confirmation and request for a student ID, the customer's answer and price question, and the staff member's price reply. Then say the same exchange again, but this time play the staff member and let the customer lines be spoken by the audio.
Common questions
Can I use the student discount question at any counter?
The polite question works at ticket counters, museums, and cinemas where a student discount may exist. Ask it before you pay. If the answer is no, you can still pay the regular price. The line does not promise a discount; it only asks whether one is available.
What should I say if the staff member asks for a student ID?
If you have it, answer yes and then ask the price, as in the recorded exchange. If you do not have it, you can say that you do not have it, but keep the reply short and polite. The staff member may then explain the regular price. Listen for the confirmation and the request for proof before you answer.
Sources and further reading
- japanese: ask about discountsChecked September 2026
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