Shopping in English – How to Ask and Talk About Prices
By Author Giljonnys Dias da Silva
When you walk into a store in an English-speaking country, knowing how to ask about prices is one of the most important communication skills you can have. Whether you’re in a shopping mall, a small store, a market, or even browsing online, price-related conversations are part of everyday interactions.
In English, there are many ways to ask how much something costs, and also different ways store employees might respond. Below is a comprehensive guide that includes essential English phrases for asking about prices, common answers, and their Brazilian Portuguese translations. This will help you feel more confident and ready to make purchases wherever you are.
1. Basic Phrases to Ask About Prices:
How much is this?
Quanto custa isso?
It’s $25.
Custa 25 dólares.
This is the most direct and commonly used phrase. Simple and polite.
How much does this cost?
Quanto isso custa?
It costs 50 dollars.
Custa 50 dólares.
This version is slightly more formal and includes the word “cost.”
What’s the price of this?
Qual é o preço disso?
The price is 18 dollars.
O preço é 18 dólares.
This form is a bit more structured and often used in formal situations.
How much are these?
Quanto custam estes/estas?
They are 10 dollars each.
Custam 10 dólares cada um.
Use this when you’re referring to more than one item (plural).
2. More Polite or Indirect Ways to Ask:
Could you tell me how much this is?
Você poderia me dizer quanto custa isso?
Sure, it’s 75 dollars.
Claro, custa 75 dólares.
This is very polite and commonly used in upscale stores.
Do you know the price of this item?
Você sabe o preço deste item?
Yes, it’s on sale for 30 dollars.
Sim, está na promoção por 30 dólares.
Useful when the price isn’t clearly displayed.
Is this on sale?
Está na promoção?
Yes, it’s 20% off today.
Sim, está com 20% de desconto hoje.
Helpful for spotting bargains!
3. Responses You Might Hear:
Here are common ways a salesperson might respond to your questions:
It’s $15.
Custa 15 dólares.
They’re $10 each.
São 10 dólares cada um.
It’s on sale for $8.
Está na promoção por 8 dólares.
That one is a bit more expensive – it’s $120.
Esse é um pouco mais caro – custa 120 dólares.
There’s a discount if you buy two.
Tem desconto se você comprar dois.
4. Asking for Discounts or Better Prices:
In some stores or markets, especially in informal settings or street markets, you can negotiate prices.
Can you give me a discount?
Você pode me dar um desconto?
I can give you 10% off.
Posso te dar 10% de desconto.
Is this the best price?
Esse é o melhor preço?
Yes, it’s already discounted.
Sim, já está com desconto.
Do you have anything cheaper?
Você tem algo mais barato?
Yes, this model is less expensive.
Sim, esse modelo é mais barato.
5. Final Tips for Asking Prices in English:
Always start politely by using “Excuse me” (Com licença) or “Hi" (Oi).
Point to the item if you’re unsure of the name.
Listen carefully to the currency mentioned, especially if you're traveling.
Practice using numbers in English to avoid confusion when hearing prices.
Saying “please" (por favor) makes any request more friendly.
To conclude, shopping in a new language can be both exciting and challenging. By mastering these phrases to ask about prices, you’ll not only make your shopping experiences easier, but you'll also feel more comfortable navigating English-speaking environments. Whether you're in a luxury boutique or a local market, these expressions will serve you well—and maybe even save you a bit of money!
Bibliographic References
Betty Schrampfer Azar, Stacy A. Hagen. (2009). Understanding and Using English Grammar (4th ed.). Pearson Education.
This book provides clear explanations of how to use English grammar, including expressions commonly used in shopping and negotiating prices.
Penny Ur. (2012). Vocabulary Activities (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press.
This resource includes exercises that teach essential vocabulary for shopping scenarios, including phrases related to asking for prices.
Michael McCarthy, Felicity O'Dell. (2017). English Vocabulary in Use: Advanced (3rd ed.). Cambridge University Press.
This book includes lessons on everyday topics, including shopping, with particular focus on price-related phrases and expressions.
Raymond Murphy. (2019). English Grammar in Use (5th ed.). Cambridge University Press.
This is a comprehensive resource for understanding the grammatical structures used in a variety of daily situations, including shopping and discussing prices.
David A. Hill. (2004). Practical English Usage (3rd ed.). Oxford University Press.
This reference book covers a wide array of everyday English usage, including tips for understanding and using price-related language.
Louise Hashemi, Barbara Thomas. (2004). New Headway: Pre-Intermediate (3rd ed.). Oxford University Press.
This textbook provides practical English for real-life situations, with a section dedicated to useful expressions for shopping, including asking about prices.
Lindsay Clandfield. (2012). The Real World: English for Real Life (Intermediate). Macmillan Education.
This book contains real-world dialogues and exercises specifically for practical communication, including asking for prices and negotiating in shopping situations.
Timothy M. McNamara, Richard W. Scarcella. (2005). Assessing Second Language Writing: A Guide for Teachers (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press.
This source, while focused on writing, includes useful exercises for language learners involving practical interactions like shopping.
Harold A. A. Samuels. (2008). Everyday English for English Speakers (2nd ed.). Wiley-Blackwell.
This book teaches English through everyday conversations, and it includes many situations involving buying and selling, with a focus on pricing.
Diana L. Fried-Booth. (2002). English for Socializing and Networking. Oxford University Press.
A practical guide to help learners engage in social exchanges, including negotiating prices and discussing purchases in a variety of contexts.