Daily English Day 6: Asking “How Much Is This?”

When you travel, shop, or even buy small things like food or souvenirs, one of the most useful phrases you will need in English is “How much is this?”. This question helps you ask for the price of an item politely and clearly. In today’s lesson, we will practice different ways to ask about prices, how to understand the answers, and how to continue the conversation when shopping.

Why This Phrase Is Important

Whenever you are in a store, market, café, or restaurant, you cannot avoid talking about prices. Even if you know numbers and money words, you still need the correct question form. “How much is this?” is short, polite, and universal. Once you learn it, you can use it everywhere—from buying clothes in a shopping mall to bargaining in a street market.

The Basic Phrase

The simplest and most common way to ask the price is:

• “How much is this?”

You can also use:

• “How much does this cost?”

• “What’s the price of this?”

All of these mean the same thing. However, “How much is this?” is the easiest and most natural choice, especially for beginners.

Using “That” and “These”

When pointing to something far away, you can say:

• “How much is that?”

If you are asking about more than one item, use the plural form:

• “How much are these?”

• “How much are those?”

Examples:

• In a clothing shop: “How much are these shoes?”

• In a market: “How much are those bananas?”

Numbers and Currency

When someone answers, you will hear numbers plus currency words. For example:

• “It’s ten dollars.”

• “That’s fifty pesos.”

• “It costs two hundred yen.”

It’s important to listen carefully to numbers. Prices can be confusing if you are not used to big numbers in English. Practice numbers every day so you can understand quickly.

Common Responses

When you ask “How much is this?”, here are some possible answers:

• “It’s five dollars.”

• “That’s one hundred pesos.”

• “It costs fifty euros.”

• “They are thirty pounds each.”

Notice the different ways people can reply. All are correct and natural.

Polite Additions

If you want to sound extra polite, you can add words like “please” or “excuse me”:

• “Excuse me, how much is this?”

• “Could you tell me how much this is, please?”

These longer forms are common in shops, especially when you are speaking with sales staff in a polite setting.

Dialogues in Real Situations

Let’s practice short conversations.

At a souvenir shop

• You: Excuse me, how much is this keychain?

• Seller: That’s 50 pesos.

• You: Thank you. I’ll take one.

At a clothing store

• You: How much are these T-shirts?

• Clerk: They’re 300 pesos each.

• You: Okay, I’ll buy two.

At a fruit market

• You: How much are those mangoes?

• Vendor: 150 pesos per kilo.

• You: Great, I’ll get one kilo.

Bargaining or Negotiating

In some countries, you can negotiate prices in local markets. After asking “How much is this?”, you can continue:

• “That’s a little expensive. Can you give me a discount?”

• “Can you make it cheaper?”

• “How about 100 pesos?”

Always remember to smile and be polite when bargaining.

Useful Vocabulary for Prices

• cheap – not expensive

• expensive – costs a lot of money

• discount – a lower price

• sale – a special time when prices are lower

• per kilo – price by weight

• each – price for one item

Example: “These apples are 20 pesos each.”

Understanding Large Numbers

Practice listening to large numbers, especially hundreds and thousands.

• 150 → “one hundred fifty”

• 1,200 → “one thousand two hundred”

• 15,000 → “fifteen thousand”

If you are not sure, you can repeat the number:

• “Sorry, did you say one-five-zero (150) or five-zero (50)?”

This helps avoid mistakes when paying.

Tips for Real-Life Shopping

1. Always carry small bills or coins. It’s easier to pay exact amounts.

2. Listen carefully. Some sellers may speak fast; don’t be afraid to ask again.

3. Use hand gestures. Point to the item when asking “How much is this?”

4. Smile. Politeness makes communication easier.

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

1. Excuse me, ______ much is this?

2. How much ______ those shoes?

3. It ______ 100 pesos.

Exercise 2: Match the answers

• A. How much is this hat?

• B. How much are these sandwiches?

• C. How much is that bag?

