What to say at the shops?
Going shopping is an important task that everyone has to do regularly. 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. Moreover, you might also want to haggle or ask for discounts. So, in this blog, we bring you 9 questions and phrases you can use next time you shop.
We also have 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
How much does this cost?
Kam siʻru hadhā?
كَمْ سِعْرُ هَذا؟
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.
Can I try this on?
Hal yumkinuny tajribatu hadhā?
هَلْ يُمْكِنُني تَجْرِبَةُ هَذَا؟
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.
Do you have this in a different size/color?
Hal ladaykum hadhā bimaqāsin / bilawnin mukhtalif?
هَلْ لَدَيْكُمْ هَذَا بِمَقَاسٍ \بِلَوْنٍ مُخْتَلِف؟
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.
Is there a sale or discount on this item?
Hal hunāka takhfīḍun aw khaṣmun ʻalá hadhā almuntaj?
هَلْ هُنَاكَ تَخْفِيْضٌ أَوْ خَصْمٌ عَلَى هَذَا المُنْتَج؟
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!
Where can I find leather jackets?
Ayna yumkinuny aalʻuthūru ʻalá sutrātin jildīyah?
أَيْنَ يُمْكِنُني اَلْعُثُورُ عَلَى سُترَاتٍ جِلْدِيَّة؟
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.
Can I pay with a credit card?
Hal yumkinunī aalddafʻu bibiṭāqati aaliāʼtimāni?
هَلْ يُمْكِنُنِي اَلدَّفْعُ بِبِطَاقَةِ اَلِائْتِمَانِ ؟
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?).
Do you have a fitting room?
Hal ladaykum ghurfatu taghyīri aalmalābisi?
هَلْ لَدَيْكُمْ غُرْفَةُ تَغْيِيرِ اَلْمَلَابِسِ؟
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?).
Can you give me a better price?
Hal yumkinuka iʻṭāʼī siʻran afḍal?
هَلْ يُمْكِنُكَ إِعْطَائِي سِعْرًا أَفْضَل؟
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?).
What are your store hours?
Mā hiya sāʻātu aalʻamali fī aalmatjar?
مَا هِيَ سَاعَاتُ اَلْعَمَلِ فِي اَلْمَتْجَر؟
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.
Shopping for Clothes
Salesperson
Hello, can I help you?
مرحبًا، هل يمكنني مساعدتك؟
Customer
Hello, where can I find leather jackets?
مرحبًا، أين يمكنني العثور على سترات جلديّة؟
Salesperson
You’ll find them in the opposite section. Do you need help choosing a size?
ستجدها في القسم المقابل. هل تحتاج إلى مساعدة في اختيار المقاس؟
Customer
Thank you, do you have this in a different size/color?
شكرًا، هل لديكم هذا بمقاس / بلون مختلف؟
Salesperson
Yes, we have it in blue and a larger size.
نعم، لدينا هذا اللون الأزرق والمقاس الأكبر.
Customer
Great! Can I try this on?
رائع! هل يمكنني تجربة هذا؟
Salesperson
Sure! The fitting room is on the right.
بالتّأكيد! غرفة تغيير الملابس على اليمين.
Customer
How much does this cost?
كم سعر هذا؟
Salesperson
The jacket costs 100 dollars.
هذه السترة تكلف 100 دولار.
Customer
Can you give me a better price?
هل يمكنك إعطائي سعرًا أفضل؟
Salesperson
Sorry, we can’t negotiate prices in this store.
عذراً، لا يمكننا التفاوض على الأسعار في هذا المتجر
Customer
Okay, I’ll take it. Can I pay with a credit card?
حسناً، سآخذه. هل يمكنني الدّفع ببطاقة الائتمان؟
Salesperson
Of course! Follow me to the cashier to complete your purchase.
بالطّبع! اتبعني إلى قسم المُحاسبةِ لإتمام عملية الشراء.
2. Shopping for a Gift
Salesperson
Hello, how can I help you today?
مرحبًا، كيف يمكنني مساعدتك اليوم؟
Customer
Hello, I’m looking for a gift for my friend. Is there a sale or discount on this item?
مرحبًا، أبحث عن هدية لصديقي. هل هناك تخفيض أو خصم على هذا المنتج؟
Salesperson
Yes, this item is 20% off today.
نعم، هذا المنتج مخفّض بنسبة 20% اليوم
Customer
Great! Do you have a fitting room? I’d like to try it on before buying.
رائع! هل لديكم غرفة تغيير الملابس؟ أود أن أجربه قبل الشّراء
Salesperson
Sorry, we don’t have a fitting room for this item. However, we have a flexible return policy if the item is not suitable.
عذراً، لا يوجد غرفة تغيير ملابس لهذا المنتج. ولكن لدينا سياسة إرجاع مرنة إذا لم يكن المنتج مناسبًا
Customer
Okay, I’ll take it. How much does this cost?
حسناً، سآخذه. كم سعر هذا؟
Salesperson
After the discount, the price will be 80 dollars.
بعد التخفيض، سيكون السعر 80 دولارًا
Customer
Can I pay with a credit card?
هل يمكنني الدفع ببطاقة الائتمان؟
Salesperson
Yes, you can pay with a credit card.
نعم، يمكنك الدفع ببطاقة الائتمان
Customer
Thank you! What are your store hours?
شكراً! ما هي ساعات العمل في المتجر؟
Salesperson
We are open from 10 am to 9 pm Monday through Saturday, and from 11 am to 6 pm on Sundays.
نفتح من الساعة 10 صباحًا إلى الساعة 9 مساءً من الاثنين إلى السبت ومن الساعة 11 صباحًا إلى الساعة 6 مساءً يوم الأحد
Customer
Thank you very much for your help.
شكرًا جزيلًا على مساعدتك
Final word
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.
