French Phrase
C'est en solde ?
Meaning
Literally “Is it on sale?” – a quick way to ask a shop assistant or a seller whether a product is being offered at a reduced price.
When to use
Use this phrase when you spot an item in a boutique, department store, market stall, or online shop and want to confirm if it’s currently discounted. It works in both formal and casual settings.
✦Grammar Breakdown
C'estensolde?
C'est
Contraction of "ce est" used for identification or description; followed by a noun, adjective, or phrase.
en solde
"En" introduces a state or condition; "solde" is a noun meaning a discount, so the whole phrase means "on sale".
Question intonation
Raising intonation at the end signals a yes‑no question; the written form adds a question mark.
🗨In Conversation
Excusez‑moi, ce pull‑câble, c'est en solde ?
Excuse me, is this sweater on sale?
Oui, il est à -30 % jusqu’à la fin de la semaine.
Yes, it’s 30 % off until the end of the week.
✕Common Mistakes
C'est solde ?
The preposition "en" is required; "solde" alone does not convey the meaning "on sale".
C'est à solde ?
The correct preposition is "en", not "à".
C'est en soldé ?
"Soldé" is an adjective that does not exist in this context; use the noun "solde" with "en".
↔Alternatives
Est‑ce en promotion ?
Is it on promotion?
C'est à prix réduit ?
Is it at a reduced price?
Il y a une remise ?
Is there a discount?
C'est soldé ?
Is it discounted?
Cultural Tip
In France, "les soldes" are official sales periods (winter and summer) regulated by law, but the expression "en solde" is also used informally for any discount. When you ask "C'est en solde ?" you’re usually referring to a temporary price cut, not a permanent clearance. Be aware that some shops may use "promotion" for limited‑time offers that are not part of the official "soldes" period.