Shop 'Til You Drop: Your Go-To Guide for Shopping in Spanish


Ready to hit the streets of Spain or Latin America and find some amazing souvenirs, trendy clothes, or fresh produce? Stepping into a local shop is an unforgettable experience, but it can feel a little intimidating if you don't know the language.

Don’t worry! This guide is packed with all the essential Spanish phrases for shopping you need to navigate any store with confidence. From asking for prices to paying at the register, you’ll be a pro in no time.

The Absolute Basics: Getting Started

Before you start hunting for that perfect souvenir, let’s go over a few must-know words. These are your foundational useful Spanish phrases for travelers and will get you through almost any interaction.

  • Hello: Hola

  • Please: Por favor

  • Thank you: Gracias

  • You're welcome: De nada

  • Yes: Sí

  • No: No

Finding What You Need: Phrases for Shopping

Whether you're in a boutique or a busy market, knowing how to ask about items is crucial. Here are some of the most helpful Spanish phrases for shopping:

  • "Where is...?" - ¿Dónde está...?

  • "I am looking for..." - Busco...

  • "Do you have...?" - ¿Tiene...?

This is especially helpful for Spanish for grocery shopping. For example, you can ask ¿Dónde está la leche? (Where is the milk?) or Busco pan. (I'm looking for bread.)

The Big Question: Asking for the Price

This is often the most important part of any shopping trip! The most direct way to ask is how to say "how much does it cost" in Spanish:

  • ¿Cuánto cuesta? (How much does it cost?)

  • ¿Cuánto es? (How much is it?)

For those looking to bargain, a phrase like ¿Me podría dar un descuento? (Could you give me a discount?) can be useful in certain contexts, particularly in markets in parts of Latin America. Just remember that Spanish phrases for bargaining are not common or expected in most modern retail stores in Spain.

The Fitting Room and Beyond: Shopping for Clothes

When you’re shopping for clothes in Spanish, you'll want to try things on and find the right size.

  • "Can I try this on?" - ¿Me lo puedo probar?

  • "Where are the fitting rooms?" - ¿Dónde están los probadores?

  • "What size is this?" - ¿Qué talla es esto?

If you need a different size, you can use phrases like ¿Tiene esto en una talla más grande/pequeña? (Do you have this in a larger/smaller size?). Learning to ask for a specific size in Spanish is key.

The Final Step: Paying for Your Purchase

You've found the perfect item. Now it's time to check out. Here's how to pay in Spanish:

  • "Can I pay with a card?" - ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta?

  • "Can I pay in cash?" - ¿Puedo pagar en efectivo?

  • "I’ll pay with a card." - Pago con tarjeta.

If you want the receipt, you can say ¿Me da el recibo, por favor? (Can you give me the receipt, please?).

With these phrases and a little bit of confidence, you're ready to enjoy the fun and challenge of shopping in Spanish!