Learning to shop in French is an essential skill if you plan to visit a French-speaking country or simply want to brush up on your French conversation skills. Here are some tips and helpful vocabulary to help you confidently navigate a French shopping experience.
Basic Vocabulary
- Acheter: Buy
- Magasin: Store
- Argent: Money
- Credit card: Credit card
- Vendeur/Vendeuse: Seller/Seller
- Client: Client
- Invoice: Invoice
- Bag: Bag/Purse
- Prix: Price
Useful Phrases
- Je cherche...: I'm looking...
- Combien ça coûte?: How much does it cost?
- Où sont les cabins d'essayage?: Where are the dressing rooms?
- Pouvez-vous m'aider?: Can you help me?
- Je voudrais...: I would like...
- Je vais prendre ça.: I'll take this.
Shopping in French
When you enter a store in France, it is common to be greeted with a "Bonjour" (Hello) by the salesperson. It is considered polite to respond with a "Bonjour" as well. If you need help, you can ask "Pouvez-vous m'aider?" (Can you help me?)
If you're looking for something specific, you can use the phrase "Je cherche..." (I'm looking...), followed by what you're looking for. For example, "Je cherche une robe" (I'm looking for a dress).
When you find something you'd like to buy, you can say "Je vais prendre ça" (I'll take this). To ask the price of an item, say "Combien ça coûte?" (How much does it cost?)
Finally, when you're ready to pay, head to the cashier (la caisse) and get ready to pay. You may be asked if you would like a bag (un sac), so be prepared to reply "Oui, s'il vous plaît" (Yes, please) or "Non, merci" (No, thank you).
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Learning to shop in French can be a fun and hands-on way to improve your French skills. Practice these phrases and vocabulary and you'll be ready to shop in French with confidence!
