Oi pessoal.

Shopping for clothes or something you want is always fun. Então para alegrar o dia (in order to brighten up your day) how about we take a look at some words and expressions related to shopping for clothes and accessories?

Photo by Roderick Eime

When you walk into a clothes’ shop the sales assistant will most likely ask you the following question:

• Posso te ajudar? – Can I help you?

To which you can answer yes or no:

• Sim, por favor. – Yes, please.
• Obrigado(a), estou só olhando. – No, thank you. I’m just taking a look around.

 

Questions you might wish to ask:

1. Qual é o preço dessa calça jeans? – How much are these jeans?
2. Quanto custa essa jaqueta? – How much is this jacket?
3. Você tem essa blusa em tamanho M? – Would you have size M for this shirt?
4. Você tem esse tênis em azul? – Do these runners come in blue?
5. Posso experimentar esse brinco? – Can I try these earrings on?
6. Vocês aceitam cartão? – Do you take card?

 

Cultural aspects

If you are buying the product all you have to do is say:

• Vou levar essa camisa. – I am taking this shirt.

Brazilians are usually very bad at saying no, so if you decide you are not buying the item, you can be polite by saying:

• Vou dar mais uma olhada, talvez eu volto mais tarde. – I’m going to take another look around and I might come back later.

If you tell the sales person you might come back they are likely to ask you if you want them to keep the item for you and not sell it to anyone else:

• Você quer que separa para você? – Would you like me to keep this for you?

1. Sim, por favor. – Yes please.
2. Não precisa, obrigado(a). – There is no need, thank you.

 

Paying for your items:

 

1. Você vai pagar no cartão ou dinheiro? – Are you paying by card or cash?
2. É débito ou crédito? – Is it credit or debit card?
3. Você pode dividir de 3 vezes no cartão de crédito. – You can pay in 3 instalments if using a credit card.
4. Você precisa do recibo? – Do you need a receipt?

Now next time you go shopping make sure you use the vocabulary and tips above and remember to always ask for a discount if you’re paying by cash:

• Tem desconto se eu pagar no dinheiro? – Is there any discount if I pay by cash?

Although they are not obliged to give you a discount, if you are pleasant and polite you might get 5% or even 10% off if you ask for it.

Divirtam-se fazendo compras! – Have fun shopping!