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Must-Know French Phrases for Shopping in France visualisation

Must-Know French Phrases for Shopping in France

Key French phrases for shopping in France
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When shopping at a local supermarket in France, here are essential phrases and vocabulary that can help you navigate the experience:

Basic Phrases for Communication

  • Bonjour (Hello): Use this to greet staff when entering or speaking with someone.
  • Merci (Thank you): Always express gratitude after assistance.
  • Au revoir (Goodbye): Say this when leaving the store.

Asking for Items

  • Je cherche… (I’m looking for…): Use this to specify what you need, e.g., Je cherche une bouteille de Bordeaux (I’m looking for a bottle of Bordeaux) 6.
  • Avez-vous…? (Do you have…?): For inquiries, e.g., Avez-vous des fraises? (Do you have strawberries?) 1, 8.
  • Puis-je avoir…? (May I have…?): A polite way to request something, e.g., Puis-je avoir un demi-kilo de pommes? (May I have half a kilo of apples?) 2, 4.

Checking Prices and Quantities

  • Combien ça coûte ? (How much does it cost?): To inquire about the price of an item 3, 8.
  • C’est trop cher / bon marché. (It’s too expensive / inexpensive): To comment on the price 7.
  • Je voudrais… (I would like…): Specify quantities, e.g., Je voudrais six tranches de jambon (I would like six slices of ham) 2.
  • Où est…? (Where is…?): To ask for directions within the supermarket, e.g., Où est la crémerie ? (Where is the dairy section?) 5.
  • Le caddie / le panier (Shopping cart / basket): Essential terms for carrying items 4, 5.
  • L’allée / l’étagère (Aisle / shelf): Useful for locating products 4, 5.

At the Checkout

  • Je vais payer en liquide. (I’ll pay in cash.) or Puis-je régler par carte ? (Can I pay by card?): Specify your payment method 4, 8.
  • Le reçu, s’il vous plaît. (The receipt, please.): Request your receipt 3, 5.

These phrases will help you shop confidently and interact politely with staff in French supermarkets.

References

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