cashier
Meaning: the person who takes payment in a store
Example: The cashier asked if I wanted the receipt by email.
Tip: In some places, people also say checkout assistant.
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Vocabulary
Vocabulary for shopping and payingStudy the words you need to ask about sizes, prices, returns, and help in shops or online orders.
This lesson focuses on the language people use while shopping in stores and online. You will learn useful product words, phrasal verbs for buying and trying items, and simple questions that help you sound confident with staff.
8 words4 phrasal verbs6 questions
Visual overview
Shopping vocabulary board
cashierreceiptfitting roomdiscountsizerefundcartsaleVocabulary for shopping and paying
Core words
Start with the most useful words for this topic. Read the meaning, notice the example, and reuse the phrase in your own sentence.
receipt
Meaning: the paper or digital record that shows what you bought
Example: Keep the receipt in case you need to return the shoes.
Tip: Receipt is important for returns and refunds.
fitting room
Meaning: the place in a store where you try on clothes
Example: The fitting room is at the back of the shop.
Tip: In American English, dressing room is also common.
discount
Meaning: a lower price than usual
Example: These jeans have a 20 percent discount today.
Tip: On sale and discounted are common related phrases.
size
Meaning: the measurement used for clothes or shoes
Example: Do you have this jacket in a larger size?
Tip: Size can refer to clothes, shoes, or product dimensions.
refund
Meaning: money returned after you give back a product
Example: The store offered a full refund for the damaged item.
Tip: Ask for a refund when you want your money back.
cart
Meaning: a basket on wheels in a store or a digital basket online
Example: I added the headphones to my cart but did not buy them yet.
Tip: British English often uses trolley in stores.
sale
Meaning: a period when items are sold at lower prices
Example: A lot of winter coats are on sale this week.
Tip: On sale means at a reduced price.
Useful phrasal verbs
These verb combinations appear often in natural conversations, so they are worth memorizing as full expressions.
try on
Meaning: to put on clothes or shoes to see if they fit
Example: Can I try on this coat in a medium?
Tip: You try on clothes, shoes, glasses, or hats.
pay for
Meaning: to give money for something you buy
Example: I paid for the groceries with my phone.
Tip: Pay and pay for are both common, but pay for needs an object.
send back
Meaning: to return a product, especially in online shopping
Example: I had to send back the sweater because the size was wrong.
Tip: Send back is very common with online orders.
run out of
Meaning: to have none left
Example: They ran out of my size before I got to the store.
Tip: Stores can run out of stock during busy sales.
Questions you can ask
Practise these ready-made questions so you can react faster in real conversations.
Do you have this in another size?
When to use it: Use this when you need a smaller or larger size.
How much does this cost?
When to use it: Use this when the price is not clear.
Can I return it if it does not fit?
When to use it: Use this before you buy clothes or shoes.
Is there any discount on this item today?
When to use it: Use this during promotions or seasonal sales.
Where is the fitting room, please?
When to use it: Use this before you try on clothes.
Do you accept cash and card?
When to use it: Use this before you pay.
Quick practice
Use these short exercises to check the lesson before you move on.
Practice
Complete the sentence: Keep the ______ if you might return the product.
You usually need the receipt to ask for a refund.
Practice
Which phrasal verb means to put on clothes to see if they fit?
Try on is the standard verb for testing clothes or shoes.
Practice
Choose the better question: Where is fitting room? / Where is the fitting room, please?
The second question sounds complete and polite.
Practice
Correct the sentence: I want a refund because the jacket do not fit.
Jacket is singular, so use does not.