When venturing into the world of shopping in a French-speaking country, knowing some basic French vocabulary can transform your experience from confusing to enjoyable. Whether you’re trying to find a fitting piece of clothing, the perfect souvenir, or just want to browse through a local market, here are some essential French terms that will help you along the way.
Magasin (store)
A place where you can buy goods or services. In French, this term is used broadly to refer to any kind of shop.
Je vais au magasin pour acheter des chaussures.
Prix (price)
The amount of money expected, required, or given in payment for something.
Pouvez-vous me dire le prix de ce chapeau ?
Solde (sale)
A period during which a retailer sells goods at reduced prices.
Les soldes d’été commencent la semaine prochaine.
Marché (market)
A regular gathering of people for the purchase and sale of provisions, livestock, and other goods.
Nous allons au marché tous les dimanches pour acheter des fruits frais.
Caisse (cash register)
A machine for registering and calculating transactions at a point of sale.
S’il vous plaît, pouvez-vous passer à la caisse ?
Panier (basket)
A container used to hold or carry things, typically made from interwoven strips of cane or wire.
Vous pouvez trouver des paniers près de l’entrée.
Chariot (cart)
A wheeled vehicle typically used in shops to carry what you intend to purchase.
Pouvez-vous me donner un jeton pour le chariot ?
Taille (size)
The dimensions or magnitude of a thing, especially in terms of how big or small it is.
Quelle taille de vêtements portez-vous ?
Couleur (color)
A property possessed by an object of producing different sensations on the eye as a result of the way the object reflects or emits light.
Cette robe est disponible en plusieurs couleurs.
Essayer (to try on)
To wear something to check if it fits or looks nice.
Je peux essayer ce pantalon, s’il vous plaît ?
Acheter (to buy)
To obtain something in exchange for payment.
Je voudrais acheter ce livre.
Vendre (to sell)
To give or hand over something in exchange for money.
Nous vendons des produits locaux ici.
Remise (discount)
A deduction from the usual cost of something, typically given for prompt or advance payment or to a special category of buyers.
Vous avez une remise si vous achetez deux chemises.
Facture (bill)
A list of goods sent or services provided, with a statement of the sum due for these; a bill.
Pouvez-vous me donner la facture, s’il vous plaît ?
Monnaie (currency)
A system of money in general use in a particular country.
Acceptez-vous la monnaie américaine ici ?
Échanger (to exchange)
To give something and receive something of the same kind in return.
Je peux échanger ce produit s’il ne fonctionne pas correctement ?
Rembourser (to refund)
To give someone their money back, typically because they are not satisfied with goods or services purchased.
Je voudrais me faire rembourser, s’il vous plaît.
Reçu (receipt)
A piece of paper or electronic document confirming that money, goods, or information have been received.
Gardez votre reçu pour toute réclamation future.
Knowing these terms can significantly ease your shopping trips in French-speaking areas, making them more enjoyable and effective. Whether you’re asking for prices, sizes, or trying to navigate through sales, these basic French shopping vocabulary words will help you communicate more effectively and ensure a smoother transaction.
