Bargaining in a shop
Neutral Depends on context
What it really means
Haggling over prices is not done in normal British shops, supermarkets or chain stores — the price on the label is the price, and trying to negotiate will just confuse or embarrass the staff. The exceptions are markets, car boot sales, second-hand shops and big purchases like cars, where polite haggling is normal.
Chinese explanation
在英国的普通商店、超市和连锁店里不讲价——标签上的价格就是最终价格，试图砍价只会让店员困惑或尴尬。例外是集市、后备箱旧货市场、二手店和买车等大宗消费，在这些场合礼貌地讲价很正常。
Example conversation
A: Can I bargain in this shop? Twenty pounds seems a lot for this.
B: Not in a normal shop, no — the price is fixed. Save the haggling for the market.
A：这家店能讲价吗？这个卖20镑好像有点贵。
B：普通商店不行——价格是固定的。想砍价去集市吧。
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· Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake