Importance of Arabic for Everyday Situations
Going shopping is an important task that everyone has to do on a regular basis. And it can be a challenging experience when language is a barrier to communication. This is why every Arabic learner has to master a set of everyday expressions and be prepared for everyday situations when living or visiting an Arabic-speaking country. (Read more about Arabic phrases for everyday conversations here).
When shopping, you will need to ask for prices, for different sizes and colors, and for a fitting room if you are shopping for clothes. You will also need to ask for different ways of payment. What’s more, you might also want to haggle or ask for discounts. So, in this blog, we bring you 9 questions and phrases that you can use the next time you are shopping.
We have also two real-life scenarios, so you can see how these Arabic shopping phrases are used in context.
So, are you ready to style up your Arabic language and shopping experience and be more confident using Arabic?
Let’s start!
Arabic Shopping Phrases
1. كَمْ سِعْرُ هَذا؟
Kam siʻru hadhā? (How much does this cost?)
This is one of the most common Arabic shopping phrases and you can use it to ask about the price of an item, “كم سعر هذا؟” (How much does this cost?). This phrase will be your go-to when you’re not sure about the price tag or when bargaining in a local market.
2. هَلْ يُمْكِنُني تَجْرِبَةُ هَذَا؟
Hal yumkinuny tajribatu hadhā? (Can I try this on?)
When you find an item that catches your eye, you might want to try it on before purchasing. Ask, “هل يمكنني تجربة هذا؟” (Can I try this on?) to request permission from the shopkeeper.
3. هَلْ لَدَيْكُمْ هَذَا بِمَقَاسٍ \بِلَوْنٍ مُخْتَلِف؟
Hal ladaykum hadhā bimaqāsin / bilawnin mukhtalif?
(Do you have this in a different size/color?)
If you’re looking for a specific size or color, ask the salesperson, “هل لديكم هذا بمقاس / بلون مختلف؟” (Do you have this in a different size/color?). This question will help you find the perfect fit or shade for your desired item.
4. هَلْ هُنَاكَ تَخْفِيْضٌ أَوْ خَصْمٌ عَلَى هَذَا المُنْتَج؟
Hal hunāka takhfīḍun aw khaṣmun ʻalá hadhā almuntaj?
(Is there a sale or discount on this item?)
Everyone loves a good bargain! To find out if there’s a sale or discount on an item, ask, “هل هناك تخفيض أو خصم على هذا المنتج؟” (Is there a sale or discount on this item?). You might just score a great deal!
5. أَيْنَ يُمْكِنُني اَلْعُثُورُ عَلَى سُترَاتٍ جِلْدِيَّة؟
Ayna yumkinuny aalʻuthūru ʻalá sutrātin jildīyah?
(Where can I find leather jackets?)
If you’re on the hunt for a particular item, like leather jackets, ask the salesperson, “أين يمكنني العثور على سترات جلديّة؟” (Where can I find leather jackets?). This question will guide you to the right section of the store.
6. هَلْ يُمْكِنُنِي اَلدَّفْعُ بِبِطَاقَةِ اَلِائْتِمَانِ ؟
(Can I pay with a credit card?)
When it’s time to pay for your purchases, you may want to use a credit card. To confirm whether the store accepts this payment method, ask, “هل يمكنني الدفع ببطاقة الائتمان؟” (Can I pay with a credit card?).
7. هَلْ لَدَيْكُمْ غُرْفَةُ تَغْيِيرِ اَلْمَلَابِسِ؟
Hal ladaykum ghurfatu taghyīri aalmalābisi?
(Do you have a fitting room?)
Trying on clothes requires a fitting room. To locate one in the store, ask the salesperson, “هل لديكم غرفة تغيير الملابس؟” (Do you have a fitting room?).
8. هَلْ يُمْكِنُكَ إِعْطَائِي سِعْرًا أَفْضَل؟
Hal yumkinuka iʻṭāʼī siʻran afḍal?
(Can you give me a better price?)
In some markets, it’s common to bargain for a better price. To initiate negotiations, ask, “هل يمكنك إعطائي سعرًا أفضل؟” (Can you give me a better price?).
9.مَا هِيَ سَاعَاتُ اَلْعَمَلِ فِي اَلْمَتْجَر؟
Mā hiya sāʻātu aalʻamali fī aalmatjar?
(What are your store hours?)
To avoid missing out on shopping opportunities, ask, “ما هي ساعات العمل في المتجر؟” (What are your store hours?). This information will help you plan your shopping trip accordingly.
Real-life Scenarios
Now, we will explore two real-life shopping scenarios using these Arabic shopping phrases. These situations will help you practice and become more comfortable using Arabic while shopping for clothes or gifts.
The first scenario focuses on shopping for clothes, and the second scenario is about finding a gift for a friend. By familiarizing yourself with these Arabic shopping phrases and practicing them in context, you will be better prepared for your next shopping experience in an Arabic-speaking environment.
