Vocabulary for Shopping and Dining

Shopping and dining are two everyday activities that often require a specific set of English vocabulary. Whether you are traveling, living abroad, or simply practicing English for real-life situations, knowing the right words and expressions will help you communicate clearly. This guide introduces essential vocabulary for shopping and dining, including phrases for buying clothes, ordering food, asking about prices, and dealing with service staff.

General Shopping Vocabulary

• Store / Shop – a place where goods are sold.

• Mall / Shopping center – a large building with many stores.

• Cashier – the person at the counter where you pay.

• Receipt – proof of your purchase.

• Price tag – a small label showing the price.

• Discount / Sale – reduced prices.

• Fitting room / Changing room – place to try on clothes.

• Refund – money returned if you return an item.

• Exchange – replacing one product with another.

• Size – measurement of clothes or shoes (small, medium, large, etc.).

Useful Phrases:

• “How much does this cost?”

• “Do you have this in a different size/color?”

• “Can I try this on?”

• “Do you accept credit cards?”

• “Can I get a refund?”

Clothing and Accessories Vocabulary

When shopping for clothes, you need words to describe style, color, and materials.

Clothing Items:

• Shirt, blouse, T-shirt, polo

• Pants, jeans, shorts, skirt

• Jacket, coat, sweater, hoodie

• Dress, gown, uniform

• Shoes, sandals, boots, sneakers

• Hat, cap, scarf, gloves

Colors:

• Red, blue, green, yellow, black, white, gray, brown, pink, purple, orange

• Light blue, dark green, navy, beige

Materials:

• Cotton, wool, silk, leather, denim, polyester

Useful Phrases:

• “I’m looking for a formal dress.”

• “Do you have this in medium size?”

• “These shoes are too tight.”

• “Can you show me something more casual?”

Grocery Shopping Vocabulary

For daily living, grocery shopping is essential.

Common Grocery Sections:

• Fruits and vegetables

• Meat and seafood

• Dairy products (milk, cheese, butter, yogurt)

• Bakery (bread, cakes, pastries)

• Beverages (juice, soda, water, wine, beer)

• Snacks (chips, biscuits, chocolate)

• Household items (soap, detergent, tissues)

Useful Phrases:

• “Where can I find the dairy section?”

• “Do you sell organic vegetables?”

• “I need a dozen eggs.”

• “Is there a discount if I buy in bulk?”

Dining Vocabulary

Dining out is one of the most enjoyable ways to practice English.

Restaurant Vocabulary:

• Menu – list of food and drinks available.

• Waiter / Waitress – person serving food.

• Reservation – booking a table in advance.

• Starter / Appetizer – small dish before the main course.

• Main course / Entrée – the main dish of the meal.

• Side dish – food served along with the main dish.

• Dessert – sweet dish after the meal.

• Beverage – drink (coffee, tea, soda, wine, beer).

• Bill / Check – paper showing how much to pay.

• Tip – extra money given for good service.

Useful Phrases for Dining:

• “I’d like to make a reservation for two at 7 pm.”

• “Can I see the menu, please?”

• “I’ll have the grilled chicken with rice.”

• “What do you recommend?”

• “Can I have this without peanuts?”

• “Could we have separate checks?”

• “The service was excellent, thank you.”

Food Vocabulary

Common Dishes and Ingredients:

• Soup, salad, sandwich, burger, pasta, pizza

• Steak, chicken, fish, seafood, pork, lamb

• Rice, noodles, bread, potatoes

• Vegetables: carrots, broccoli, lettuce, tomatoes, onions

• Fruits: apples, bananas, grapes, oranges, mangoes

• Spices and condiments: salt, pepper, sugar, vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce

Cooking Methods:

• Grilled, roasted, fried, steamed, baked, boiled, stir-fried

Useful Phrases:

• “Is this dish spicy?”

• “Can I get extra sauce?”

• “I’m allergic to shellfish.”

• “I’d like my steak medium rare.”

Payment and Money Vocabulary

Shopping and dining always involve payment.

