French Phrase
Les prix sont vraiment moins chers ici ?
Meaning
This phrase is a direct question asking if the prices in a particular location are genuinely lower than elsewhere. It expresses a sense of inquiry and sometimes a hint of skepticism or pleasant surprise, depending on the intonation. It's used to confirm a perceived price difference.
When to use
You would typically use this phrase when you are shopping, comparing different stores, markets, or even cities/countries. It's perfect for asking a salesperson, a friend, or a local if a deal or a location's pricing is as good as it seems.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Les prixsontvraimentmoins chersici?
Les prix
'Les prix' means 'the prices'. 'Prix' is a masculine noun, and it's one of those rare nouns that is spelled the same in singular ('le prix') and plural ('les prix'), but the article changes.
Sont
'Sont' is the third-person plural conjugation of the verb 'être' (to be). It agrees with 'Les prix' (plural subject).
Vraiment
'Vraiment' is an adverb meaning 'really' or 'truly'. It emphasizes the degree of the adjective or verb it modifies, in this case, 'moins chers'.
Moins chers
'Moins cher' means 'cheaper'. 'Moins' means 'less', and 'cher' means 'expensive'. When combined, it forms the comparative 'less expensive' or 'cheaper'. 'Chers' is plural to agree with 'les prix'.
Ici
'Ici' is an adverb meaning 'here'. It specifies the location being referred to in the question.
🗨In Conversation
J'ai entendu dire que ce magasin a de bonnes affaires.
I heard this store has good deals.
Ah bon ? Les prix sont vraiment moins chers ici ?
Oh really? Are the prices really cheaper here?
✕Common Mistakes
Les prix sont vraiment plus bon marché ici ?
While 'bon marché' means 'cheap', 'moins cher' is the more natural and common way to say 'cheaper' in French. 'Plus bon marché' is grammatically awkward.
Sont les prix vraiment moins chers ici ?
Inverting the subject and verb for a question is common, but with nouns like 'les prix', you typically use 'Est-ce que' or keep the standard word order with a rising intonation, or use 'Les prix sont-ils...?'
↔Alternatives
C'est moins cher ici ?
Is it cheaper here?
Les prix sont plus bas ici ?
Are the prices lower here?
Est-ce que les prix sont vraiment plus avantageux ici ?
Are the prices really more advantageous here?
Cultural Tip
In France, bargaining is not common in regular retail stores, supermarkets, or chain shops. It might be possible in flea markets (marchés aux puces) or antique shops, but generally, prices are fixed. Asking 'Les prix sont vraiment moins chers ici?' is more about confirming a general price level or a specific sale, rather than initiating a negotiation. French people appreciate directness but also politeness, so a 'Bonjour' before asking is always a good idea.