Spanish Shopping Phrases
Audaz Revista

Spanish Shopping Phrases

Did You Know

One Phrase Opens Everything

Cuanto cuesta? (How much does it cost?) is the single most useful phrase at any Spanish-speaking market. Master this and you can start any shopping conversation.

Key Stat 10 Phrases = 80% of Shopping

Cuanto cuesta, Lo quiero, Tiene en otro color, Me lo puedo probar, Es demasiado caro, Tiene algo mas barato, Con tarjeta, En efectivo, El recibo, Muchas gracias.

Key Point

Asking About Prices

Cuanto cuesta? / Cuanto vale? (How much is it?). Cuanto cuestan? (How much are they? - plural). Que precio tiene? (What's the price?). Me puede hacer un descuento? (Can you give me a discount?).

★ Pro Tip

Negotiate at Markets, Not Stores

At mercados (open markets): Me hace un precio? (Can you give me a better price?) works perfectly. In formal tiendas (stores), prices are fixed. Read the setting.

Key Point

Trying On & Choosing

Me lo puedo probar? (Can I try it on?). El probador, por favor (The fitting room, please). Me queda bien (It fits well). Me queda grande/pequeno (It's too big/small).

Q & A

How to Ask for Colours & Sizes?

Lo tiene en rojo? (Do you have it in red?). Me da una talla mas grande? (Can I have a size up?). Tiene en talla S/M/L/XL? Direct and effective every time.

Key Stat Cash Still Rules Latin Markets

85% of transactions at Latin American mercados are cash-only. Always ask: Acepta tarjeta? (Do you accept card?) before assuming. Efectivo (cash) is king.

★ Pro Tip

Return & Complaint Phrases

Lo quiero devolver (I want to return this). Esto esta roto (This is broken). Tiene un defecto (It has a defect). Me puede cambiar esto? (Can you exchange this?). Essential for confidence.

Key Point

Paying Like a Local

Puedo pagar con tarjeta? (Can I pay by card?). Se puede dividir en cuotas? (Can I pay in installments?). La cuenta, por favor (The bill, please). Tiene cambio? (Do you have change?).

Key Point

Market Vocabulary to Know

Mercado (market). Tienda (shop). Centro comercial (shopping mall). Rebajas/ofertas (sales). Descuento (discount). Precio fijo (fixed price). Ganga (bargain). Todo a un euro (everything 1 euro).

Keep Reading

Shop Anywhere in Spanish

Full guide with 80+ shopping phrases, a market negotiation script, size and colour vocabulary, and payment phrases for every Spanish-speaking country.

Read Full Article →