Payment Methods:

• Cash

• Credit card / Debit card

• Mobile payment (Apple Pay, Google Pay)

• Contactless payment

Useful Phrases:

• “Can I pay by credit card?”

• “Do you accept contactless payment?”

• “Could I have the receipt, please?”

• “Do you have change for a 100?”

Polite Expressions for Shopping and Dining

Politeness helps in customer service situations.

• “Excuse me, could you help me?”

• “I’d like…” instead of “I want…”

• “Thank you, that was delicious.”

• “I appreciate your help.”

• “Have a great day!”

Common Problems and Solutions

Sometimes, things do not go smoothly. Here’s vocabulary for solving problems.

At a Shop:

• “This is damaged, can I exchange it?”

• “I think you gave me the wrong change.”

• “Do you have a warranty for this product?”

At a Restaurant:

• “Excuse me, this isn’t what I ordered.”

• “The food is cold, could you reheat it?”

• “We’ve been waiting for 30 minutes.”

• “Can you split the bill?”

Cultural Tips

• In many countries, bargaining is common in markets but not in supermarkets or malls.

• Tipping practices vary: in the U.S., 15–20% is normal, but in other countries, service charges may already be included.

• Be polite and patient, especially if there is a language barrier.

Practice Dialogues

Shopping Dialogue

• Customer: “Excuse me, how much is this jacket?”

• Salesperson: “It’s 50 dollars, but we have a 20% discount today.”

• Customer: “Great! Can I try it on?”

• Salesperson: “Of course, the fitting rooms are over there.”

Dining Dialogue

• Waiter: “Good evening, do you have a reservation?”

• Customer: “Yes, under the name Smith.”

• Waiter: “This way, please. Here are the menus.”

• Customer: “Thank you. What’s today’s special?”

• Waiter: “Grilled salmon with vegetables.”

• Customer: “That sounds perfect. I’ll have that.”

Conclusion

Shopping and dining vocabulary is an essential part of everyday English. By practicing these words and phrases, you will be more confident when buying items, ordering food, or interacting with service staff. The key is not only to memorize the vocabulary but also to practice using it in real situations.

FAQ:Vocabulary for Shopping and Dining

What are the most useful phrases for asking about prices and discounts?

In shopping contexts, clear price questions reduce confusion and help you compare options. Core phrases include: “How much is this?”, “What’s the price on this item?”, “Is this on sale today?”, “Do you offer student/senior discounts?”, and “Is there a discount if I buy two?” When you want the final amount, say “What’s the total, including tax?” If you see a sign that says 20% off, you can confirm: “Does the discount apply to all colors/sizes?” For negotiation-friendly markets, polite bargaining language helps: “Could you do a better price?” or “If I pay cash, can you give me a small discount?” Always stay friendly: “I love this, but it’s a bit over my budget—can you help?”

How do I talk about sizes, fits, and trying on clothes or shoes?

To check availability, ask: “Do you have this in small/medium/large?” or “Do you have half sizes?” For fit, use: “These are too tight/loose/long/short.” When testing comfort: “They’re snug at the toes,” “The sleeves feel short,” or “The waist is a little loose.” Request a fitting room with: “May I try this on?” or “Where are the fitting rooms?” If you need measurements, say: “What’s the chest/waist/hip measurement?” or “What’s the length/inseam?” For shoes, “What’s the equivalent in EU/US/UK sizes?” helps with conversions. If you want tailoring: “Do you offer alterations?” or “Can the hem be shortened today?”

What vocabulary should I use for returns, exchanges, and warranties?

Keep your receipt and ask early about policies. Key phrases: “What is your return policy?” “Can I exchange this if it doesn’t fit?” “Is there a restocking fee?” and “How many days do I have to return?” If an item is faulty: “This is defective/damaged; may I have a refund or replacement?” For coverage: “Does this product come with a warranty?” and “How do I make a warranty claim?” At the counter, be specific: “I’d like to return this for a full refund,” or “I’d like to exchange this for a different size/color.” If the store credit is offered: “Is store credit my only option?” Always stay calm and factual; policies vary widely.

How do I ask for help finding items in a store or supermarket?

