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Spanish Phrase

Esta semana hay un 20% de descuento.

/ˈes.ta seˈma.na aj un ˈbejn.te por ˈθjen.to ðe desˈkwen.to/
Meaning"This week there is a 20% discount."
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Meaning

This phrase is used to announce a promotional offer, specifically a 20% reduction in price, that is valid for the current week. "Hay" is an impersonal verb meaning "there is" or "there are," indicating the existence of the discount.

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When to use

You would typically hear or use this phrase in commercial settings like stores, online shops, or advertisements to inform customers about a limited-time sale. It's also common in casual conversation when friends or family share news about good deals.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Esta semanahayun 20%de descuento

1

Esta semana

"Esta" is a feminine demonstrative adjective meaning "this," agreeing with the feminine noun "semana" (week). It specifies the current week.

2

Hay

"Hay" is the impersonal form of the verb "haber," meaning "there is" or "there are." It's used to express existence or presence of something.

3

Un 20% de descuento

"Un" is the indefinite article "a/an." "De descuento" means "of discount" or "discounted," specifying the type of reduction. The preposition "de" is crucial here.

🗨In Conversation

A

¡Mira! Esta semana hay un 20% de descuento en todos los zapatos.

Look! This week there's a 20% discount on all shoes.

¡Qué bien! Justo necesitaba unas botas nuevas.

How great! I just needed new boots.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Esta semana es un 20% de descuento.

    "Es" (from "ser") describes inherent qualities, while "hay" (from "haber") indicates existence. Discounts exist, they aren't inherent qualities.

  • Esta semana hay un 20% en descuento.

    The correct preposition to link the percentage to "descuento" is "de," meaning "of" or "from."

↔Alternatives

  • Hay rebajas del 20% esta semana.

    There are 20% sales this week.

  • Tenemos un 20% de rebaja.

    We have a 20% markdown.

  • Oferta especial: 20% de descuento.

    Special offer: 20% discount.

es

Cultural Tip

In Spanish-speaking countries, sales (rebajas) are a big deal, often occurring seasonally (e.g., after Christmas or in summer). It's common to see large signs advertising "descuentos" or "rebajas" in shop windows. Bargaining might be possible in smaller markets, but fixed prices are the norm in most retail stores.