2025.10.11

Phrases for Shopping at a Market｜English Expressions for Shopping

Izumi

When traveling, visiting local markets and street stalls offers a valuable opportunity to interact with local people and experience the culture up close.

As you look through fresh vegetables and fruits, handmade crafts, and souvenirs, being able to naturally say phrases like “How much is this?” or “I’m just looking” will greatly enrich your travel experience.

In these situations, you need to communicate smoothly using simple phrases—for checking prices, specifying quantities, or even negotiating discounts.

Here, I will introduce basic English expressions you can use when shopping at a market in an English-speaking country.

Contents

Dialogue
Grammar and Expression Points
Summary

Dialogue

Hi! How much is this necklace?

That one is £12. Handmade silver.

It’s beautiful. Do you have it in other colors?

Yes, I have blue, green, and purple.

I’ll take the blue one, please.

Sure! Would you like a bag for it?

No, thank you. I’ll just put it in my backpack.

All right. That’s £12.

Grammar and Expression Points

1. Asking for the Price: How much is this?

When shopping abroad, the most essential phrase to learn is “How much is this?” This simple but versatile question can be used in any shop.

If you wish to sound more polite, add “Excuse me” at the beginning:

Excuse me, how much is this?

You can also replace ”this” with the name of the item to make yourself clearer:

How much is this necklace?
How much are these oranges?

2. Asking About Variations: Do you have it in other colors?

When you find something you like, it’s useful to ask if there are other colors, sizes, or designs.

Do you have it in other colors?

Here, the preposition “in” indicates “within a range of variations.”

Do you have it in red?
Do you have it in a larger size?
Do you have it in leather?

The pattern “in + variation” is widely applicable, making it especially useful in markets and clothing shops.

3. Expressing Your Decision to Buy: I’ll take ～.

To clearly state your decision to purchase, use the phrase “I’ll take ～.”

This is the contracted form of “I will take,” and it is commonly used after choosing an item.

I’ll take this one.
I’ll take two of these.
I’ll take the red one.

This phrase gives an impression of confidence and decisiveness, making it ideal in situations such as market shopping where quick exchanges are expected.

4. A Polite Expression from the Seller: Would you like ～?

“Would you like a bag?” is a common and polite phrase used by shopkeepers.

The structure “Would you like ～?” is a polite and considerate way of offering something.

Would you like a receipt?
Would you like to try it on?

Familiarity with these expressions will help you respond smoothly when asked.

5. Politely Refusing and Giving an Alternative

When responding to offers such as “Would you like a bag?”, it is important to politely decline if you don’t need one or prefer to use your own.

No, thank you. I’ll just put it in my backpack.

The key here is the use of just, which softens the tone, giving a gentle impression.

Other useful variations include:

No, thank you. I have my own bag.
I don’t need a bag. Thanks.

In English, it is standard etiquette to add “Thank you” after saying “No.”

Summary

How much is this?
→ A simple and essential phrase for checking prices at a market.
Do you have it in other colors?
→ Useful for asking about variations such as colors, sizes, or materials.
I’ll take the blue one.
→ A clear way to state your decision to purchase.
Would you like a bag for it?
→ A polite expression often used by shopkeepers.
I’ll just put it in my backpack.
→ A natural and gentle way to decline a bag.

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