How to Say “Too expensive” in Chinese
Shopping · HSK 1
"Too expensive" in Chinese is 太贵了 (tài guì le). 太贵了 (tài guì le, "too expensive") opens the haggling dance at Chinese markets and tourist stalls. Counter with 便宜点吧 (piányi diǎn ba, "make it cheaper please").
Primary translation
太贵了
tài guì le
Traditional: 太貴了
Variants by register
Casual
便宜点吧
pián yi diǎn ba
When to use it
太贵了 (tài guì le, "too expensive") opens the haggling dance at Chinese markets and tourist stalls. Counter with 便宜点吧 (piányi diǎn ba, "make it cheaper please"). Expect the first price to be 2-3× the fair price; walking toward the door often drops it 30-50 percent. In chain stores, supermarkets, and most mall shops prices are fixed; haggling will confuse staff. Phrase is reserved for markets, flea stalls, and art districts.
Example sentences
太贵了，能便宜点吗？
Tài guì le, néng piányi diǎn ma?
Too expensive, can you go cheaper?
这个价格我接受不了。
Zhège jiàgé wǒ jiēshòu bùliǎo.
I cannot accept this price.
别家卖五十，你卖多少？
Biéjiā mài wǔshí, nǐ mài duōshǎo?
Another shop sells it for 50, what is your price?