Types of Shops and Places
| English | Meaning / Example |
|---|---|
| shop / store | A place where you buy things. There's a shop on the corner. |
| supermarket | A large shop selling food and household goods. I'll stop at the supermarket. |
| market | An outdoor place with stalls selling goods. The Saturday market is lively. |
| department store | A large shop divided into sections. She shops at a big department store. |
| bakery | A shop that sells bread and cakes. Fresh bread from the bakery. |
| chemist / pharmacy | A shop that sells medicines. Buy aspirin at the chemist. |
| butcher's | A shop that sells meat. The butcher's has fresh chicken. |
| bookshop / bookstore | A shop that sells books. I love browsing a bookshop. |
Shopping Equipment and Areas
| English | Meaning / Example |
|---|---|
| basket | A small container for carrying items while shopping. Grab a basket at the door. |
| trolley / cart | A large wheeled container for shopping. The trolley was overflowing. |
| till / register | The machine where you pay. There's a queue at the till. |
| cashier | The person who takes your payment. The cashier gave me my change. |
| fitting room / changing room | Where you try on clothes. The fitting rooms are at the back. |
| aisle | A passage between shelves. The bread is in aisle 3. |
| queue / line | A row of people waiting. There was a long queue. |
Tip British English and American English differ on several shopping words: shop (BE) = store (AE) · queue (BE) = line (AE) · trolley (BE) = cart (AE) · till (BE) = register / checkout (AE) · chemist (BE) = pharmacy / drugstore (AE). Both versions are understood internationally.
Prices and Transactions
| English | Meaning / Example |
|---|---|
| price | The amount of money something costs. What's the price? |
| receipt | A printed record of what you bought. Keep your receipt. |
| discount | A reduction in price. There's a 20% discount today. |
| sale | A period when prices are reduced. Everything is in the sale! |
| refund | Money returned when you return a product. She got a full refund. |
| bargain | Something bought for less than usual. That coat was a real bargain. |
| size | The measurement of a clothing item. Do you have this in a size 12? |
| change | Money returned when you pay too much. Here's your change. |
| cash | Physical money (notes and coins). Do you pay by cash or card? |
Useful Shopping Phrases
| English | Meaning / Example |
|---|---|
| How much is this? | Asking the price. |
| Can I try this on? | Asking to use the fitting room. |
| I'll take it. | Saying you want to buy it. |
| Do you have this in a different size? | Asking for another size. |
| Where can I pay? | Asking for the till/cashier. |
| Can I have a bag, please? | Requesting a shopping bag. |
| Do you take card? | Asking if card payment is accepted. |
| Can I get a refund? | Asking to return something for money back. |
Real world: A shopping conversation
"Excuse me, how much is this jacket?" — "It's £49.99. It's also in the sale today — 20% off." — "Oh, great! Can I try it on?" — "Of course! The fitting room is just over there."
"I'll take it, please. Do you take card?" — "Yes, we do. That'll be £39.99." — "Here you go. Can I have a receipt?"
"In American English you'd say 'Can I stand in line?' In British English, you'd say 'Can I join the queue?' — same meaning, different word!"
Practice Problems
What is the British English word for a shopping 'cart'?
Show answer
trolley
What phrase do you use to ask to try on a piece of clothing?
Show answer
Can I try this on?
What is a 'receipt'?
Show answer
A printed record of what you bought and how much you paid.
What does 'in the sale' mean?
Show answer
Items have reduced prices / are cheaper than usual.