値切る

• Reading: ねぎる
• Romaji: negiru
• Kanji breakdown: 値 (ne/chi) — price, value; 切 (ki/setsu) — to cut
• Pronunciation: /ne.ɡi.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To drive a bargain; to beat down the price; to haggle. Specifically refers to negotiating a lower price.

A Group 1 (godan) transitive verb. Combines 値 (price) with 切る (to cut). Directly means 'to cut the price.' While haggling is less common in mainstream Japanese retail, it is normal at flea markets, electronics districts, and in certain business negotiations.

Examples

1. フリーマーケットで値切って半額で買えた。 I haggled at the flea market and bought it for half the price.
2. 大阪では値切るのが当たり前だと言われている。 It's said that haggling is the norm in Osaka.
3. もう少し値切れないか店員に聞いてみた。 I asked the salesperson if they could knock the price down a little.

Usage Guide

Context: shopping, flea markets, business negotiation

Tone: assertive

Origin & History

Compound of 値 (price/value) and 切る (to cut). A straightforward metaphor: cutting the price down. Reflects the directness of commercial Japanese vocabulary.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo period

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal