❓⬇️💲

How to Say ‘Can it be cheaper?’ in Simplified Chinese

可以便宜一点吗?

kě yǐ pián yi yì diǎn ma

[kuh-yee piányi ee-dyen ma]

🇨🇳 In China: Bargaining is expected at markets and small stalls, but not in malls, supermarkets or chain stores. Asking with a smile works better than pushing hard.

Phrase Breakdown

可以便宜

kě yǐ pián yi

can (it) be cheaper

可以 (kěyǐ) means 'can' and 便宜 (piányi) means 'cheap'. Note that 便 is read 'pián' here, not 'biàn'.

Example

这个可以便宜吗?

Can this be cheaper?

Words in this phrase

可以

kě yǐ

[kuh-yee]

can; may

Used to express possibility, permission, or a suggested option.

Example

你可以先问一个简单的问题。

You can first ask a simple question.

便宜

pián yi

[piányi]

cheap; to make cheaper

Cheap; with 一点 it asks for a lower price when bargaining.

Example

再便宜一点吧。

Make it a bit cheaper.

一点吗?

yì diǎn ma

a little?

一点 (yìdiǎn) means 'a little' and 吗 (ma) turns the sentence into a yes/no question.

Example

可以快一点吗?

Can you go a little faster?

Words in this phrase

一点

yì diǎn

[ee-dyen]

a little bit; slightly

Makes a request sound softer and more natural.

Example

这里可以安静一点吗？

Can it be a little quieter here?

吗

[ma]

question particle

A sentence-final particle used to turn a statement into a yes-no question.

Example

你是第一次来吗？这里的“吗”表示提问。

Is this your first time here? Here, 吗 marks a question.

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Lessons for Your Situation

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Get Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“Shanghai business dinners require real Mandarin skills. This app’s situation-based approach meant I could keep up with clients after just a month of practice.”

Ryan M., 36, Consultant

“Learning a language has never been as immediately impactful. Now I can charm the locals and navigate the food scene like a boss.”

Alex M., 42, Software Engineer

“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”

Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager