Walking into a Spanish-speaking supermarket can feel like a mini-adventure: new signs, different units, and quick cashier talk. In this A1 lesson, you’ll learn the must-know words and simple phrases to find items, ask prices, and pay politely. We’ll practice right away with short exercises, so you can grab your carrito (shopping cart) with confidence.

Essential supermarket words (you’ll use these today)

We’ll start with items and places you’ll see, then add quick, useful example sentences. Keep it simple and practical.

Quick check: do you know your shop words?

Choose the best meaning. (You’ll see why these matter at checkout.)

Polite phrases and simple questions

In supermarkets, short polite Spanish goes a long way. Use these set phrases. Keep them short and friendly.

Try inserting the missing word. Keep the sentence polite and clear.

Disculpe, ¿ está el pan?

Quisiera bolsa, por favor.

¿Puedo pagar con ?

A tiny dialogue at the checkout

First, read the English so you know the flow:

• Hello. Do you want a bag?
• Hello. Yes, one bag, please.
• It’s 12 euros. Card or cash?
• Card, thank you.
• Here is your receipt. Have a nice day!
• Thanks, same to you. Now, put the Spanish lines in the right order.

Tiny grammar that helps on aisle 5

Two very small points will boost your confidence today.

Put the words in order to make a natural sentence you can say in the store.

Weights and numbers you’ll actually hear

In many Spanish-speaking countries, fresh produce uses the metric system. A few set phrases will cover most needs:

Quiero dos de tomates.

kilo de queso, por favor.

Want vs. need (two friendly verbs)

Both are useful when you shop. Here’s a quick look so you can say “I want…” or “I need…”. Use just the forms you need now.

un manzana → una manzana manzana is feminine ¿Cuánto cuesta las manzanas? → ¿Cuánto cuestan las manzanas? Use plural verb with plural subject

Cultural notes: tiny things that make a big difference

• Bags: You often pay for a bolsa and many people bring their own reusable bags. Don’t be surprised if the cashier asks ¿Lleva bolsa? (Do you want a bag?)
• Weighing produce: In some stores, you weigh fruit/veg yourself; in others, the cashier weighs them. Look for a scale or signage.
• Signs: Oferta, 2x1, or -50% are common sale labels. Prices usually show €/kg in Europe or $/kg in Latin America.
• Payment: Cash (efectivo) and card (tarjeta) are both common. Contactless is widely accepted in many cities.
• Small talk: Keep it brief. A simple Hola, Gracias, Buen día is perfect.

Final mini-quiz: ready to shop?

Pick the best answer for each short situation.

Your quick shopping script (copy/paste into your brain)

• Disculpe, ¿dónde está la leche? (Excuse me, where is the milk?)
• ¿Cuánto cuesta este queso? (How much is this cheese?)
• Quisiera un kilo de manzanas, por favor. (I’d like one kilo of apples, please.)
• ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? (Can I pay by card?)
• Nada más, gracias. (Nothing else, thank you.) Try one line on your next trip—even just asking ¿Dónde está…? is a win. ¡Ánimo!