Inklingo

How to Say "bargain" in Spanish

English → Spanish

negocio

/neh-GO-syo//neˈɣo.sjo/

NounB1
Use 'negocio' when referring to a transaction or agreement that is considered advantageous or a good deal, often implying a wise decision.
Two business figures shaking hands firmly across a simple table, symbolizing the closing of a deal or transaction.

Examples

Hicimos un buen negocio al comprar esta casa.

We made a good deal buying this house.

El negocio se cerró con un apretón de manos.

The deal was closed with a handshake.

Vender el coche por ese precio fue un mal negocio.

Selling the car for that price was a bad deal.

barata

/bah-RAH-tah//baˈɾata/

NounB1informal
Use 'barata' specifically when you are talking about an item that was purchased at a very low price, often implying it was on sale or a special offer.
A large stack of colorful, neatly folded clothes with a big red arrow pointing down beside them, symbolizing a major sale event.

Examples

Compré estos zapatos de barata.

I bought these shoes on sale/at a bargain.

Vamos a la tienda, creo que hay barata hoy.

Let's go to the store, I think there is a sale today.

Fixed Phrase Usage

When used as a noun meaning 'sale' or 'bargain,' it often appears with the preposition 'de' (de barata) to mean 'on sale' or 'at a bargain price'.

regalo

/rreh-GAH-loh//reˈɣa.lo/

NounA1informal
Use 'regalo' metaphorically to describe something acquired at an exceptionally low price, so cheap it feels like a gift, but it is not a literal gift.
A brightly wrapped, square gift box tied with a large red ribbon and bow, signifying a present.

Examples

Recibí un regalo muy bonito para mi cumpleaños.

I received a very nice gift for my birthday.

Gracias por el regalo, ¡me encanta!

Thanks for the present, I love it!

Este abrigo por veinte euros fue un verdadero regalo.

This coat for twenty euros was a real bargain.

It's a Masculine Word

Even though you give it to a man or a woman, the word 'regalo' itself is always masculine. So, you'll always say 'el regalo' (the gift) or 'un regalo' (a gift).

Describing the Gift

Mistake: “Compré una regalo bonita.”

Correction: Compré un regalo bonito. Because 'regalo' is masculine, any word that describes it (like 'bonito' for 'pretty') also needs to be in its masculine form.

Distinguishing 'Negocio' from 'Barata'

Learners often confuse 'negocio' and 'barata'. Remember that 'negocio' refers to the overall good deal or transaction, while 'barata' specifically describes the item itself being cheap or on sale.

Related Translations

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