A2 phrase guide · Spain-focused
Spanish shopping phrases for a better fit
Shopping language works best when you can ask one precise question at a time: whether a size exists, whether you can try something on, and what it costs. These phrases fit clothing shops, market stalls and small local businesses.
Start with the situation
A useful phrase does more than translate.
In Spain, ¿Cuánto cuesta? is a straightforward price question. For clothes, ¿Lo tiene en una talla más? asks whether the shop has it in another size; talla is the usual word for clothing size. Use quisiera or ¿Me puede…? for a courteous request, and remember that tú/usted choice depends on the interaction.
At a market, prices may be per kilo or per item, so clarify the unit. Card payment and returns depend on the business; ask rather than infer from a sign you do not understand.
Hear the exchange
A short conversation, in context
Customer
Perdone, ¿tiene esta chaqueta en una talla más?
Excuse me, do you have this jacket one size bigger?
Shop assistant
Voy a mirarlo. ¿Quiere probársela?
I’ll check. Would you like to try it on?
Customer
Sí, gracias. ¿Dónde están los probadores?
Yes, thanks. Where are the fitting rooms?
Listen for the local detail
Usage notes for Spain
- Talla is the usual Spain term for clothing size; size vocabulary and sizing systems may differ by brand.
- In Spain, recibo is a common word for a receipt. Keep the ticket if you may need to exchange an item; policies vary.
Look out for
Common mistakes, made clearer
Avoid
¿Qué talla es? when asking whether a shop stocks another size.
Use / understand
¿Lo tiene en una talla más? / ¿Tiene una talla más?
The first asks what size something is; the latter asks about availability.
Avoid
Quiero probarlo with no context in a busy shop.
Use / understand
¿Puedo probármelo, por favor?
The question form makes the request more courteous.
Avoid
Assume a posted price tells you whether it is per kilo.
Use / understand
¿Es por kilo o por unidad?
Confirm the pricing unit at a market.
Five quick checks
Try it before you peek.
- 01
Ask how much a blue scarf costs.
Reveal answer and explanation
¿Cuánto cuesta la bufanda azul?
Cuánto cuesta asks for the price.
- 02
Ask if you can try a dress on.
Reveal answer and explanation
¿Puedo probármelo? / ¿Puedo probármela?
The pronoun agrees with the item: vestido (lo), falda (la).
- 03
Ask formally whether the shop has a smaller size.
Reveal answer and explanation
¿Tiene una talla menos?
Tiene is the usted form; talla menos means one size smaller.
- 04
Say “I’ll take this one” when choosing a feminine item.
Reveal answer and explanation
Me quedo con esta.
Esta agrees with a feminine item.
- 05
Ask whether the price is per kilo.
Reveal answer and explanation
¿Es por kilo?
This concise question confirms the unit.
Still wondering
Questions about spanish shopping phrases for a better fit
How do I ask for a different clothing size in Spain?
Use ¿Tiene una talla más? for a bigger size or ¿Tiene una talla menos? for a smaller one. You can also name the size if you know it.
Can I assume items are returnable?
No. Return and exchange policies depend on the seller and the item. Ask ¿Se puede devolver? and check the receipt or posted terms.
Keep the learning connected
Build the language around the phrase.
Vocabulary gives you options; grammar helps you choose the form that fits the person and the moment.