French · Real conversations
Shopping and returns: French conversation practice
Explain a return and check the available options. Read the exchange, reveal the translations when you need them, then try your part before looking at the sample answers.
A2 · Read and rehearse
Your role: A customer taking clothing back to a shop.
Goal: Explain a return and check the available options.
Read the conversation
Partner
Bonjour. Comment puis-je vous aider ?
Show English translation
Hello. How can I help you?
You
Je voudrais retourner cet article.
Show English translation
I'd like to return this.
Partner
Vous avez le ticket de caisse ?
Show English translation
Do you have the receipt?
You
Oui, le voici.
Show English translation
Yes, here it is.
Partner
Merci. Vous préférez un échange ou un remboursement ?
Show English translation
Thanks. Would you prefer an exchange or a refund?
You
Je peux l'échanger contre une taille plus grande ?
Show English translation
Can I exchange it for a larger size?
Partner
Bien sûr. Quel est le problème avec cette taille ?
Show English translation
Of course. What's wrong with this size?
You
Ça ne me va pas.
Show English translation
It doesn't fit.
Partner
Trouvons une taille qui vous va mieux. Vous pouvez aussi l'essayer chez vous.
Show English translation
Let's find a better size. You can also take it home to try.
You
J'ai combien de temps pour le retourner ?
Show English translation
How long do I have to return it?
Try your part first
Partner says: Hello. How can I help you? Your goal: I'd like to return this.
Reveal a sample reply
Je voudrais retourner cet article.
I'd like to return this.
Partner says: Do you have the receipt? Your goal: Yes, here it is.
Reveal a sample reply
Oui, le voici.
Yes, here it is.
Partner says: Thanks. Would you prefer an exchange or a refund? Your goal: Can I exchange it for a larger size?
Reveal a sample reply
Je peux l'échanger contre une taille plus grande ?
Can I exchange it for a larger size?
Partner says: Of course. What's wrong with this size? Your goal: It doesn't fit.
Reveal a sample reply
Ça ne me va pas.
It doesn't fit.
Partner says: Let's find a better size. You can also take it home to try. Your goal: How long do I have to return it?
Reveal a sample reply
J'ai combien de temps pour le retourner ?
How long do I have to return it?
Make it your own
- Exchange for a different size.
- Ask for a refund.
- Explain that the receipt is digital.
Keep the useful expression and change the detail. There can be several appropriate answers; the revealed replies are examples to learn from.
This rehearsal in other languages
A note on speaking French
Use vous with strangers, staff, and people you address formally; use tu when that relationship is established. Je voudrais and pourriez-vous can make a request considerate. The most appropriate choice depends on the person and the situation.
Keep accents and apostrophes. A familiar spoken expression may differ from its literal English translation. Read the complete line, including the pronoun and the words that connect the request.
