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 saak3， lohk deih wàahn chìhn

Definition

To ask for a sky-high price and bargain with a rock-bottom counteroffer.

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做saang1生ji3意hoi1開tin1天saak3索gaa3價，lok6落dei6地waan4還cin2錢hou2好zeng3正soeng4常。

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

nei5你sai2使mat1乜geng1驚keoi5佢hoi1開tin1天saak3索gaa3價，lok6落dei6地waan4還cin2錢mai1咪dak1得lo3囉。

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

Common phrases

hoi1開tin1天saak3索gaa3價

to ask for an exorbitant price

lok6落dei6地waan4還cin2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.