#36 Introducing Yourself to Your Host Family｜French Conversation Phrases
Izumi French Garden
#147 Requesting an Exchange｜French Shopping Phrases
Izumi
After purchasing clothing, it is not uncommon to realize later that the size is incorrect.
In such cases, if you can clearly explain that the item is unused and that you have the receipt, many stores will agree to an exchange.
In this article, I will explain useful French expressions for requesting an exchange in a store, based on the situation where you have purchased the wrong clothing size and would like to exchange an unused item.
Contents
Dialogue
J’ai acheté ce pull hier, mais je me suis trompé de taille.
（I purchased this sweater yesterday, but I chose the wrong size.）
D’accord. Quelle taille avez-vous prise ?
（I see. Which size did you purchase?）
J’ai pris une taille L, mais en fait j’aurais besoin d’une taille M.
（I bought a size L, but I actually need a size M.）
Est-ce que l’article a été porté ?
（Has the item been worn?）
Non, il n’a jamais été porté.
（No, it has never been worn.）
Parfait. Avez-vous le ticket de caisse ?
（Very well. Do you have the receipt?）
Oui, le voici.
（Yes, here it is.）
Nous avons ce modèle en taille M. Souhaitez-vous l’échanger ?
（We have this model in size M. Would you like to exchange it?）
Oui, s’il vous plaît.
（Yes, please.）
D’accord, je m’occupe de l’échange.
（All right, I will take care of the exchange.）
1. Explaining That You Purchased the Wrong Size
When requesting an exchange in a store, it is important to first explain that you have already purchased the item and that you made a mistake with the size.
Example
- J’ai acheté ce pull hier, mais je me suis trompé de taille.
（I purchased this sweater yesterday, but I chose the wrong size.）
The expression “se tromper de …” means “to make a mistake with …” and is commonly used to describe errors in choice, such as size, color, or model.
Related Expressions
- Je me suis trompé de couleur.
（I chose the wrong color.） - Je me suis trompé de modèle.
（I chose the wrong model.）
2. Stating the Intended Size
Next, it is important to clearly explain which size you purchased and which size you would like instead.
Example
- J’ai pris une taille L, mais en fait j’aurais besoin d’une taille M.
（I bought a size L, but I actually need a size M.）
The phrase “j’ai pris …” uses the past tense to indicate the size you originally chose.
Meanwhile, “j’aurais besoin de …” (I would need …) allows you to express your request politely and indirectly.
3. Explaining That the Item Is Unused
Whether an exchange is possible often depends on whether the item has been used. Since store staff frequently ask about this, it is helpful to be prepared.
Example
- Il n’a jamais été porté.
（It has never been worn.）
By using the negative structure “ne … jamais” (never), you can clearly emphasize that the item is unused.
Related Expressions
- Je ne l’ai pas porté une seule fois.
（I have not worn it even once.） - Il est complètement neuf.
（It is completely new.）
4. Responding to Exchange Conditions
In many stores, presenting a receipt is required when requesting an exchange.
Example
- Avez-vous le ticket de caisse ?
（Do you have the receipt?）
Response
- Oui, le voici.
（Yes, here it is.）
Since exchanges are often refused without a receipt, it is advisable to keep it carefully, even while traveling.
Summary
Key French Phrases
- Je me suis trompé de taille.
→ Used to explain that you purchased the wrong size. - J’ai pris une taille L, mais j’aurais besoin d’une taille M.
→ Clearly states both the purchased size and the desired size. - Il n’a jamais été porté. / Il est neuf.
→ Used to indicate that the item is unused. - Avez-vous le ticket de caisse ? / Oui, le voici.
→ Common question and response during an exchange process.
