menawar

Menawar is a verb in Indonesian and Malay that means to bargain or haggle over price. It is commonly used in informal markets, street stalls, and online marketplaces across Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, and other Malay-speaking communities. The related noun tawar and the reduplicated form tawar-menawar describe the act of bargaining itself. Etymologically, tawar means to offer, and the prefix me- forms a transitive verb that denotes the action of negotiating over price.

In practice, menawar involves an exchange of offers and counteroffers. Shoppers may initiate with a lower price, sellers respond with a higher price or a fixed price, and negotiation continues until both parties reach a mutually acceptable amount. Phrases such as “Boleh kurang sedikit?” or “Berapa harganya?” are common in such exchanges. The extent of discount depends on context, relationship, and local market norms. Tawar-menawar is often seen as a social interaction, not merely a financial transaction. In many modern retail environments, especially fixed-price stores, official prices are non-negotiable, and bargaining is discouraged or restricted. Online marketplaces may also incorporate price negotiation features or algorithms that facilitate offers.

Culturally, menawar reflects informal bargaining traditions and can affect price transparency, perceived fairness, and consumer satisfaction. While it remains prevalent in traditional markets, its presence varies with the shopping setting, regulatory environment, and the rise of fixed-price retail and digital commerce.