#106 Viewing a Property｜French Phrases for Daily Life
Izumi French Garden
#123 Shopping at an Electronics Store｜French Shopping Phrases
Izumi
When shopping at an electronics store, it is essential to check product performance, pricing, and warranty coverage.
When making purchases in French, expressions for explaining what you are looking for, describing your intended use and requirements, and asking about comparisons and warranties are particularly useful.
In this article, I explain commonly used French phrases for shopping at electronics stores, along with key tips for ensuring a smooth shopping experience.
Contents
Dialogue
Bonjour. Je cherche un ordinateur portable pour un usage professionnel.
（Hello. I am looking for a laptop for professional use.）
Avez-vous déjà une idée des caractéristiques que vous souhaitez ?
（Do you already have an idea of the specifications you are looking for?）
Oui, j’aurais besoin d’un modèle assez léger, avec une bonne autonomie.
（Yes, I would need a fairly lightweight model with good battery life.）
Je peux vous montrer ce modèle-ci. Il est performant et facile à transporter.
（I can show you this model. It is powerful and easy to carry.）
Quelle est la différence avec l’autre modèle à côté ?
（What is the difference compared with the other model next to it?）
Celui-ci est un peu plus puissant, mais aussi plus cher.
（This one is slightly more powerful, but it is also more expensive.）
Je vois. Et la garantie est incluse ?
（I see. And is the warranty included?）
Oui, la garantie standard est de deux ans.
（Yes, the standard warranty is two years.）
Je vais réfléchir encore un peu. Merci pour vos explications.
（I will think about it a little more. Thank you for the explanation.）
1. Explaining What You Are Looking For and Its Intended Use
At an electronics store, clearly stating what you are looking for and how you intend to use it helps the conversation proceed smoothly.
- Je cherche un ordinateur portable pour un usage professionnel.
（I am looking for a laptop for professional use.）
The phrase “Je cherche …” means “I am looking for …” and is a basic expression used when shopping.
By adding “pour un usage …” (for … use), store staff can more easily recommend products suited to your needs, such as business, personal, or travel use.
- pour un usage personnel
（for personal use） - pour les études
（for academic use） - pour les voyages
（for travel）
2. Clearly Describing Your Requirements and Desired Features
It is also important to explain specific requirements such as size, weight, and performance.
- J’aurais besoin d’un modèle assez léger, avec une bonne autonomie.
（I would need a fairly lightweight model with good battery life.）
The expression “j’aurais besoin de …” is a polite and indirect way of saying “I need …,” allowing you to state your preferences without sounding demanding.
To add further conditions, you can continue with expressions such as:
- avec un écran plus grand
（with a larger screen） - avec suffisamment de mémoire
（with sufficient memory） - qui consomme peu d’énergie
（that consumes little power）
3. Comparing Products and Asking About Differences
When several products are displayed, asking about the differences is an effective approach.
- Quelle est la différence avec l’autre modèle ?
（What is the difference compared with the other model?）
This expression is useful when you want a concise explanation of differences in performance, price, or features.
Typical explanations from store staff include:
- Celui-ci est plus puissant.
（This one is more powerful.） - Il est aussi plus cher.
（It is also more expensive.）
When making comparisons, plus / moins (more / less) are commonly used.
4. Confirming Warranty and After-Sales Service
For electronic products, it is important to confirm warranty coverage and duration.
- La garantie est-elle incluse ?
（Is the warranty included?）
Using “incluse” allows you to naturally ask whether the warranty is provided at no additional cost.
Related expressions include:
- Quelle est la durée de la garantie ?
（How long is the warranty period?） - Y a-t-il une garantie prolongée ?
（Is there an extended warranty?）
Summary
- Je cherche … pour un usage …
→ Used to explain what you are looking for and how you plan to use it. - J’aurais besoin d’un modèle …
→ Used to describe desired features and requirements. - Quelle est la différence avec l’autre modèle ?
→ Useful when comparing products. - La garantie est-elle incluse ?
→ Used to confirm warranty coverage.
