Shopping vocabulary covers everything from the items you buy to the places you go and the people you interact with. This guide organizes shopping words into categories for easier learning.
Types of Stores
Types of stores are the different places you can go to shop for various items. Knowing these words helps you navigate where to buy what you need.
| English Singular | English Plural | English Example | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| store | stores | I’m going to the store. | A place where you can buy things. |
| supermarket | supermarkets | The supermarket is closed. | A large store selling food and household items. |
| mall | malls | The mall has many shops. | A large shopping center with multiple stores. |
| boutique | boutiques | She bought a dress at the boutique. | A small, stylish store, often for clothes. |
| pharmacy | pharmacies | I need to go to the pharmacy. | A store where you buy medicine. |
| department store | department stores | The department store has a sale. | A large store divided into sections for different products. |
| convenience store | convenience stores | I bought snacks at the convenience store. | A small store open late with everyday items. |
| bakery | bakeries | The bakery smells delicious. | A shop that sells bread and pastries. |
| electronics store | electronics stores | I bought a phone at the electronics store. | A store that sells electronic devices. |
| hardware store | hardware stores | We need nails from the hardware store. | A store selling tools and building supplies. |
Common Shopping Items
Common shopping items are the things you frequently buy, especially during daily errands. These words useful for describing what you need.
| English Singular | English Plural | English Example | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| apple | apples | I bought some apples. | A round fruit that is usually red or green. |
| shirt | shirts | He wore a blue shirt. | A piece of clothing for the upper body. |
| bread | (uncountable) | I need to buy bread. | A staple food made from flour and water. |
| milk | (uncountable) | Can you get some milk? | A white liquid produced by cows, used as a drink or in cooking. |
| shoes | shoes | These shoes are new. | Footwear for protecting and comfort. |
| bag | bags | She has a leather bag. | A container used to carry items. |
| water | (uncountable) | I want a bottle of water. | A clear liquid essential for life. |
| chocolate | (uncountable) | He gave me chocolate. | A sweet made from cocoa. |
| rice | (uncountable) | We ate rice for dinner. | A staple grain in many cultures. |
| jacket | jackets | It’s cold; wear your jacket. | Outerwear for warmth. |
What uncountable item is a white liquid produced by cows and used in cooking?
milk
Milk is a white liquid from cows used as a drink or in cooking. Water is clear and essential for life, rice is a grain, and chocolate is a sweet.
Payment and Prices
Payment and prices vocabulary helps you understand and talk about how much things cost and how to pay for them.
| English Singular | English Plural | English Example | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| price | prices | What is the price of this? | The amount of money something costs. |
| bill | bills | Can I have the bill, please? | A statement of money owed. |
| cash | (uncountable) | I paid in cash. | Physical money (coins and notes). |
| discount | discounts | There is a 20% discount today. | A reduction in price. |
| credit card | credit cards | I’ll pay with a credit card. | A card used to pay money later. |
| change | (uncountable) | Keep the change. | Money returned after payment. |
| coin | coins | She gave me two coins. | Small, round metal money. |
| wallet | wallets | My wallet is missing. | A small case for money and cards. |
| receipt | receipts | Don’t forget your receipt. | A proof of purchase. |
| total | (uncountable) | The total is $15. | The final amount to pay. |
People at the Store
These are the people you might meet while shopping. Knowing these words can help you ask for help or complete your purchase.
| English Singular | English Plural | English Example | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| cashier | cashiers | The cashier gave me my change. | The person who handles payments. |
| customer | customers | The customer asked for a refund. | Someone who buys goods or services. |
| shopper | shoppers | Shoppers are waiting in line. | A person who is shopping. |
| clerk | clerks | The clerk helped me find a size. | A store worker who assists customers. |
| manager | managers | The manager approved the return. | The person in charge of the store. |
| sales assistant | sales assistants | The sales assistant showed me the jacket. | A worker who helps customers in stores. |
| supplier | suppliers | The supplier delivers new stock. | A person or company that provides goods. |
| owner | owners | The store owner greeted me. | The person who owns the store. |
| security guard | security guards | The security guard is at the entrance. | A person who protects the store. |
| stock clerk | stock clerks | The stock clerk restocks the shelves. | A worker who organizes inventory. |
Shopping Actions
Shopping actions are common verbs that describe what you do when you shop. These words help you talk about your shopping experience.
| English Singular | English Plural | English Example | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| buy | (verb) | I want to buy a new phone. | To get something by paying money. |
| shop | (verb) | She shops on weekends. | To visit stores to look or buy things. |
| pay | (verb) | I paid with my credit card. | To give money for something. |
| choose | (verb) | Choose a color you like. | To pick one option from many. |
| return | (verb) | I need to return this shirt. | To bring back something to the store. |
| try | (verb) | I want to try the shoes on. | To test something before buying. |
| look | (verb) | Look at these jackets. | To see or examine something. |
| find | (verb) | Can you help me find bread? | To locate something. |
| order | (verb) | I ordered a meal online. | To request something to be made or delivered. |
| save | (verb) | You can save money with coupons. | To keep money by spending less. |
I want to ____ a new phone today.
buy
To buy means to get something by paying money. Shop means to visit stores, pay means to give money, and try means to test something.
Before you decide, you can ________ on the shoes to see if they fit.
try
To try means to test something before buying. Buy means to purchase, return means to bring back, and look means to examine.
Shopping Descriptions
These adjectives and phrases help you describe items, prices, and your shopping experience more clearly.
| English Singular | English Plural | English Example | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| cheap | (plural N/A) | This shirt is cheap. | Low in price. |
| expensive | (plural N/A) | That bag is expensive. | Costs a lot of money. |
| sale | sales | The store has a big sale. | Items sold at lower prices. |
| new | (plural N/A) | I bought a new phone. | Recently made or acquired. |
| used | (plural N/A) | This is a used laptop. | Previously owned by someone else. |
| fresh | (plural N/A) | The bakery has fresh bread. | Recently made or obtained. |
| on sale | (plural N/A) | These shoes are on sale. | Sold at a discounted price. |
| out of stock | (plural N/A) | The item is out of stock. | Not available for purchase. |
| discount | discounts | There’s a discount on jackets. | A price reduction. |
| popular | (plural N/A) | This is a popular product. | Liked by many people. |
Conclusion
Shopping vocabulary includes many categories, from types of stores to payment words. Use these words to feel more confident and clear when you shop.
Flashcards (1 of 60)
- English Singular: store
- English Plural: stores
- English Example: I’m going to the store.
- English Meaning: A place where you can buy things.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
