At the Supermarket – Asking Where Items Are
Welcome to Hello English! Shopping in an English-speaking country is easy once you know how to ask for help. Whether you’re looking for milk, pasta, or cleaning supplies, this lesson will teach you a realistic supermarket conversation and the essential phrases to find what you need.
Watch this short, realistic conversation between a shopper and a store employee. Perfect for listening practice!
Supermarket Conversation
Characters:
• Jamie – the shopper
• Taylor – the store employee
Jamie: Excuse me!
Taylor: Hi! Can I help you?
Jamie: Yes, where’s the milk?
Taylor: Aisle 3, on the left.
Jamie: Thanks! And the pasta?
Taylor: Aisle 5, near the rice.
Jamie: Great! What about eggs?
Taylor: Also Aisle 3, next to milk.
Jamie: Got it. Where’s the bread?
Taylor: Aisle 2, by the bakery.
Jamie: Perfect. One more thing—olive oil?
Taylor: Aisle 6, with the sauces.
Jamie: Awesome, thank you so much!
Taylor: No problem! Need a basket?
Jamie: Yes, please. That’d be great!
💡 Tip: Each line is short and clear—ideal for recording as audio or video!
Essential Supermarket Vocabulary
Learn these key words to navigate any store with confidence:
- Aisle – a row of shelves (e.g., “Aisle 3”)
- On the left / on the right – direction within an aisle
- Near / next to – close to another item
- Excuse me – polite way to get someone’s attention
- Where’s…? – short for “Where is…?” (natural in speech)
- Thanks! / Thank you! – always appreciated
- You’re welcome! – common response to “thank you”
Other Useful Phrases
- “Do you have oat milk?”
- Where do you keep the dish soap?
- “Do you carry gluten-free bread?”
- “Is almond butter in stock?”
- “Could you point me to the canned beans?”
- “Could you point me to the toilet paper?”
- “I’m looking for brown rice.”
- “Is brown rice in stock?”
- “Do you sell brown rice?”
- “I’m looking for dish soap.”
Practice Tip
Next time you’re in a store (even in your own country), try asking for 3 items in English out loud. It builds real confidence!
Why This Matters
Whether you’re:
• Traveling abroad
• Living in an English-speaking country
• Practicing real-life English skills
…knowing how to ask for help at the supermarket makes daily life easier and less stressful.
Now you’re ready to shop with confidence in English! Bookmark this guide, or try our interactive quiz to test your supermarket vocabulary.
Happy shopping! 🛒
