A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "That's too expensive" in French
Express that something costs too much in French shops, markets, or when discussing prices.
C'est trop cher.
seh TROH SHEHRneutral
French TTS · 0:01
Use this when you're looking at an item in a shop or at a market and find the price to be higher than you expected or are willing to pay. It's a direct way to state your opinion on the cost.
Alternatives
- C'est exorbitant !Use this for something that is outrageously expensive.
- Ça coûte un bras !This is a very casual, idiomatic way to say something is very expensive.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing 'cher'
The 'ch' is like 'sh' in 'shoe', and the 'er' sounds like the 'e' in 'her'.
Forgetting 'trop'
Saying 'C'est cher' just means 'It's expensive'; 'trop' adds the 'too'.
A small cultural note
While directness is common, be aware that in high-end boutiques, a more nuanced approach might be appreciated. However, for general shopping, 'C'est trop cher' is perfectly acceptable.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
How to say it's a bit expensive in French?
You can say 'C'est un peu cher.' This softens the statement slightly, suggesting it's more expensive than ideal but not necessarily unaffordable.
Can I bargain if I say it's too expensive?
In markets or smaller independent shops, yes, you might be able to negotiate. In larger stores or chains, bargaining is generally not expected or possible.
What if I want to say it's a good price?
You can say 'C'est un bon prix.' If you think it's a great deal, you could say 'C'est une bonne affaire !'
