Pronunciation: [bo(n) mar shay]
Meaning: inexpensive, cheap
Literal translation: good deal
Register: normal
Notes: The French expression bon marché might be translated by either "inexpensive" or "cheap." Like the latter, bon marché can be both positive (indicating a reasonable price) and negative (insulting the product's quality).*
Bon marché is invariable in gender and number: it does not change to agree with the noun it modifies.
Examples
Je cherche un cadeau bon marché.
I'm looking for an inexpensive gift.
Avez-vous des voitures bon marché ?
Do you have any cheap cars?
However, bon marché can be made comparative and superlative:
Je préfère la télévision meilleur marché, même si elle est un peu plus petite.
I prefer the cheaper TV, even though it's a little smaller.
Il a acheté les chaussures les meilleur marché.
He bought the least expensive shoes.
*Synonyms (positive and negative)
- un bon rapport qualité-prix - good value
- une bonne affaire - good deal
- un prix avantageux - bargain price
- pas cher - inexpensive
- une mauvaise affaire - bad deal
- la pacotille - cheap piece of junk
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