French - Shopping

Je paie par carte.

I'm paying by card.

Meaning: I'm paying by card.

When to use: Use at the cashier when you want to pay with a credit/debit card in shops, cafés, or restaurants.

Je paie en espèces.

I'm paying in cash.

Meaning: I'm paying in cash.

When to use: Say this when you want to pay with cash (coins or notes) instead of a card.

Tip: Don't confuse 'espèces' (cash) with other words — here it specifically means money in coins/notes.

Vous prenez la carte ?

Do you take cards?

Meaning: Do you take cards?

When to use: Ask a staff member in a shop, café, or restaurant if they accept card payments; use polite 'vous'.

Je peux payer séparément ?

Can I pay separately?

Meaning: Can I pay separately?

When to use: Use this when you and friends want separate bills at restaurants, cafés, or group purchases.

Gardez la monnaie.

Keep the change.

Meaning: Keep the change.

When to use: Say this when paying cash and you want the cashier to keep the remaining small amount as a tip.

Je voudrais essayer ___.

I'd like to try on ___.

Meaning: I'd like to try on ___.

When to use: Use this in clothing or shoe shops when you want to try an item on; fill the blank with the item.

C'est trop petit.

It's too small.

Meaning: It's too small.

When to use: Use to say a piece of clothing, shoes, or an object does not fit because it's too small.

C'est trop grand.

It's too big.

Meaning: It's too big.

When to use: Use to say an item is too large in size or fit (clothes, shoes, rooms, etc.).

Vous avez une autre taille ?

Do you have another size?

Meaning: Do you have another size?

When to use: Ask shop staff politely (use 'vous') if there is a different size available for an item.

Ça me va bien ?

Does it suit me? / Does it fit me well?

Meaning: Does it suit me? / Does it fit me well?

When to use: Say this while trying clothes in front of a mirror to ask for someone’s opinion or confirmation of fit.

Je le prends.

I'll take it.

Meaning: I'll take it.

When to use: Say this when you decide to buy an item; adjust for gender/number (la/le/les) as needed.

Tip: Remember to change the pronoun: use 'la' for feminine items and 'les' for plurals (Je la prends, Je les prends).

Je vais réfléchir.

I'll think about it.

Meaning: I'll think about it.

When to use: Use this polite phrase when you want more time to decide instead of buying immediately.

Je peux le rendre ?

Can I return it?

Meaning: Can I return it?

When to use: Ask about returns in a shop. Use correct pronouns for masculine/feminine/plural items.

Tip: Be careful with pronouns: 'le' (m.), 'la' (f.), 'les' (pl.). Don't add a different object pronoun unnecessarily.