French Phrase
On peut négocier le prix ?
Meaning
Literally, “Can we negotiate the price?” It is a polite way to ask a seller whether the listed price is flexible. The phrase is neutral in tone and works well in markets, flea‑markets, or when dealing with private sellers.
When to use
Use this sentence when you are interested in buying something and want to test whether the seller is open to lowering the price. It is appropriate in informal or semi‑formal settings, such as a market stall, a garage sale, or when negotiating with a small business owner.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Onpeutnégocierleprix?
On (impersonal pronoun)
‘On’ is an indefinite pronoun meaning ‘we’, ‘one’, or ‘people in general’; in spoken French it often replaces ‘nous’.
peut (present of pouvoir)
‘Peut’ is the third‑person singular present of ‘pouvoir’ (to be able to). It agrees with the singular subject ‘on’.
négocier (infinitive)
The infinitive follows ‘pouvoir’ to express the action that can be performed: ‘to negotiate’.
le prix (definite article + noun)
‘Le’ specifies a particular price; ‘prix’ is a masculine noun meaning ‘price’.
Question intonation
In informal spoken French, a simple rising intonation after the statement turns it into a question; no inversion is required.
🗨In Conversation
On peut négocier le prix ?
Can we negotiate the price?
Oui, je peux baisser de cinq euros.
Yes, I can lower it by five euros.
✕Common Mistakes
Vous pouvez négocier le prix ?
‘Vous pouvez’ sounds like you are asking if the seller *is able* to negotiate, which is less polite than asking if the price *can be* negotiated.
On peut négocier le prix
Missing the question mark or rising intonation makes it sound like a statement rather than a request.
On peut négocie le prix ?
The verb must stay in the infinitive ‘négocier’; ‘négocie’ is a conjugated form that does not fit after ‘peut’.
↔Alternatives
Est‑ce qu’on peut négocier le prix ?
Is it possible to negotiate the price?
Peut‑on négocier le prix ?
Can we negotiate the price?
Est‑il possible de baisser le prix ?
Is it possible to lower the price?
Vous seriez d’accord pour réduire le prix ?
Would you agree to reduce the price?
Cultural Tip
Bargaining is common in French markets, car boot sales, and when buying from private individuals, but most chain stores have fixed prices. Keep your tone friendly and avoid sounding demanding; a smile and a polite “s’il vous plaît” can go a long way. In northern France, people may be more reserved, while in the south, a bit more haggling is socially acceptable.