Understanding "打折" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 打折
• Pinyin: dǎ zhé
• Literal Meaning: "to hit a discount" (打 = hit/strike; 折 = discount/break)
• Primary Meaning: To offer or receive a discount on a purchase; to sell or buy something at a reduced price.

2. In-depth Explanation

• Context and Usage:
  "打折" is commonly used in shopping contexts, such as in stores, online shopping, or promotions. It indicates that a product or service is being sold for less than its original price. The word can be used as a verb (e.g., "这件衣服打折吗？" – "Is this clothing item on sale?") or as part of a noun phrase (e.g., "打折商品" – "discounted goods").

Nuances:
- The term is neutral and widely used in everyday conversations.
- It can refer to any type of discount, whether a percentage off (e.g., 20% off) or a fixed reduction.

• Character Breakdown:
• 打 (dǎ): Literally means "to hit" or "to strike," but in this context, it functions as a verb prefix indicating the action of applying something (like a discount).
• 折 (zhé): Means "discount," "to fold," or "to break." Here, it specifically refers to a price reduction.

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 这家店正在打折，我们去看看吧。
   Pinyin: Zhè jiā diàn zhèngzài dǎzhé, wǒmen qù kàn kan ba.
   English: This store is having a sale; let’s go take a look.

2. Chinese: 这件衣服打五折，太便宜了！
   Pinyin: Zhè jiàn yīfu dǎ wǔ zhé, tài piányi le!
   English: This piece of clothing is 50% off—it’s so cheap!

3. Chinese: 节假日的时候，很多商品都会打折。
   Pinyin: Jiérì de shíhou, hěn duō shāngpǐn dōu huì dǎzhé.
   English: During holidays, many products go on sale.

Cultural Notes

• In China, "打折" is a major part of shopping culture, especially during festivals like Singles' Day (双十一) or Chinese New Year, when stores offer significant discounts.
• Bargaining is less common in formal stores, but "打折" is often advertised openly. In markets or smaller shops, you might hear phrases like "能打折吗？" ("Can you give a discount?") when negotiating prices.

Conclusion

"打折" (dǎ zhé) is a practical and frequently used term in Chinese shopping scenarios, meaning "to discount" or "to be on sale." Remember it by breaking it down: 打 (apply) + 折 (discount). Use it to ask about or describe discounts while shopping in China!