Besides 'Bonjour,' what are some other ways to greet someone when entering a store in France?

You can also say 'Bonsoir' (Good evening) if it's after 6 PM, or 'Bonjour Madame/Monsieur' to be more formal. A simple 'Salut' is okay with shopkeepers you know well. Remember to make eye contact and smile for a friendly greeting.

What's the best way to politely ask if a store carries a specific item?

You can say 'Avez-vous...?' (Do you have...?) followed by the item you're looking for. For example, 'Avez-vous des chaussures en cuir?' (Do you have leather shoes?). Or, you can ask 'Est-ce que vous avez...?' which is a slightly more formal way to ask the same question.

How do I ask about sizes in French clothing stores?

Ask 'Quelle est votre taille?' (What is your size?) or 'Vous faites quelle taille?' (What size do you wear?). You can also ask 'Avez-vous ça en taille...?' (Do you have this in size...?) followed by the number. Be aware that European sizes are different from US sizes.

What are some phrases to use when you want to try something on in a French store?

You can say 'Où sont les cabines d'essayage?' (Where are the fitting rooms?). Or, 'Je peux essayer ça?' (Can I try this on?). When you come out, you might say 'Ça me va bien' (It fits me well) or 'C'est trop grand/petit' (It's too big/small).

Is bargaining acceptable in French markets, and if so, what are some tips for doing it politely?

Bargaining is more common in markets than in stores, but it's still important to be polite. Start by asking the price, then offer a lower price with a smile. Use phrases like 'C'est un peu cher' (It's a bit expensive) or 'Vous pouvez faire un prix?' (Can you give me a price?). Be prepared to walk away if you can't agree on a price.

French Shopping Vocabulary: Complete Guide for Couples

Master French shopping vocabulary! Learn essential phrases for stores, markets, bargaining, and shopping with your partner in French-speaking countries.

Shopping in French is both practical and romantic - whether you're browsing Parisian boutiques, exploring local markets, or simply picking up groceries together. Mastering shopping vocabulary will help you navigate stores, find the perfect gifts for each other, and enjoy the full French shopping experience as a couple.

Entering a Store

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Phrase to Learn

Bonjour, je regarde juste

Hello, I'm just looking

[ bohn-ZHOOR zhuh ruh-GARD zhoost ]

The perfect phrase when a shop assistant approaches - polite but non-committal

Basic Greetings and Responses

Always greet shop staff when entering and leaving!

French	English	When to use it
Bonjour!	Hello!	Use when entering any shop; it is the safest default greeting.
Bonsoir!	Good evening!	Use from late afternoon/evening, especially in smaller stores.
Je regarde, merci.	I'm just looking, thanks.	Polite if a shop assistant approaches before you are ready.
Je cherche...	I'm looking for...	Start a request: Je cherche un cadeau.
Est-ce que vous pouvez m'aider?	Can you help me?	Formal and useful with staff you do not know.
Au revoir!	Goodbye!	Say this when you leave, even if you did not buy anything.
Bonne journée!	Have a nice day!	Friendly closing; the accent on journée matters.

Mini practice: Say the three phrases you would use when entering a boutique, asking for help, and leaving. Then swap in a different item you might be looking for, such as une écharpe or un cadeau.

Excusez-moi, est-ce que vous avez ca en bleu? Excuse me, do you have this in blue?

Pronunciation: ex-koo-ZAY-mwah ess-kuh voo-zah-VAY sah ahn BLUH

"Excusez-moi, j'adore ce pull. Est-ce que vous avez ca en bleu?"

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French Shopping Etiquette

In France, always say "Bonjour" when entering a store and "Au revoir" when leaving - even if you don't buy anything. This politeness is essential and expected. Shop assistants may seem distant at first, but greeting them properly opens the door to helpful service.

Types of Stores

Navigating the French retail landscape requires understanding the distinction between different types of establishments, from the massive 'hypermarché' on the outskirts of town to the specialized 'boulangerie' on the corner. Each venue offers a specific range of products and requires a different level of interaction with the staff. Identifying these locations correctly ensures that you and your partner end up at the right destination for your specific needs.

