The Top 30 Must-Know Phrases for Shopping

If you’re gearing up for some holiday shopping, you’ll want to make sure that you know the right phrases to help you along the way. Shopping can be a daunting task, but with the right words in your arsenal, you’ll be able to breeze through the process and find the perfect gifts for your loved ones. In this blog post, we will go over 30 of the most important phrases that every shopper should know. Check them out below!

 

 

1. Where is the nearest department store?

If you’re looking for a one-stop-shop, then a department store is the place to go. Department stores usually have a wide variety of products, from clothes to cosmetics to home goods. You can find just about anything you need at a department store.

2. Where is the nearest shopping mall?

Shopping malls are a great place to go if you want to find lots of different stores in one location. Malls usually have clothing and accessory shops, as well as restaurants and movie theatres. Some even have grocery stores or supermarkets inside them!

3. I’m looking for a dress/shirt/pair of shoes.

If you have a specific item in mind, then it’s useful to know the words for it in the local language. This way, you can ask shop assistants where they might have something that matches your needs.

4. I’m just looking.

If you’re not sure what you want, or if you’re just browsing, then it’s useful to know this phrase. This way, shop assistants won’t pressure you into buying anything and will leave you alone to look around.

5. How much is this?

If you want to know how much something costs, then use this phrase. You can ask for the price of a specific item (e.g., “How much are those shoes?”), or just generally about all products in the store (e.g., “What’s the average price here?”).

6. Can I try this on?

It’s always a good idea to try things on before you buy them! This phrase will help you do just that. You can use it for clothes and accessories, but not really anything else like food or electronics.

7. I need to go to the bathroom/I’m feeling sick.

If you need to leave the store for any reason, then these are two phrases that you’ll want to know. The first one is useful if you need to use the restroom, and the second one is handy if you start feeling sick while shopping.

8. I’m looking for a gift.

If you’re in the market for a gift, then this phrase will come in handy. It’s a good way to let shop assistants know that you’re not just buying for yourself.

11. Do you have any sales/discounts?

If you’re on a budget, then it’s always good to know this phrase. It can help you save money on your purchases.

12. That’s too expensive/I can’t afford that.

If the price of something is beyond your budget, then these are two phrases that you’ll want to know. They’ll help you communicate with the shop assistant and let them know that you won’t be buying the item.

15. I’m looking for a gift for my mother/father/brother/sister, etc.

If you’re shopping for someone else, then it’s always good to mention who that person is! This way, shop assistants can provide some suggestions based on what they know about different family members.

 

 

16. I want to buy a gift for my girlfriend/boyfriend, etc.

If you don’t have any immediate family members or friends in mind, then this phrase will help you out. You can mention the person’s relationship to you as well (e.g., “I’m looking for something nice that my husband will like”).

19. I need a new phone/laptop/tablet, etc.

If you’re in the market for a new electronic device, then this phrase will come in handy. It’ll help you communicate what it is that you’re looking for to the shop assistant.

20. That’s too big/small/heavy/light, etc.

If the item you’re looking for doesn’t fit your needs, then these are some phrases that will come in handy. For example: “It’s too heavy” or “It’s too small.”

21. I want something cheaper/more expensive (than this).

These two phrases will be useful if you want to either save or spend more money on an item. For example: “I’m looking for something cheaper than this” or “I want something more expensive.”

22. I’ll take it! / That’s perfect/just what I need, etc.

If you find the perfect thing that fits all your needs, then it’s time to say “I’ll take it!” These phrases will help you do just that.

23. I need a bag/box/ wrapping paper, etc.

If you’re buying fragile ornaments or something else that needs to be protected, then it’s useful to know this phrase. It’ll help you get your purchase safely home!

24. I’d like to return this, please./I want to exchange it for something else.

If you’re not happy with the item that you’ve bought, then these are two phrases that will come in handy. They’ll help you communicate what it exactly needs changing or returning so there’s less confusion between you and the shop assistant.

25. How do I pay? / What’s the best way to pay?

If you want to know how much something costs or what payment options are available, then these questions will help! They’ll make sure that there’s no confusion when it comes time for checkout at your local store.

26. Do you have this in another colour? / Do you have this in another style?

If the item that you want isn’t available, then these questions will help! They’ll make sure there’s no confusion when it comes time for checkout at your local store.

27. Can I get a refund?

If you’re not happy with the purchase that you’ve made, then it’s always good to know this phrase. It’ll help make the return process smoother and faster.

28. Can I have a discount?

This phrase will come in handy if you want to save money on your purchases! It can help you communicate with the shop assistant and let them know that they might be able to give you a better deal than what’s listed online or in-store.

 

 

29. I’d like to speak to your manager, please. / Could I talk with someone else? / Can you get me another one of these?

If there’s been an issue with your purchase and you’re not happy, then these phrases will come in handy. They’ll help make sure there’s no confusion between you and the shop assistant when it comes time for checkout at your local store.

30. I’m sorry…/Excuse me…

These two phrases are useful if someone steps on your foot, if you need to ask a question, or if there’s been some other issue. They’ll help make sure that communication is clear between you and the people around you.

And those are our top 30 must-know phrases for shopping! With these phrases in your arsenal, you’ll be able to communicate better with shop assistants and get the service that you deserve.

A few notes before we finish up: When using these phrases, remember to be courteous and polite when talking with shop assistants or anyone else who is helping you out at a store. Be clear and concise with what it is that you need, and always be respectful. Secondly, these phrases are just a guideline – feel free to use them as needed or adapt them to fit your needs. Finally, we hope that you find this post helpful! If you have any questions or feedback, please let us know in the comments below. Thanks for reading!

Thank you for reading!

This was written by me. Bryce Purnell, founder of Learn Laugh Speak.

Check out more on my Medium or send me an email if you’re ever curious about anything at all 

 

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