Black Friday in English: sale, discount, deal and useful phrases

Black Friday is the Friday after Thanksgiving in the United States (the fourth Thursday of November), when many shops start their biggest sales. Here is the vocabulary you need.

Words about sales and discounts

Three words cause confusion: sale is the event when prices are lower, discount is the amount or percentage taken off the price, and deal is a good offer.

• a salean event when shops sell things cheaper. The shop is having a sale.
• a discountmoney or percent taken off the price. A 20% discount means you pay 80%.
• a deala good offer that saves you money. It’s a great deal.
• a bargainsomething you buy for less than it is worth. These boots were a bargain.
• half priceat 50% of the normal price. The jeans are half price.
• sold outno more left in the shop. This jacket is sold out.
• a receiptproof of purchase. Can I have a receipt, please?

These questions are useful in a shop or online:

• Is this on sale?Is this item cheaper right now? “On sale” means reduced in price.
• What’s the discount?Asking how much is taken off the price.
• Is there a discount on this?Asking whether a reduction is available.

If you want to ask about trying something on or returning it, see Can I return it if it doesn’t fit? and I’m just looking, thank you!.

Wishes for Black Friday

• Happy shopping!A short, friendly wish. Informal.
• Have a great Black Friday!A neutral wish, good for a text message or a card.
• I hope you find some great deals!Warmer, for a friend or a family member.
• Wishing you a happy Black Friday and good luck with your shopping.More formal, for a colleague or a client.

Say on sale, not in sale: This sweater is on sale. For a percentage, say 20% off or a 20% discount. Say on Black Friday, not in Black Friday.

Check yourself

Happy shopping, and good luck with the deals! To speak English with confidence in a shop, not just know single phrases, book a free trial lesson.