In the following subsection, 'Les Magasins (Stores)', we will look at the essential terminology for various retail outlets. This includes the names for clothing boutiques, department stores, and specialty food shops. Knowing these terms helps you interpret street signs and maps as you explore a new neighborhood together.

la librairie bookstore

Pronunciation: la lee-breh-ree

"Nous allons à la librairie pour acheter un guide de voyage."

Les Magasins (Stores)

French	English	Typical use
La boulangerie	Bakery	Buy bread and pastries; often a morning stop.
La pâtisserie	Pastry shop	For cakes, éclairs, and desserts.
La boucherie	Butcher shop	Meat counter with personalized service.
La charcuterie	Deli / cured meats shop	Cold cuts, pâté, and prepared meats.
La fromagerie	Cheese shop	Specialty cheese shop; very useful for a picnic date.
La poissonnerie	Fish market	Fresh fish and seafood.
L'épicerie	Grocery store	Small neighborhood grocery.
Le supermarché	Supermarket	Large self-service grocery store.
Le marché	Market	Outdoor or indoor market with stalls.
La pharmacie	Pharmacy	Medicine, first-aid items, and beauty products.
La librairie	Bookstore	Books, magazines, and often stationery.
La bijouterie	Jewelry store	Rings, necklaces, and gifts with a romantic feel.
Le magasin de vêtements	Clothing store	General clothing retail.
Le grand magasin	Department store	Large multi-floor store with many departments.
La parfumerie	Perfume shop	Perfume, cosmetics, and gift sets.

Mini practice: Say where you would go for bread, cheese, and a gift. Then try to answer in French: Où est la fromagerie ?

On va faire les courses au marche? Shall we go shopping at the market?

Pronunciation: ohn vah FAIR lay KOORS oh mar-SHAY

"C'est samedi! On va faire les courses au marche?"

Asking About Products

Once inside a store, the ability to locate specific items and describe their characteristics is vital for a successful shopping trip. This involves using directional verbs and descriptive adjectives to narrow down your search. Communicating your preferences clearly to a sales associate can save time and help you find higher-quality options that might not be immediately visible on the shelves.

This section is divided into two parts: 'Finding What You Need', which focuses on inquiry phrases, and 'Size and Colors', which provides the technical vocabulary for specific product attributes. Mastering these terms allows you to move beyond simple pointing and helps you participate more actively in the shopping process.

chercher to look for

Pronunciation: shehr-shay

"Je cherche un chemisier en soie pour ma femme."

Finding What You Need

French	English
Est-ce que vous avez...?	Do you have...?
Ou se trouve...?	Where is...?
Je cherche...	I'm looking for...
Vous vendez...?	Do you sell...?
C'est dans quel rayon?	Which aisle is it in?
Vous en avez d'autres?	Do you have others?

Excusez-moi, ou se trouve le rayon parfumerie? Excuse me, where is the perfume section?

Pronunciation: ex-koo-ZAY-mwah oo suh TROOV luh ray-YOHN par-fuhm-REE

"Excusez-moi, je cherche un cadeau. Ou se trouve le rayon parfumerie?"

Size and Colors

French	English	Example or note
Quelle taille ?	What size?	Short and natural when asking about clothing.
Petit / moyen / grand	Small / medium / large	Size words often depend on the item, so listen for context.
C'est trop grand / petit.	It's too big / small.	Useful in fitting rooms when something does not fit.
Vous l'avez en quelle taille ?	What sizes do you have?	More natural than asking for a single size first.
La taille au-dessus / au-dessous	The size up / down	Helpful if the current size is close but not right.
Noir, blanc, rouge, bleu	Black, white, red, blue	Common colors you will hear often in shops.
Vert, jaune, rose, violet	Green, yellow, pink, purple	Use these to narrow down what you want.
Orange, gris, marron, beige	Orange, gray, brown, beige	Useful for accessories, shoes, and outerwear.

Mini practice: Describe one item you want to buy using a size and a color. For example: Je cherche une veste bleue en taille moyenne.

C'est trop petit. Vous l'avez en taille au-dessus? It's too small. Do you have it in the next size up?

Pronunciation: say TROH puh-TEE voo lah-VAY ahn TIE oh-duh-SYU

"Cette robe est magnifique mais c'est trop petit. Vous l'avez en taille au-dessus?"

Trying Things On

The process of trying on clothes in France involves specific etiquette and a set of specialized phrases to use with shop assistants. Finding the dressing rooms and requesting different sizes or styles are common interactions that require precise language. This stage of shopping is often where couples collaborate most, offering feedback on fit and style before making a final decision.

We will examine 'Clothing Shopping' terminology to help you navigate the fitting room area and 'Shopping Together Phrases' designed for communal decision-making. These phrases allow you to discuss how an item looks and feels with your partner while maintaining a polite dialogue with store employees.

la cabine d’essayage fitting room

Pronunciation: la ka-been deh-seh-yaj

"Où se trouvent les cabines d’essayage, s'il vous plaît ?"

Clothing Shopping

French	English
Ou sont les cabines d'essayage?	Where are the fitting rooms?
Je peux l'essayer?	Can I try it on?
Ca me va?	Does it suit me?
Ca te va tres bien!	It suits you very well!
C'est parfait!	It's perfect!
Je le/la prends	I'll take it
Je vais reflechir	I'll think about it

Mon amour, ca te va a merveille! My love, it looks wonderful on you!

Pronunciation: mohn ah-MOOR sah tuh vah ah mehr-VAY

"Garde cette robe, mon amour, ca te va a merveille!"

Shopping Together Phrases

French	English
Qu'est-ce que tu en penses?	What do you think?
Ca me va bien?	Does it look good on me?
Tu aimes?	Do you like it?
C'est trop / pas assez...	It's too / not enough...
Essaie celui-la!	Try that one!
Tu es magnifique!	You look gorgeous!
Je t'achete ca comme cadeau	I'm buying this for you as a gift

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French Fashion Culture

French people generally value quality over quantity in fashion. They often build capsule wardrobes with classic pieces. When shopping with your French partner, compliments are appreciated but expected to be honest - "C'est pas mal" (It's not bad) actually means it's pretty good!

Asking About Prices

Ca coute combien? How much does it cost?

Pronunciation: sah KOOT kohm-bee-AHN

"Pardon, ca coute combien, cette echarpe?"

Price Vocabulary

French	English
C'est combien?	How much is it?
Ca fait combien?	How much does that come to?
Quel est le prix?	What's the price?
C'est en solde	It's on sale
C'est cher	It's expensive
C'est bon marche	It's cheap/affordable
C'est une bonne affaire	It's a good deal
C'est hors de prix	It's overpriced
Il y a une reduction?	Is there a discount?

Understanding Prices

French	English
Ca fait 25 euros	That's 25 euros
Le total est de...	The total is...
Taxe comprise	Tax included
Prix unitaire	Unit price
Prix au kilo	Price per kilo

C'est un peu cher, il y a une reduction possible? It's a bit expensive, is there a possible discount?

Pronunciation: say tuhn puh SHEHR eel ee ah oon ray-dook-see-ON poh-SEEBL

"On adore cet article mais c'est un peu cher. Il y a une reduction possible?"

At the Market

French outdoor markets are a sensory experience that differs significantly from shopping at a standard grocery store. Interactions here are more direct, and you will often need to specify quantities by weight or by the piece. Understanding the etiquette of the 'marché'—such as knowing when it is appropriate to handle the produce yourself—is just as important as the vocabulary you use.

This section covers 'Market Shopping Phrases' for interacting with vendors and 'Fresh Produce Vocabulary' for identifying seasonal fruits and vegetables. These tools will help you navigate the stalls confidently and ensure you return home with the ingredients you need for a traditional French meal.

le marché market

Pronunciation: luh mar-shay

"Nous achetons des olives et du fromage au marché ce matin."

Market Shopping Phrases

French	English
Je voudrais...	I would like...
Donnez-moi...	Give me...
Un kilo de...	A kilo of...
Une livre de...	A pound of...
Une tranche de...	A slice of...
Un morceau de...	A piece of...
C'est tout, merci	That's all, thanks
Et avec ceci?	Anything else?

Je voudrais un kilo de tomates et une botte de basilic I would like a kilo of tomatoes and a bunch of basil

Pronunciation: zhuh voo-DRAY un KEE-loh duh toh-MAHT ay oon BOTT duh bah-zee-LEEK

"Bonjour! Je voudrais un kilo de tomates et une botte de basilic, s'il vous plait."

Fresh Produce Vocabulary

French	English
Les fruits	Fruits
Les legumes	Vegetables
Les pommes	Apples
Les oranges	Oranges
Les fraises	Strawberries
Les tomates	Tomatoes
Les carottes	Carrots
Les pommes de terre	Potatoes
Les oignons	Onions
L'ail	Garlic
Le fromage	Cheese
Le pain	Bread
La viande	Meat
Le poisson	Fish

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French Market Culture

French markets are a social experience! Vendors often let you taste before buying (especially cheese and charcuterie). Don't touch the produce without asking - point and let the vendor select for you. Bring your own bag (un sac) as plastic bags are rare. Markets typically run until 12:30-13:00.

Paying

The final step of any shopping excursion is the transaction at the register. In France, this process involves specific social protocols, such as the standard greeting and the handling of loyalty cards or receipts. You must also be prepared to understand various payment methods and the numerical totals provided by the cashier to ensure the transaction goes smoothly.

In the subsections 'At the Register' and 'Sales and Discounts', we will detail the phrases used during the checkout process and how to identify promotional offers. Understanding terms like 'en solde' or 'une remise' can lead to significant savings during your shopping trips.

la caisse cash register

Pronunciation: la kess

"Il y a une longue file d'attente à la caisse."

At the Register

French	English
Je voudrais payer	I'd like to pay
Ou est la caisse?	Where is the register?
Vous acceptez les cartes?	Do you accept cards?
Je paie en especes	I'm paying cash
Je paie par carte	I'm paying by card
Le code PIN	The PIN code
Un sac, s'il vous plait	A bag, please
Le recu	The receipt
Je peux avoir un recu?	Can I have a receipt?

Vous acceptez les cartes de credit? Do you accept credit cards?

Pronunciation: voo-zak-sep-TAY lay KART duh kray-DEE

"Avant de payer - vous acceptez les cartes de credit?"

Sales and Discounts

French	English
Les soldes	Sales
Une promotion	A promotion
En solde	On sale
-20% (moins vingt pour cent)	20% off
Deux pour le prix d'un	Two for the price of one
Offre speciale	Special offer
Prix reduit	Reduced price

Gift Shopping

Finding a gift in a foreign country requires a nuanced vocabulary to describe the recipient's tastes and the occasion for the present. Whether you are looking for a small souvenir or a luxury item, you may need to ask for gift-wrapping services or inquire about return policies. This type of shopping often involves more descriptive language than routine grocery runs.

We provide guidance on 'Finding the Perfect Gift' and a list of 'Gift Ideas Vocabulary' to help you categorize potential purchases. These resources are designed to help you articulate what you are looking for, even when the item is more abstract or sentimental in nature.

le cadeau gift

Pronunciation: luh ka-doh

"Je cherche un cadeau spécial pour l'anniversaire de ma mère."

Finding the Perfect Gift

French	English
Je cherche un cadeau pour...	I'm looking for a gift for...
C'est pour offrir	It's to give as a gift
Vous pouvez l'emballer?	Can you wrap it?
Vous faites les paquets cadeaux?	Do you do gift wrapping?
C'est pour mon/ma partenaire	It's for my partner
Quelque chose de special	Something special
Un cadeau romantique	A romantic gift

Je cherche un cadeau special pour ma femme I'm looking for a special gift for my wife

Pronunciation: zhuh SHEHRSH un kah-DOH spay-SYAL poor mah FAHM

"Bonjour, je cherche un cadeau special pour ma femme. C'est notre anniversaire."

