French · Real conversations

Shopping and returns: useful French phrases

Explain a return and check the available options.

Start with the essentials

Start with the essential words and expressions below. Next, learn the five specific phrases in the reference table. Finally, read both sides of the exchange and try the linked rehearsal before revealing its sample replies. This collection connects to the broader vocabulary topic.

Receipt
le reçu
Receipt
Size (clothes)
la taille
Size (clothes)
Can I try it on?
Je peux l'essayer ?
Can I try it on?
Do you have a bigger size?
Vous l'avez en plus grand ?
Do you have a bigger size?

Make the conversation more specific

Useful French expressions for shopping and returns
What you want to say	French
Receipt	le reçu Receipt
Size (clothes)	la taille Size (clothes)
Can I try it on?	Je peux l'essayer ? Can I try it on?
Do you have a bigger size?	Vous l'avez en plus grand ? Do you have a bigger size?
I'd like to return this.	Je voudrais retourner cet article. Show English translation I'd like to return this.
Do you have the receipt?	Vous avez le ticket de caisse ? Show English translation Do you have the receipt?
Can I exchange it for ...?	Est-ce que je peux l'échanger contre … ? Show English translation Can I exchange it for …?
It doesn't fit.	Ça ne me va pas. Show English translation It doesn't fit.
How long do I have to return it?	J'ai combien de temps pour le retourner ? Show English translation How long do I have to return it?

Read the other side of the exchange

Partner
Bonjour. Comment puis-je vous aider ?
Hello. How can I help you?
You
Je voudrais retourner cet article.
I'd like to return this.
Partner
Vous avez le ticket de caisse ?
Do you have the receipt?
You
Oui, le voici.
Yes, here it is.

Shopping and returns 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.