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How to Say ‘Can you make it a bit cheaper?’ in Simplified Chinese

您能不能便宜一点?

nín néng bù néng pián yi yì diǎn

[neen nung-buh-nung pyen-yee ee-dyen]

💬 Usage Tip: [能不能 + adjective + 一点] is a very useful bargaining pattern: [能不能便宜一点?] [能不能快一点?] It sounds like a request for adjustment, not a blunt demand.

🇨🇳 In China: This is a natural negotiation phrase in some cash fare situations, but less appropriate with strictly metered taxis in places where prices are fixed. In a dispute, it's more like asking for a face-saving compromise than insisting on a rule.

Phrase Breakdown

nín

[neen]

you (polite)

A respectful way to address the other person.

Example

您能不能便宜一点?

Could you make it a little cheaper?

能不能

néng bù néng

[nung-buh-nung]

can or not; could you

A polite pattern for asking whether something is possible.

Example

您能不能便宜一点?

Could you make it a little cheaper?

便宜一点

pián yi yì diǎn

a little cheaper

Used when asking for a small price reduction.

Example

能不能再便宜一点?

Could it be a little cheaper?

Words in this phrase

便宜

pián yi

[pyen-yee]

cheaper; inexpensive

Here it is used to ask for a lower fare or price.

Example

这次能便宜一点吗?

Can it be a little cheaper this time?

一点

yì diǎn

[ee-dyen]

a little bit; slightly

Makes the request sound softer and more polite.

Example

您能不能便宜一点?我现金不够。

Could you make it a little cheaper? I don't have enough cash.

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