1. They’re 50 pesos each.

2. It’s 200 pesos.

3. That’s 120 pesos.

Exercise 3: Create your own dialogue
Write a short shopping conversation. Example:

• You: How much is this T-shirt?

• Clerk: It’s 350 pesos.

• You: Okay, I’ll buy it.

Cultural Notes

• In some countries (like the U.S. or Japan), prices are fixed—you cannot negotiate.

• In many markets (like in Southeast Asia), bargaining is normal.

• Always check if the price is per item, per kilo, or per set.

Quick Review

• The key phrase is “How much is this?”

• Use “that”, “these”, and “those” for other items.

• Listen carefully to numbers and currency.

• Add “please” or “excuse me” for politeness.

• Practice dialogues to get more confident.

Conclusion

Asking about prices is one of the most practical English skills for travel, shopping, and daily life. With “How much is this?”, you can buy food, clothes, souvenirs, and more without confusion. Practice listening to numbers, try real conversations, and soon you will feel confident shopping in English anywhere in the world.

What does “How much is this?” mean and when should I use it?

“How much is this?” is the most common, beginner-friendly way to ask for the price of a single item you can point to or hold. Use it in shops, markets, cafés, and anywhere you need to know the cost before buying. It is direct but polite, especially if you add “Excuse me” or “please.” If the item is farther away, you can say “How much is that?” The meaning is the same; only the distance changes.

Is “How much is it?” also correct?

Yes. “How much is it?” is completely natural and often used after you have already identified the item in context (for example, when you and the clerk are clearly talking about the same thing). When you are not sure the clerk sees what you mean, “How much is this?” while pointing avoids confusion. Both forms are polite and widely understood.

What’s the difference between “How much is this?” and “How much does this cost?”

They mean the same thing, but “How much is this?” is shorter and more common in everyday speech. “How much does this cost?” sounds slightly more formal or careful. In fast situations (busy counter, crowded market), the shorter version keeps the conversation smooth and clear.

How do I ask the price for more than one item?

Use the plural verb are: “How much are these?” or “How much are those?” You can also be specific: “How much are these shoes?” or “How much are those mangoes?” If you want the price per item, add “each,” for example, “How much are these pens each?”

How can I point politely to avoid misunderstandings?

Start with “Excuse me” to get attention and be respectful. Then lightly point or hold the item near the label, not in the clerk’s face. Say, “Excuse me, how much is this?” If there are several similar items, add a detail: “this blue T-shirt” or “this medium size.” Clear pointing plus a short description saves time and prevents the wrong price.

What should I listen for in answers about price?

Expect a number plus a currency word: “It’s 150 pesos,” “That’s ten dollars,” “It costs thirty euros.” Listen carefully to hundreds and thousands (e.g., 1,500 = “one thousand five hundred”). If you are unsure, politely confirm: “Sorry, was that one-five-zero (150) or five-zero (50)?” You can also ask, “Could you say that again slowly, please?”

How do I confirm if the price includes tax or service charge?

Prices may or may not include extra charges depending on the country and store. Ask: “Does the price include tax?” “Is service charge included?” or “What’s the total price, including tax?” At restaurants, you can ask, “Is service included?” At hotels: “Is tax included in the nightly rate?” Clarity now prevents surprises at checkout.

How do I ask about “each,” “per kilo,” or “per piece” pricing?

Use simple questions: “Is that the price per kilo?” “How much is it per piece?” “Are these 50 each?” If the sign is unclear, confirm the unit: “Is 150 the price for the whole bag or per kilo?” For produce and bulk goods, “per kilo,” “per pound,” or “per 100 grams” is common; for small items, “each” or “per piece” is typical.

How do I bargain politely in markets where negotiation is normal?

Smile, be friendly, and try phrases like: “Could you give me a discount?” “Is there a better price?” “How about 100?” If the first price is too high for your budget, say, “That’s a little expensive for me.” If the seller counters, decide your maximum price and stay polite. If you cannot agree, thank them and walk away respectfully.

How can I ask for the cheapest option or a sale item?

