Inklingo

How to Say "bargain" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “bargain” is “negocio” — use 'negocio' when referring to a wise or advantageous transaction or agreement, implying a smart decision was made.

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negocio

neh-GO-syoneˈɣo.sjo

NounB1General
Use 'negocio' when referring to a wise or advantageous transaction or agreement, implying a smart decision was made.
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-tahbaˈɾata

NounB1General
Use 'barata' specifically for an item that was purchased at a 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'.

saldo

SAHL-dohˈsal.do

NounB1Informal
Use 'saldo' to refer to items being sold at a very low price, typically found during clearance sales or end-of-season promotions.
A bright red price tag attached to a simple brown cardboard box.

Examples

Compré estos zapatos en los saldos de enero.

I bought these shoes in the January clearance sales.

Es un artículo de saldo, por eso es tan barato.

It's a clearance item, that's why it's so cheap.

Plural Usage

When talking about 'the sales' (the event), we often use the plural 'los saldos'.

regalo

rreh-GAH-lohreˈɣa.lo

NounA1Informal
While 'regalo' means 'gift', it can be used colloquially to describe something bought so cheaply it feels like a gift, implying an exceptionally good price.
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'/'Saldo'

Learners often confuse 'negocio' with 'barata' or 'saldo'. Remember that 'negocio' emphasizes the smartness of the deal itself, while 'barata' and 'saldo' focus more on the low price of the item purchased, especially during sales.

Related Translations

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