mate's rates
noun · casual
A cheaper price that you give to, or get from, a friend.
How do Aussies use ‘mate's rates’?
- My cousin fixed my car at mate's rates.
- Can you do it for mate's rates?
How to pronounce ‘mate's rates’
Say it like this: MAYTS RAYTS
‘mate's rates’ in a conversation
Jack: How much did the paint job cost?
Zoe: Not much. My uncle's a painter, so I got mate's rates.
What else should you know about ‘mate's rates’?
Common when a friend or family member is a tradie, a hairdresser or a photographer and does a job for less than the usual price.
Where will you hear ‘mate's rates’?
You'll hear 'mate's rates' when people talk about getting work done by friends or family: fixing a car, cutting hair, painting a house or taking wedding photos. Tradies and small business owners use it too.
How do you reply or use ‘mate's rates’ yourself?
If a friend offers you mate's rates, say thank you and pay them on time. A nice touch is to say 'Thanks, I'll shout you a coffee' or tell other people about their business.
More examples
- She's a hairdresser, so she does my hair at mate's rates.
- He gave us mate's rates on the furniture removal.
- I can't do mate's rates for everyone, or I won't make any money!
🎧 Recorded with Australian AI voices (Bec and Davo from our Listening Room), so you hear a natural Aussie accent on every device.
What mistake do learners make with ‘mate's rates’?
It's friendly to offer mate's rates, but it can be awkward to ask a friend for them. Wait until they offer.
What can you say instead in formal English?
In a formal email, essay or the PTE test, use a discount for friends instead.
Slang is great for chatting with friends and workmates, but keep it out of PTE essays and formal writing.
Fill the gap
Which word goes in the gap?
My friend is a photographer, so she did our photos at ___ ___.
Show the answer
mate's rates
Quick check
What does ‘mate's rates’ mean?
- To arrive or turn up, usually in a relaxed way.
- A charity shop that sells donated second-hand goods.
- A cheaper price that you give to, or get from, a friend.
Show the answer
C. A cheaper price that you give to, or get from, a friend.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'mate's rates' mean in Australia?
A cheaper price that you give to, or get from, a friend. Common when a friend or family member is a tradie, a hairdresser or a photographer and does a job for less than the usual price.
Can I say 'mate's rates' at work?
With workmates, yes. 'mate's rates' is fine in a chat at smoko or a casual message, but don't use it with clients, in formal emails, or in the PTE and IELTS writing tests.
How do you pronounce 'mate's rates'?
Say it like this: MAYTS RAYTS. Press 'Hear it' on this page to listen.
When do Australians say 'mate's rates'?
You'll hear 'mate's rates' when people talk about getting work done by friends or family: fixing a car, cutting hair, painting a house or taking wedding photos. Tradies and small business owners use it too.