Try: “Do you have anything cheaper?” “What’s your most affordable option?” “Are these on sale?” “Do you have any discounts today?” In clothing or electronics stores, you can ask, “Is there a previous model or last season’s item at a lower price?” For groceries: “Is there a bundle price if I buy more?”

How do I compare two items quickly?

Point to each and ask: “How much is this one? And how much is that one?” or “What’s the difference in price between these two?” If you also care about quality, add: “Which one is better value for money?” Comparison language helps you choose without wasting time.

How do I ask about payment methods and extra fees?

Use: “Do you take cash and card?” “Do you accept mobile payment?” “Is there a card fee or minimum purchase?” Some small shops accept only cash or add a small fee for cards. If needed, ask: “Where is the nearest ATM?” Knowing the rules saves embarrassment at the counter.

How do I ask for a receipt or invoice?

Say, “Could I have a receipt, please?” For business use, ask, “Can you issue an invoice?” If you need details (name, tax ID), say, “Can you put my company name and tax number on the invoice?” Keep receipts for returns, warranties, and expense reports.

What can I do if I don’t understand the price the first time?

Politely slow the conversation: “Sorry, could you repeat that?” “Could you say it more slowly?” “Could you write it down, please?” Many clerks will show the total on a calculator or the register display. You can also repeat back: “So it’s two hundred fifty, right?” Confirming reduces mistakes.

How do I ask when the price label is missing or the barcode won’t scan?

Try: “Excuse me, the price isn’t showing. How much is this?” or “The barcode didn’t scan—what’s the price?” If there are similar items with different sizes or flavors, add a detail: “the 500 ml bottle” or “the vanilla flavor.” This helps staff find the correct price quickly.

How do I talk about currency and conversions?

If you need another currency, say: “How much is this in dollars?” or “Could you tell me the price in euros?” Stores don’t always convert for you, but they may estimate. For clarity, ask for the local price first, then convert yourself on your phone. If you pay in a foreign card, confirm: “Will you charge me in local currency?”

How can I ask for a bulk or wholesale price?

Use: “Is there a discount if I buy more?” “What’s the price if I take ten pieces?” “Do you have a wholesale price?” For groceries: “Is there a bundle price for three?” Sellers often reduce the per-item price for larger quantities; confirm whether the discount applies to mixed items or only identical ones.

How do I confirm add-ons like gift wrap, alterations, or delivery?

Ask directly about extras and costs: “How much is gift wrapping?” “How much is delivery?” “Do you charge for alterations?” Then confirm the final total: “So the jacket is 2,000, and alterations are 200—total 2,200, right?” Simple arithmetic checks avoid confusion later.

What phrases help me double-check totals and small change?

Try: “What’s the total, please?” “Can I have the breakdown?” “Could you check the change?” When paying cash, count out loud and show the bills. When paying by card, verify the amount on the terminal before entering your PIN. If there’s an error, say calmly, “I think the total should be… Could we review it together?”

What common mistakes should I avoid when asking about price?

Watch subject–verb agreement: “How much is this?” (not “are”). For plurals, switch to “are”: “How much are these?” Avoid pointing too aggressively; be gentle and add “Excuse me.” Don’t assume tax or service is included—ask. Finally, confirm large numbers and units (“each,” “per kilo”) to prevent paying the wrong amount.

Can you show short sample dialogues I can copy?

In a market: “Excuse me, how much are these tomatoes?” “They’re 120 per kilo.” “Could I have half a kilo, please?”

In a clothing store: “How much is this jacket?” “It’s 2,500.” “Is there any discount today?” “Yes, 10% off.” “Great, I’ll take it.”

At a café: “How much is this sandwich?” “That’s 150.” “Could I pay by card?” “Yes, no problem.”

How can I practice numbers and prices to improve speed?

Read price tags aloud when shopping, listen to receipts totals, and practice writing large numbers (e.g., 1,250; 15,900). Shadow short phrases: “It’s one fifty,” “That’s two thousand,” “They’re fifty each.” Regular practice trains your ear for rhythm and stress, which makes real conversations much easier.

Daily English Guide for Beginners: Speak with Confidence Every Day