Polite, direct requests work best: “Excuse me, could you help me find the dairy section?” “Where are the gluten-free products?” “Which aisle has batteries?” or “Do you carry organic produce?” If something is out of stock, try: “Do you expect a new shipment soon?” or “Can I place an order?” For alternatives: “What would you recommend instead?” When you need quantities, specify: “I need a dozen eggs,” “two kilograms of apples,” or “three packs of tissues.” To confirm freshness: “When was this baked/harvested?” and “What is the expiration date?”

What are essential phrases for making a restaurant reservation?

Call or walk in with: “I’d like to make a reservation for two at 7 pm tonight.” Include details: “By the window, if possible,” “A quiet table,” or “We’ll have a stroller.” Confirm: “May I have your name and phone number?” “Could you text or email the confirmation?” If you’re flexible: “We can do between 7 and 8 pm.” For changes: “I need to modify my reservation from two to four guests,” or “We’ll be 10 minutes late.” When there’s no availability, ask: “Do you have a waitlist?” “What’s the estimated wait time?” or “Are there cancellations often?”

How do I order food confidently and clearly?

Start with a friendly greeting and ask for the menu or recommendations: “Could we see the menu, please?” “What do you recommend?” Then specify: “I’ll have the grilled salmon with rice,” “Could I substitute a salad for fries?” and “Please make it mild/medium/spicy.” Clarify portions: “Is this dish shareable?” or “How large is the small/large serving?” For timing: “Can the appetizer and main come together?” and “Could we have an extra plate?” Repeat the order briefly to avoid mistakes: “That’s the salmon, no nuts, and a side salad.”

What phrases help with dietary restrictions, allergies, and preferences?

State needs early and clearly: “I’m allergic to shellfish/peanuts—can you ensure there’s no cross-contact?” “I’m vegetarian/vegan—what are my options?” “Is this halal/kosher?” and “Do you have gluten-free bread?” For ingredients: “Does this contain dairy/eggs/soy?” and “Is the broth meat-based?” If a dish can be adapted, ask: “Can you prepare this without butter/cheese?” or “Could you replace the sauce with olive oil and lemon?” Confirm with the server: “Can you please note my allergy on the order?” If unsure, choose simpler dishes to reduce risk, and keep an emergency plan if allergies are severe.

How do I describe cooking methods and taste preferences?

Useful verbs: “grilled,” “roasted,” “baked,” “fried,” “steamed,” “stir-fried,” and “boiled.” For doneness: “I’d like my steak rare/medium rare/medium/well-done.” For flavor intensity: “mild,” “medium,” “spicy,” “extra spicy,” “sweet,” “savory,” “tangy,” “umami,” “bitter,” and “sour.” To fine-tune: “Less salt, please,” “Light on the oil,” “Extra sauce on the side,” or “No garlic.” If you want freshness: “Could you add lemon wedges?” or “Fresh herbs on top, please.” These precise adjectives help kitchens meet your expectations.

What’s the polite way to handle mistakes or slow service?

Stay calm and specific. Begin with: “Excuse me,” followed by the issue: “I’m sorry, but this isn’t what I ordered,” “The soup is cold—could you reheat it?” or “We’ve been waiting for 30 minutes; could you check on our order?” Acknowledge their effort: “I appreciate your help.” If a solution is offered, confirm it: “That works for us; thank you.” For serious issues, ask for the manager politely: “May I speak with the manager to resolve this?” Avoid aggressive language; precise, neutral wording usually leads to faster, friendlier solutions.

How do I ask for the bill and manage payment options at restaurants?

Standard phrases include: “Could we have the bill/check, please?” “Can we pay at the counter?” and “Do you accept credit cards or contactless payment?” For splitting costs: “Could we have separate checks?” or “We’ll split the bill evenly among four.” If you need a receipt: “May I have an itemized receipt?” When tips are customary, say: “Is service included?” If not included, you can add a tip to the card (“Please add 18%”) or leave cash. If a card fails: “Do you accept another card?” or “Is there an ATM nearby?” Always review the charges before paying.

What should I know about tipping and service charges in different countries?

Tipping practices vary widely. In many parts of the United States and Canada, 15–20% before tax is common for table service; higher tips may be expected for exceptional service. In some European countries, a service charge may be included, and rounding up or leaving small change is sufficient. In Japan and parts of East Asia, tipping is not customary and can even cause confusion; excellent service is included in the price. In tourist areas worldwide, policies differ, so ask: “Is service included?” or check the bill for terms like “service charge,” “gratuity,” or “10% SC.” When unsure, observe local habits or ask the staff discreetly.

What payment vocabulary is helpful for both shops and restaurants?

Know your options and confirm acceptance: “Do you accept debit/credit?” “Is contactless okay?” “Can I use Apple Pay/Google Pay?” For currency issues: “Do you take foreign cards?” “Is there a minimum spend for cards?” and “What is the exchange rate?” If you need change: “Could you break a 100?” or “Do you have smaller bills?” For receipts: “Can I get a VAT invoice/tax receipt?” If you’re worried about fees: “Is there a surcharge for card payments?” For refunds to cards: “How long until the refund appears?” and “Will it go back to the original card?”

How can I ask for recommendations and understand menu descriptions?

Servers are valuable guides. Try: “What are your most popular dishes?” “What’s the special today?” and “What do you recommend for someone who prefers mild flavors?” Decode menus by asking: “What’s in the sauce?” “Is the broth vegetarian?” “How is this prepared?” and “Is this dish shareable?” If you want to explore, say: “I’d like to try something local—what do you suggest?” For beverage pairings: “Which drink goes well with this?” or “Do you have non-alcoholic options?” Show openness while setting boundaries: “I’m adventurous, but nothing too spicy or sweet.”

What phrases help with takeout, delivery, and dietary notes on the order?

When ordering to-go: “I’d like to place a takeout order,” “How long will it take?” and “Could you pack the sauce separately?” For delivery: “Do you deliver to this address?” “Is there a delivery fee?” and “Can the driver call me on arrival?” Add dietary notes clearly: “No nuts, allergy,” “Dressing on the side,” “No cheese,” or “Extra vegetables.” If the order is large, ask for confirmation: “Could you repeat the order back to me?” and “Please label each container.” For reheating: “Are there reheating instructions?”

What cultural tips should I know for polite shopping and dining interactions?

Politeness and clarity travel well. Begin with greetings (“Good morning/afternoon/evening”) and use “please,” “thank you,” and “excuse me.” Respect queues and personal space. In markets, friendly bargaining is fine; in chain stores and supermarkets, prices are fixed. In restaurants, wait to be seated if there’s a host stand. If sharing plates, use serving utensils when available. When you’re dissatisfied, focus on the issue, not the person. Learn a few local words (hello, thank you, delicious) to show respect. When in doubt about etiquette, observe locals or ask discreetly.

Can you give sample mini-dialogues I can adapt quickly?

At a boutique:
Customer: “Excuse me, may I try this jacket in a medium?”
Staff: “Of course. The fitting rooms are to your left.”
Customer: “Thanks. Do you have this in navy as well?”
Staff: “Yes, I’ll bring one over.”

At a café:
Customer: “Could I have a cappuccino and a croissant, please?”
Barista: “For here or to go?”
Customer: “To go. And could you warm the croissant?”
Barista: “Sure. That’ll be $8.50. Do you need a receipt?”

At a restaurant (allergy):
Customer: “I’m allergic to peanuts. Is the noodle dish safe?”
Server: “It contains peanut sauce. We can prepare it with soy and lime instead.”
Customer: “That would be great—thank you.”

How do I politely end interactions and give feedback?

Positive closes build goodwill: “Thank you for your help today,” “Everything was excellent,” or “We’ll definitely come back.” If you want to leave constructive feedback: “We enjoyed the food; the wait was longer than expected—just letting you know.” At shops: “I’ll think about it and come back later,” or “I appreciate the recommendations.” If service was outstanding, mention the person’s name and consider a tip or review: “Alex was very helpful—five stars.” Clear, respectful language helps staff remember you positively and may lead to better experiences next time.

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