#136 Changing the Delivery Time for a Parcel｜French Daily-Life Phrases
Izumi French Garden
#130 Using a Thrift Store｜French Shopping Phrases
Izumi
Thrift stores are convenient places where you can purchase items at reasonable prices or sell things you no longer need.
When using a thrift store in French, it is helpful not only to explain what you are looking for, but also to ask about an item’s condition and price.
In this article, I will introduce commonly used French expressions for thrift-store shopping, along with a sample dialogue and key grammar points.
Contents
Dialogue
Bonjour. Je cherche une veste d’occasion, plutôt pour l’hiver.
（Hello. I’m looking for a second-hand jacket, preferably for winter.）
Nous avons plusieurs modèles dans ce rayon. Quelle taille faites-vous ?
（We have several options in this section. What size do you wear?）
Je fais du M. Et j’aimerais quelque chose en bon état.
（I wear a medium. And I’m looking for something in good condition.）
D’accord. Celle-ci est presque neuve et elle est à 35 euros.
（Certainly. This one is almost new, and it is 35 euros.）
Est-ce que je peux l’essayer ?
（May I try it on?）
Bien sûr, la cabine d’essayage est juste là.
（Of course. The fitting room is right over there.）
Elle me va bien. Est-ce que le prix est négociable ?
（It fits well. Would it be possible to negotiate the price?）
Oui, je peux vous faire 30 euros.
（Yes, I can offer it for 30 euros.）
Merci, je la prends.
（Thank you. I’ll take it.）
1. Describing What You Are Looking For Clearly
When searching for items in a thrift store, it is best to describe the features of what you want as specifically as possible.
Example
- Je cherche une veste d’occasion, plutôt pour l’hiver.
(I’m looking for a second-hand jacket, preferably for winter.)
“chercher” (to look for) is a basic verb commonly used when shopping. By adding “d’occasion,” you can express “second-hand / used.”
Adding information such as purpose or season also helps staff narrow down the options more easily.
Related Expressions
- plutôt pour l’hiver
(preferably for winter) - pour tous les jours
(for everyday use)
2. Stating Your Preferred Size and Condition
When purchasing second-hand clothing, size and condition are especially important.
If you are asked about your size, you can respond as follows:
Example
- Je fais du M.
(I wear a medium.)
The structure “faire du + size” is used to describe clothing sizes.
Next, you can express your preference regarding condition:
Example
- J’aimerais quelque chose en bon état.
(I’m looking for something in good condition.)
“en bon état” means “in good condition.” It is highly versatile and can be used not only for clothing, but also for furniture and appliances.
Related Expressions
- en très bon état: in very good condition
- presque neuf: almost new
- un peu usé: slightly worn
3. Checking the Price and Negotiating
Once you find something you like, confirm the price.
Example
- Elle est à 35 euros.
(It is 35 euros.)
When stating prices, “être à + price” is a common pattern in French.
In some thrift stores, price negotiation may be possible. When asking for a discount, it is better to use a polite, indirect expression.
Example
- Est-ce que le prix est négociable ?
(Would it be possible to negotiate the price?)
4. Asking to Try It On or Check the Item
With second-hand items, checking before purchase is important. For clothing, ask to try it on:
Example
- Est-ce que je peux l’essayer ?
(May I try it on?)
For appliances or furniture, these expressions are also useful:
Related Expressions
- Est-ce que ça fonctionne bien ?
(Does it work properly?) - Y a-t-il des défauts ?
(Are there any defects?)
By confirming the condition in advance, you can reduce the risk of problems after purchase.
Summary
Key French Phrases
- Je cherche ～ d’occasion.
→ A useful phrase for stating that you are looking for a second-hand item. - J’aimerais quelque chose en bon état.
→ Used to express a preference regarding condition. - Elle est à ～ euros.
→ A standard way to state a price. - Est-ce que le prix est négociable ?
→ A polite way to initiate price negotiation.
