Inklingo

How to Say "discount" in Spanish

English → Spanish

descuento

des-KUEN-tohdesˈkwento

nounA1general
Use 'descuento' when asking about or referring to a general price reduction, especially when paying or making a purchase.
A bright red apple resting on a small green pedestal, next to a large yellow downward-pointing arrow, symbolizing a price discount.

Examples

¿Hay algún descuento si pago en efectivo?

Is there a discount if I pay in cash?

Conseguimos un descuento del 20% en todos los zapatos.

We got a 20% discount on all the shoes.

¡Qué buen descuento! Voy a comprar dos.

What a great deal! I'm going to buy two.

Masculine Noun Rule

Since 'descuento' ends in 'o', it is a masculine word. Always use 'el' (the) or 'un' (a) before it: 'el descuento'.

Using 'Descontar' as a Noun

Mistake: “Saying 'Necesito un descontar' (I need a to discount).”

Correction: The noun form is 'descuento' (discount). The verb is 'descontar' (to deduct/discount). Use 'Necesito un descuento'.

rebaja

re-BA-hareˈβaxa

nounA1general
Choose 'rebaja' when referring to a specific, often advertised, reduction in price, like a sale or a percentage off.
A colorful price tag with a smaller price tag next to it, showing a clear reduction.

Examples

He comprado estos zapatos con una rebaja del treinta por ciento.

I bought these shoes with a thirty percent discount.

Las rebajas de enero son las mejores para comprar abrigos.

The January sales are the best for buying coats.

El cliente siempre pide una rebaja antes de pagar.

The customer always asks for a discount before paying.

Singular vs. Plural

Use the singular 'rebaja' for a specific discount on one item, but use the plural 'rebajas' when talking about the big shopping events (like Black Friday or Summer sales).

Using it with Verbs

To say 'to give a discount,' use the verb 'hacer' (to make/do). For example: 'Me hicieron una rebaja' means 'They gave me a discount.'

Rebaja vs. Barato

Mistake: “La camisa es una rebaja.”

Correction: La camisa está rebajada o es barata.

reducción

nounB1formal
Use 'reducción' primarily for official announcements of price lowering, often in business or economic contexts, rather than for everyday shopping.

Examples

La tienda anunció una reducción de precios.

The store announced a price reduction.

Descuento vs. Rebaja

Learners often confuse 'descuento' and 'rebaja' as they are both very common for 'discount'. While often interchangeable in casual speech, 'descuento' is slightly more versatile, whereas 'rebaja' might imply a more significant or advertised price cut.

Related Translations

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