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PhrasesAt the MarketMi fa uno sconto?
B1informal

Mi fa uno sconto?

Will you give me a discount?

Pronunciation

mi fa U-no SKON-to

When to use it

Asking for a small price reduction, especially when buying in quantity or near closing time.

What it means

Bargaining at Italian markets is acceptable but must be done with charm and lightness. It is more common in southern Italy and at end-of-day sales. Asking bluntly may offend, but asking with a smile is usually well received.

Variations

Me lo lascia a meno?

Will you let me have it for less?

Slightly more polite phrasing

Se ne prendo due chili, mi fa un prezzo migliore?

If I take two kilos, will you give me a better price?

Negotiating based on volume

È l'ultimo prezzo?

Is that the final price?

Implies you might walk away — stronger negotiating position

Mini Dialogue

— Questi carciofi a quanto? — Uno euro e cinquanta l'uno. — Ne prendo sei — mi fa uno sconto? — Per sei glieli lascio a otto euro. — Affare fatto!

— How much are these artichokes? — One euro fifty each. — I'll take six — will you give me a discount? — For six I'll let you have them for eight euros. — Deal!

Cultural Note

The phrase 'affare fatto' (deal done) is the traditional close of a market negotiation in Italy. In northern markets negotiating is less common than in the south, where it remains a lively social ritual.