bon marché
Bon marché means cheap or inexpensive — literally 'good market', a good deal. Unlike English 'cheap', it carries no sneer about quality: it's simply a fair price. It never changes form (no bon marchée), and it's the polite cousin of 'pas cher' you'll meet in shops and price comparisons everywhere.
Where you'll hear it
Sarah
C'est trop stylé ! Et il te va comme un gant. Mais, prenons garde au prix. Tu veux vraiment dépenser autant ?
They're so stylish! And they fit you like a glove. But let's be careful with the price. Do you really want to spend that much?
Clara
C'est vrai, il est un peu cher... Mais avec ce sac à main, ça passe encore, tu ne trouves pas ?
It's true, they are a bit expensive... But with this handbag, it still fits, don't you think?
Sarah
Le sac à main est super joli et il a l'air bon marché. C'est un bon choix. Et regarde cette écharpe là-bas, elle irait bien avec ton jean.
The handbag is really pretty and looks a good deal. It's a good choice. And look at that scarf over there, it would go well with your jeans.
Clara
Oh, je l'adore ! Mais j'ai déjà tellement d'écharpes... mon placard est plein à craquer.
Oh, I love it! But I've already got so many scarves... my cupboard's full to bursting.
How it shows up
Ce restaurant est vraiment bon marché.
This restaurant is really inexpensive.
J'ai trouvé des livres bon marché au vide-grenier.
I found some cheap books at the flea market.
C'est plus bon marché au marché qu'au supermarché.
It's cheaper at the market than at the supermarket.
Related expressions
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