A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Is there a discount" in French
Ask about discounts in French shops and markets with this essential phrase for savvy shoppers.
Y a-t-il une réduction ?
ee ah-TEEL oon ray-doo-ksee-OHNneutral
French TTS · 0:01
Use this when you're buying something and want to see if there's a lower price available. It's common in clothing stores, markets, or when buying multiple items.
Alternatives
- Est-ce qu'il y a une réduction ?Slightly more formal than 'Y a-t-il'.
- Vous faites une réduction ?More direct, asking if they *offer* one.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing 'réduction'
The 'r' sound is in the back of your throat, not a hard English 'r', and the 'u' is like the 'ew' in 'few'.
Silent 't' in 'y a-t-il'
The 't' is pronounced to link 'a' and 'il'; don't skip it.
A small cultural note
While asking for discounts is common in markets, it's less expected in established boutiques or department stores unless there's a specific sale.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
How to ask for a discount in French?
The most standard way is 'Y a-t-il une réduction ?'. You can also try 'Est-ce qu'il y a une réduction ?' for a slightly more formal tone.
When is it okay to ask for a discount in France?
It's generally accepted in open-air markets, when buying multiple items, or from smaller independent shops. It's less common in large chain stores or luxury boutiques.
What if they say no to a discount?
Simply thank them with 'Merci' and proceed with your purchase or politely decline. Pushing too hard can be seen as impolite.
