hoi1 tin1 saak3， lok6 dei6 waan4 cin4開天索價，落地還錢开天索价，落地还钱

Jyutpinghoi1 tin1 saak3， lok6 dei6 waan4 cin4

Yalehōi tīn sak3， lokh deih wành chình

Definition

This phrase is used to describe during negotiations between two parties, the seller asking for a sky-high price whilst the buyer returns the offer with a rock bottom price

colloquialmoneyshopping

How it's used

This idiom perfectly captures the aggressive bargaining culture found in traditional markets and street stalls. It highlights the expectation that the initial price is merely a starting point rather than a fixed value. Using this phrase signals that you are savvy about negotiation tactics and understand that both parties are expected to compromise.

Examples

zou6 saang1 ji3 hoi1 tin1 saak3 gaa3 lok6 dei6 waan4 cin2 hou2 zeng3 soeng4

做生意開天索價，落地還錢好正常。

It is normal to start with a high asking price and a low counteroffer in business.

nei5 sai2 mat1 geng1 keoi5 hoi1 tin1 saak3 gaa3 lok6 dei6 waan4 cin2 mai1 dak1 lo3

你使乜驚佢開天索價，落地還錢咪得囉。

Why are you afraid of his high price? Just counter with a low one.

Common phrases

hoi1 tin1 saak3 gaa3

開天索價

to ask for an exorbitant price

lok6 dei6 waan4 cin2

落地還錢

to counter with a low offer

Common mistake

Do not use this in modern retail settings like supermarkets or department stores where prices are fixed, as it will sound bizarre or rude to suggest bargaining there.