Introduction
If you enjoy shopping in Korea—or plan to—there’s a simple phrase that can make your experience much smoother. Many stores offer frequent sales, event prices, or small discounts, and knowing how to ask about them politely can help you save money while connecting warmly with shop staff.
What This Phrase Means
Example: 이거 지금 할인돼요?
The phrase “할인돼요?” means “Is this discounted?” or “Is there a discount?”
It’s one of the most useful questions you can ask while shopping in Korea.
Breakdown & Meaning
- 할인 = discount
- 돼요 = is it possible / does it happen
Together, 할인돼요? naturally asks whether something is currently on sale.
It’s polite, friendly, and perfect for:
- Stores and department shops
- Street markets and small local shops
- Tourist areas
- Duty‑free counters
Koreans commonly ask about discounts, especially during events or when buying multiple items. The phrase doesn’t sound pushy; it simply shows curiosity and practical shopping sense.
To soften the tone even more, you can add:
- 지금 (right now)
- 혹시 (by any chance)
These additions make the question gentler and more natural in everyday conversation.
How to Use It in Real Life
- At a cosmetics store: Check if a product is part of a promotion.
- Clothing shopping: Confirm whether the price tag shows the sale price.
- Street markets: Ask politely when buying multiple items.
- Messaging a Korean friend: Check if something you saw online is discounted.
- Duty‑free: See if event prices apply to international shoppers.
Usage Examples
지금 행사로 더 할인돼요?
Jigeum haengsaro deo harindaeyo?
Is there an extra discount because of the event?두 개 사면 할인돼요?
Du ge samyeon harindaeyo?
If I buy two, is there a discount?이 가격이 할인된 거예요?
I gagyeogi harindaen geoyeyo?
Is this the discounted price?멤버십 있으면 할인돼요?
Membeosip isseumyeon harindaeyo?
If I have a membership, is there a discount?외국인도 할인돼요?
Oegugin‑do harindaeyo?
Is the discount also available for foreigners?
Related Korean Expressions
세일 중이에요?
Seil jung‑ieyo?
Is this on sale?행사 가격이에요?
Haengsa gagyeog‑ieyo?
Is this the event price?조금만 깎아주실 수 있어요?
Jogeumman kkakkajusil su isseoyo?
Could you lower the price a little? (common in markets)포함된 가격이에요?
Pohamdoen gagyeog‑ieyo?
Is it included in the price?
Why This Phrase Helps You Learn Faster
“할인돼요?” is a simple, practical question that appears often in real shopping situations. It helps you:
- Build confidence with short, useful sentences
- Experience Korean politeness and indirect expression
- Connect with local culture through friendly negotiation
- Recognize discount‑related words naturally over time
Because you’ll use it repeatedly, it becomes a memorable anchor phrase that supports your everyday Korean learning.
Closing
Next time you shop—whether online, in Seoul, or at a Korean cosmetics store abroad—try using “할인돼요?” with a warm smile. It’s friendly, polite, and instantly useful.
Happy learning, and enjoy your next discount adventure!
✈️ Travel in Korea
This article is part of our Travel in Korea guide series, where we share walking routes, night views, local neighborhoods, and everyday travel experiences across Korea.
Recommended for you
- Korean phrasebook – helpful for real shopping phrases
- Korean vocabulary flashcards – good for practicing sale words
- Korean beginner workbook – supports learning basic grammar and terms
- Korean shopping guide book – useful for store and market language
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