折扣

• Pinyin: zhé kòu
• Hanzi breakdown: 折 = 扌+ 斤 (to deduct); 扣 = 扌+ 口 (to withhold)

Meaning

Discount; reduction in price. A deduction from the regular price of goods or services.

Common in retail and commerce. 打折 means to give a discount. Can also be used figuratively: 打折扣 meaning to compromise or not fully deliver (e.g., promises delivered with a discount).

Examples

1. 这家商场正在举办促销活动，所有商品一律八折优惠。 This mall is running a promotion—all items are 20% off.
2. 会员购物可以享受额外的折扣优惠。 Members get an additional discount when they shop.
3. 他的承诺总是打折扣，让人难以完全信任。 He always backs off his promises, which makes it hard to fully trust him.

Usage Guide

Context: shopping, commerce, figurative

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这款手机现在有七折优惠，非常划算。(This phone is now 30% off, a really good deal.)
• 网购时别忘了使用折扣码来省钱。(Don't forget to use discount codes when shopping online to save money.)

Don't Say

• 大折扣 — say 大幅折扣 or 高折扣 for a large discount; 大折扣 sounds awkward

Origin & History

折 (to deduct/reduce) + 扣 (to deduct/withhold)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal