35 Shopping Words and Phrases in English [2026]

Shopping in the UK runs on a set of fixed, polite phrases that coursebooks rarely teach. The vocabulary itself is simple, but the exchanges are quick and scripted, and if you do not know the script, a routine trip to the till can feel unexpectedly stressful. Knowing what the cashier will ask, and how to answer in a few words, changes the whole experience.

This guide covers 35 words and phrases grouped into the three stages of a shopping trip: browsing, paying and returning.

Browsing

The words for looking, choosing and asking for help.

1. browse: look without intending to buy yet. I am just browsing, thanks.
2. aisle: a row of shelves in a shop. The pasta is in aisle four.
3. shelf: a flat surface holding goods. It is on the top shelf.
4. in stock: available to buy. Is this in stock in a medium?
5. out of stock: not available. Sorry, that is out of stock.
6. size: how large a clothing item is. Do you have this in a larger size?
7. fitting room: where you try on clothes. The fitting rooms are at the back.
8. try on: put clothing on to test it. Can I try these on?
9. bargain: something cheap for its value. These shoes were a real bargain.
10. on offer: temporarily reduced. The coffee is on offer this week.
11. half price: fifty percent off. The coats are half price.
12. assistant: a member of shop staff. Ask an assistant to help.

Paying

The heart of the trip, and the part with the tightest script.

13. till: the checkout, where you pay. Take it to the till.
14. checkout: the paying area, especially in a supermarket. Long queues at the checkout.
15. queue: a line of waiting people. Join the queue here.
16. cashier: the person who takes your payment. The cashier scanned the items.
17. receipt: the printed proof of purchase. Keep your receipt.
18. change: the money returned when you overpay. Here is your change.
19. contactless: paying by tapping a card. Is it contactless?
20. chip and pin: paying by card with a code. Chip and pin, please.
21. cash: notes and coins. Do you take cash?
22. loyalty card: a card that collects points. Do you have a loyalty card?
23. bag for life: a reusable shopping bag. Would you like a bag for life?
24. trolley: a large wheeled basket. Grab a trolley for the big shop.

If you are shopping for ingredients, our cooking words in English guide covers what to do with them once you get home.

Returning

The vocabulary for when something is wrong.

25. return: take an item back to the shop. I would like to return this.
26. refund: money given back. Could I have a refund?
27. exchange: swap for a different item. Can I exchange it for a smaller one?
28. faulty: broken or not working. The zip is faulty.
29. proof of purchase: evidence you bought it, usually the receipt. Do you have proof of purchase?
30. warranty: a promise to repair or replace for a period. It is still under warranty.
31. store credit: a voucher to spend in the same shop. They offered store credit instead.
32. gift receipt: a receipt without the price, for presents. Include a gift receipt.
33. damaged: harmed in some way. It arrived damaged.
34. full refund: all your money back. I got a full refund.
35. within 30 days: the common return window. Returns are accepted within 30 days.

With these phrases you can walk into a British shop, handle the till and sort out a return without hesitation. Real confidence in fast, everyday exchanges like these is a strong sign of where your English sits, because they leave no time to translate in your head, and a free English level test will tell you which real-world situations you are already ready to handle on your own.