1. Shopping for Clothes
Salesperson: مرحبًا، هل يمكنني مساعدتك؟
(Hello, can I help you?)
Customer: مرحبًا، أين يمكنني العثور على سترات جلديّة؟
(Hello, where can I find leather jackets?)
Salesperson: ستجدها في القسم المقابل. هل تحتاج إلى مساعدة في اختيار المقاس؟
(You’ll find them in the opposite section. Do you need help choosing a size?)
Customer: شكرًا، هل لديكم هذا بمقاس / بلون مختلف؟
(Thank you, do you have this in a different size/color?)
Salesperson: نعم، لدينا هذا اللون الأزرق والمقاس الأكبر.
(Yes, we have it in blue and a larger size.)
Customer: رائع! هل يمكنني تجربة هذا؟
(Great! Can I try this on?)
Salesperson: بالتّأكيد! غرفة تغيير الملابس على اليمين.
(Sure! The fitting room is on the right.)
Customer: كم سعر هذا؟
(How much does this cost?)
Salesperson: هذه السترة تكلف 100 دولار.
(The jacket costs 100 dollars.)
Customer: هل يمكنك إعطائي سعرًا أفضل؟
(Can you give me a better price?)
Salesperson: عذراً، لا يمكننا التفاوض على الأسعار في هذا المتجر.
(Sorry, we can’t negotiate prices in this store.)
Customer: حسناً، سآخذه. هل يمكنني الدّفع ببطاقة الائتمان؟
(Okay, I’ll take it. Can I pay with a credit card?)
Salesperson: بالطّبع! اتبعني إلى قسم المُحاسبةِ لإتمام عملية الشراء.
(Of course! Follow me to the cashier to complete your purchase.)
2. Shopping for a Gift
Salesperson: مرحبًا، كيف يمكنني مساعدتك اليوم؟
(Hello, how can I help you today?)
Customer: مرحبًا، أبحث عن هدية لصديقي. هل هناك تخفيض أو خصم على هذا المنتج؟
(Hello, I’m looking for a gift for my friend. Is there a sale or discount on this item?)
Salesperson: نعم، هذا المنتج مخفّض بنسبة 20% اليوم.
(Yes, this item is 20% off today.)
Customer: رائع! هل لديكم غرفة تغيير الملابس؟ أود أن أجربه قبل الشّراء.
(Great! Do you have a fitting room? I’d like to try it on before buying.)
Salesperson: عذراً، لا يوجد غرفة تغيير ملابس لهذا المنتج. ولكن لدينا سياسة إرجاع مرنة إذا لم يكن المنتج مناسبًا.
(Sorry, we don’t have a fitting room for this item. However, we have a flexible return policy if the item is not suitable.)
Customer: حسناً، سآخذه. كم سعر هذا؟
(Okay, I’ll take it. How much does this cost?)
Salesperson: بعد التخفيض، سيكون السعر 80 دولارًا.
(After the discount, the price will be 80 dollars.)
Customer: هل يمكنني الدفع ببطاقة الائتمان؟
(Can I pay with a credit card?)
Salesperson: نعم، يمكنك الدفع ببطاقة الائتمان.
(Yes, you can pay with a credit card.)
Customer: شكراً! ما هي ساعات العمل في المتجر؟
(Thank you! What are your store hours?)
Salesperson: نفتح من الساعة 10 صباحًا إلى الساعة 9 مساءً من الاثنين إلى السبت ومن الساعة 11 صباحًا إلى الساعة 6 مساءً يوم الأحد.
(We are open from 10 am to 9 pm Monday through Saturday, and from 11 am to 6 pm on Sundays.)
Customer: شكرًا جزيلًا على مساعدتك.
(Thank you very much for your help.)
Conclusion
In the end, if you need to have a better shopping experience in an Arabic-speaking country and make it more enjoyable and efficient you will need to master these nine essential Arabic shopping phrases. They will provide a gateway to engage with locals on a more personal level and allow you to get your needs easily and smoothly.
Whenever you need to go to the supermarket or buy new clothes in shopping centers, these phrases will become your trusty companions, allowing you to communicate effectively and embrace the full cultural experience.
So, go ahead and start practicing these must-know Arabic phrases for a smooth shopping experience, and remember, the more you use them, the more confident and proficient you’ll become.
Now, we come to the best part. To help you master these phrases and easily incorporate them into your daily conversations, we have prepared a Quiz on Shopping phrases to check your understanding and progress. The quiz will help you also consolidate any phrases you still find challenging.
And finally, don’t forget to check our unique Planner that you can use to speed up your learning journey. This planner offers a rich 30-page worksheet accompanied by over 200 practical exercises and activities. It will serve as a powerful tool to back your acquired knowledge and newly learned language and push your learning journey forward with tons of practice opportunities.
