Meaning and Usage
"特売" (とくばい) means "special sale" or "bargain sale." It is commonly used in retail contexts to indicate items sold at a discounted price for a limited time.
Common Contexts
You will often see "特売" on signs in supermarkets, convenience stores, and other shops to attract customers. It usually implies a temporary price reduction to boost sales.
Collocations and Patterns
- 特売の日 (とくばいのひ): "special sale day" — refers to specific days when discounts are offered.
- 特売品 (とくばいひん): "items on special sale" — products sold at a discount.
- 特売をする: "to hold a special sale" — used when a store announces a sale event.
Register and Nuance
"特売" is a neutral, everyday term used in casual and formal contexts related to shopping. It is not a polite or honorific word but is widely understood.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "特売" with "特別" (とくべつ, special) which is more general. Remember, "特売" specifically refers to sales or discounts, not just anything special.