Do you have a discount?
in Spanish¿Tienen algún descuento?
/TYEH-nehn ahl-GOON dehs-KWEHN-toh/
This is the safest, most standard way to ask if a store or business offers any price reductions. Using 'tienen' (plural 'you') addresses the business as a whole rather than just the clerk.
Asking for a discount is a normal part of the shopping experience in many Spanish-speaking markets.
💬Other Ways to Say It
¿Me puede hacer un descuento?
/meh PWEH-deh ah-SEHR oon dehs-KWEHN-toh/
A polite, direct request asking 'Can you make me a discount?'. Use this when speaking directly to a decision-maker like a manager or stall owner.
¿Es lo menos?
/ehs loh MEH-nohs/
Literally 'Is that the least?', this is the quintessential phrase for haggling in Mexican markets. It implies you want a better price without asking directly.
¿Hay rebajas?
/eye reh-BAH-hahs/
'Rebajas' refers specifically to seasonal sales or markdowns rather than an individual discount.
¿Hacen descuento por pago en efectivo?
/AH-sehn dehs-KWEHN-toh por PAH-goh ehn eh-fehk-TEE-voh/
Asks 'Do you give a discount for cash payment?'. In many Latin American countries, paying cash often avoids credit card fees for the merchant.
¿Cuál es su mejor precio?
/kwahl ehs soo meh-HOR PREH-syoh/
Literally 'What is your best price?'. A softer way to start negotiating on high-ticket items.
¿Tienen alguna promoción?
/TYEH-nehn ahl-GOO-nah proh-moh-SYON/
Asks about 'promotions' or special offers rather than a straight price cut.
🔑Key Words
Key Words to learn:
📊Quick Comparison
Different ways to ask for a lower price depending on where you are.
| Phrase | Formality | Best For | Avoid When |
|---|---|---|---|
| ¿Tienen algún descuento? | Neutral | General stores, hotels, asking about policies | You want to aggressively haggle |
| ¿Es lo menos? | Casual | Street markets (Mexico/Central Am.) | In Spain or formal businesses |
| ¿Me hace precio? | Informal | Buying multiple items, small vendors | Speaking to a manager in a chain store |
📈Difficulty Level
Standard Spanish sounds. 'Descuento' is phonetic. The challenge is usually understanding the fast numbers in the reply.
Simple question structure. No complex tenses needed unless you get into deep negotiation.
Knowing WHEN to ask is harder than HOW to ask. Haggling in the wrong place can be awkward.
Key Challenges:
- Overcoming the embarrassment of asking
- Understanding rapid-fire numbers in the response
💡Examples in Action
Me gusta esta camisa, pero es un poco cara. ¿Tienen algún descuento?
I like this shirt, but it's a little expensive. Do you have any discount?
Si compro tres, ¿me puede hacer un descuento?
If I buy three, can you give me a discount?
Disculpe, ¿hacen descuento para estudiantes?
Excuse me, do you offer a student discount?
Amigo, ¿es lo menos? Ya me voy si no me lo bajas.
Friend, is that your lowest price? I'm leaving if you don't lower it.
🌍Cultural Context
The Art of 'Regateo' (Bargaining)
In many parts of Latin America, specifically in open-air markets (mercados) and street stalls, the listed price is often just a suggestion. Bargaining is expected and is treated as a social interaction. However, never try to bargain in supermarkets, chain stores, or upscale malls where prices are fixed (precio fijo).
Cash is King
In many Spanish-speaking countries, businesses pay high fees for credit card transactions. Asking '¿Hay descuento en efectivo?' (Is there a cash discount?) is a culturally savvy move that can often instantly save you 5-10%, even in places that don't normally negotiate prices.
Politeness Strategies
Even when negotiating hard, Spanish speakers tend to maintain a very polite tone. Using phrases like 'por favor' (please), 'amigo' (friend - common in markets), and 'ayúdeme con el precio' (help me with the price) works much better than demanding a lower cost aggressively.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Descuento' and 'Rebajas'
Mistake: "Using 'rebajas' to ask for a personal discount."
Correction: Use 'descuento' for a personal price cut.
Being Too Direct with 'Quiero'
Mistake: "Saying 'Quiero un descuento' (I want a discount)."
Correction: ¿Me podría hacer un descuento?
Haggling in the Wrong Places
Mistake: "Trying to bargain at a grocery store or pharmacy."
Correction: Look for signs saying 'Precio Fijo' (Fixed Price).
💡Pro Tips
The 'Walk Away' Tactic
If you are in a market and the price isn't moving, politely saying 'Gracias, voy a dar una vuelta' (Thanks, I'm going to walk around) is the most effective way to get a final discount offer as you turn to leave.
Use the 'Plural You'
When asking 'Do you have a discount?', use '¿Tienen...?' (Do you guys have...?). This addresses the business collectively, which sounds more natural than asking the individual clerk if *they* personally have a discount.
Ask About Damaged Goods
If you see a small flaw in an item, you can point it out and ask: '¿Tiene algún detalle, me hace una rebaja?' (It has a small flaw, can you give me a markdown?). This is a valid reason for a discount even in some formal shops.
🗺️Regional Variations
Mexico
Mexico has a very developed haggling culture in 'tianguis' (markets). '¿Ya con ganas?' is a slangy way to ask 'Is that really your best price (with desire to sell)?'.
Spain
Haggling is much less common in Spain than in Latin America. Stick to asking about official sales ('rebajas') or student/senior discounts.
Argentina / Southern Cone
In informal settings, asking if the price can be 'chatted about' (charlar) is a common way to open negotiation. Cash discounts are extremely common due to inflation history.
💬What Comes Next?
The seller refuses to lower the price
Lo siento, es precio fijo.
Sorry, it's a fixed price.
Entiendo, gracias de todos modos.
I understand, thanks anyway.
The seller offers a small discount
Le puedo quitar 50 pesos.
I can take off 50 pesos.
¿Y si me llevo dos?
What if I take two?
You agree to the new price
Se lo dejo en 20 dólares.
I'll leave it at 20 dollars for you.
Trato hecho. Aquí tiene.
Deal. Here you go.
🧠Memory Tricks
Think of 'Descuento' as 'Dis-count'. The prefix 'Des-' often means 'undo' or 'down' (like descend), and 'cuento' sounds like 'count'. You want the price to count down!
🔄How It Differs from English
In English-speaking cultures (US/UK), the price on the tag is usually final everywhere except used car lots and houses. In Spanish-speaking cultures, the 'final price' is often just the starting point in markets, independent shops, and for services. The interaction is more social and less purely transactional.
False Friends & Common Confusions:
Why it's different: Translating this as '¿Está en venta?' actually means 'Is it for sale?' (available to buy).
Use instead: Use '¿Está en oferta?' or '¿Tiene rebaja?' to ask if the price is reduced.
🎯Your Learning Path
➡️ Learn Next:
How to say how much is it
You need to ask the price before you can ask for a discount.
Numbers in Spanish 1-100
You won't understand the discount offer if you don't know your numbers.
How to say expensive in Spanish
Saying 'es caro' (it's expensive) is the standard way to start a negotiation.
✏️Test Your Knowledge
💡 Quick Quiz: Do you have a discount?
Question 1 of 3
You are at a large chain supermarket in Madrid. Which phrase is appropriate?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it rude to ask for a discount in Spanish?
It depends entirely on the setting. In open-air markets, street stalls, and independent souvenir shops, it is expected and not rude. However, in restaurants, supermarkets, and large malls, it is considered inappropriate, just as it would be in the US or UK.
What is the difference between 'oferta' and 'descuento'?
'Descuento' is a general term for a reduction in price (e.g., a student discount). 'Oferta' specifically refers to a special sale, deal, or promotion (e.g., Buy 1 Get 1 Free).
How much of a discount should I expect when haggling?
In tourist markets, starting prices may be inflated by 20-40%. A good goal is to meet somewhere in the middle. If you get 10-20% off the initial price, that is generally considered a successful negotiation.
How do I say 'that's too expensive' politely?
You can say 'Se me hace un poco caro' (It seems a little expensive to me) or simply 'Se sale de mi presupuesto' (It's out of my budget). Avoid saying 'Es un robo' (It's a robbery) unless you are joking with a friend.
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