Gift Ideas Vocabulary

French	English
Un bijou	A piece of jewelry
Un collier	A necklace
Un bracelet	A bracelet
Des boucles d'oreilles	Earrings
Une bague	A ring
Un parfum	A perfume
Une echarpe	A scarf
Des fleurs	Flowers
Du chocolat	Chocolate
Un livre	A book

Returns and Exchanges

French	English
Je voudrais echanger ceci	I'd like to exchange this
Je voudrais me faire rembourser	I'd like a refund
J'ai le ticket de caisse	I have the receipt
Ca ne me va pas	It doesn't fit me
C'est defectueux	It's defective
Quelle est votre politique de retour?	What's your return policy?

Excusez-moi, je voudrais echanger cet article Excuse me, I'd like to exchange this item

Pronunciation: ex-koo-ZAY-mwah zhuh voo-DRAY ay-shahn-ZHAY set ar-TEE-kluh

"Excusez-moi, je voudrais echanger cet article. C'est trop petit pour mon mari."

Couple's Shopping Activities

Shopping as a duo is more than just a chore; it is a shared activity that requires coordination and a common vocabulary. Discussing your shopping list, deciding on a budget, and agreeing on which stores to visit are all parts of the planning process. Using French to manage these logistics can make the experience more immersive and organized.

This final section includes a 'Shopping Together Dialogue' to demonstrate how these terms work in a real-world scenario. Additionally, 'Planning Shopping Together' offers phrases for setting goals and itineraries, ensuring that both partners are on the same page before heading out the door.

faire du lèche-vitrine to go window shopping

Pronunciation: fehr dyu lesh vee-treen

"Nous aimons faire du lèche-vitrine aux Champs-Élysées."

Shopping Together Dialogue

Partner A: On entre dans cette boutique? Elle a l'air sympa! Partner B: D'accord! Bonjour! Vendeur: Bonjour! Je peux vous aider? Partner A: On regarde, merci. Oh, regarde ca! Partner B: C'est joli! Ca te plait? Partner A: Oui! C'est combien? Partner B: Essaie-le! Ou sont les cabines? Vendeur: Au fond a droite. [After trying on] Partner B: Waouh, ca te va super bien! Partner A: Tu trouves? Je le prends alors!

Planning Shopping Together

French	English
Qu'est-ce qu'on doit acheter?	What do we need to buy?
On fait la liste des courses	Let's make a shopping list
Tu veux venir avec moi?	Do you want to come with me?
On fait du shopping ensemble?	Shall we go shopping together?
J'ai besoin de ton avis	I need your opinion

Viens avec moi, j'ai besoin de ton avis! Come with me, I need your opinion!

Pronunciation: vee-AHN ah-vek MWAH zhay buh-ZWAN duh ton ah-VEE

"Je veux acheter une nouvelle veste. Viens avec moi, j'ai besoin de ton avis!"

Quick Reference: Essential Shopping Phrases

Situation	French	What it helps you do
Entering store	Bonjour !	Starts the interaction politely.
Just looking	Je regarde, merci.	Lets staff know you are browsing.
Asking for help	Est-ce que vous pouvez m'aider ?	Use when you need directions or product advice.
Asking price	C'est combien ? / Ça coûte combien ?	Choose the more natural one for the situation.
Asking for size	Vous l'avez en taille... ?	Useful for clothes, shoes, and accessories.
Trying on	Je peux l'essayer ?	Asks permission before heading to the fitting room.
Taking it	Je le/la prends.	Signals that you are ready to buy.
Paying	Je voudrais payer.	Moves the conversation to checkout.
Leaving	Au revoir, bonne journée !	Polite close that leaves a good impression.

Mini practice: Pick one store, one item, and one closing phrase. Try saying the whole sequence aloud: greeting, question, purchase, goodbye.