Phrases › Bargaining at the Market › Mi fa lo sconto?

Mi fa lo sconto?

Can you give me a discount?

Pronunciation

'Sconto' — 'SKON-to'. Two syllables, stress on first. The 'sc' = 'sk' before a consonant.

When to use it

The classic Italian market bargaining phrase. Said with a smile — not aggressive, just conversational. Works at virtually every non-chain market stall.

What it means

'Mi fa' = makes for me (from 'fare'). 'Lo sconto' = the discount. This is the standard Italian market phrase for requesting a discount. 'Fare lo sconto' = to give a discount.

Variations

Fate uno sconto?

Do you give discounts?

Plural 'fate' — addressing the stall rather than one person

C'è uno sconto?

Is there a discount?

Asking if a discount exists rather than requesting one

Si può fare qualcosa sul prezzo?

Can something be done on the price?

Most diplomatic — 'si può fare' is very Italian

Mini Dialogue

Cliente: Mi fa lo sconto? Venditore: Dipende quanto compra. Se prende due, le faccio il venti percento. Cliente: Solo uno per adesso. Venditore: Per uno, dieci percento — è il massimo che posso fare.

Customer: Can you give me a discount? Vendor: Depends how much you buy. If you take two, I'll give you twenty percent. Customer: Just one for now. Vendor: For one, ten percent — that's the most I can do.

Cultural Note

Bargaining ('contrattare') is expected at Italian weekly markets ('mercati settimanali'), antique markets ('mercatini dell'antiquariato') and flea markets ('mercati delle pulci'). It is NOT expected in shops or fixed-price markets.

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Quanto costa questo?

Me lo fa a venti?

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