Speak Mango - Daily English Conversation

Quiz 🎲|Every day, one new expression.|

Today's Expressions

Learn useful English expressions easily and fun.

behind the counter

the area in a shop where employees stand to serve customers or keep items · usually a sales or service desk

What's the situation?

Ever wondered where all the cool stuff is kept, or where the staff usually hang out? 🤔 "Behind the counter" is that spot! It's where the magic happens, from ringing up sales to answering your questions. Think of it as the staff's command center! 🏪✨

shop with purpose

to go shopping with a clear goal · to have a specific list of items to buy

What's the situation?

You know exactly what you need and you're not planning to wander aimlessly! 🎯 This expression is perfect for when you're on a mission to get things done efficiently, avoiding impulse buys and saving precious time. Say goodbye to endless browsing! 👋

to sit on the shelves

not selling · remaining unsold

What's the situation?

This phrase is perfect for when you notice a product that's been in the store forever and no one seems to want it. 😂 It’s like, 'Poor thing, it's just gathering dust!' You can also use it to describe products that are simply not popular or have lost their appeal.

Is that all for today?

Are you finished shopping for now? · Do you have any other items to purchase in this transaction?

What's the situation?

You're at the checkout, and the cashier is politely asking if you've gathered all the items you intend to buy in this transaction. It's a common, friendly way to wrap things up! 🛒✨

I'll have to come back for it

I like this item, but I can't buy it right now · I intend to return later to purchase this specific item

What's the situation?

You've spotted the perfect item, but oh no! Your wallet is looking a bit thin today, or maybe it's too big to carry home right now. 🛍️ This phrase is your polite way of saying, "It's not a 'no,' it's a 'not right now'!" It shows you're seriously interested in buying it later.

to pay with card

to use a credit or debit card for payment

What's the situation?

This expression is super handy when you're at the checkout and need to clarify your payment method. 💳 Most places accept cards these days, making it a common phrase for a smooth transaction. Say goodbye to fumbling for cash! 👋

to be in stock

available for purchase · not sold out

What's the situation?

This phrase is super handy when you want to know if an item is available for you to buy! 🛒 Whether you're in a store or checking online, knowing if something is 'in stock' is key to a successful shopping trip. It's like asking, 'Can I actually get this?' and getting a positive answer!

to have a browse

to look around casually · to examine things without a specific purchase in mind

What's the situation?

This phrase is perfect when you want to explore a store without the pressure of needing to buy something specific. It's all about enjoying the visual feast! 🛍️✨

to put something down for a deposit

to make a partial payment to reserve an item · to pay a portion of the price upfront

What's the situation?

This expression is perfect when you find something you absolutely love, but it's a bit pricey or you just need some time to gather the full amount. 💸 It means you pay a small part now to make sure no one else snags your dream item! ✨

to be on the checkout line

waiting to pay for your purchases · queueing at the till

What's the situation?

Imagine you've successfully navigated the shopping maze and found all your treasures! 🛍️✨ This phrase is your go-to when you've got your cart full and you're patiently (or impatiently! 😉) waiting your turn to pay for your awesome finds. It's the final frontier before glorious ownership!

Is this for a gift?

Are you buying this to give to someone as a present?

What's the situation?

Imagine you're at the checkout, buying something that seems perfect for a friend or family member. The cashier might ask this to offer gift services! 🎁 It's a super polite and helpful question that can make your life easier.

to walk out with something

to successfully buy something and leave the store with it · to purchase an item and take it home

What's the situation?

Ever found that perfect item you absolutely *had* to have? 🎉 This expression is all about the satisfying moment when you make that purchase and carry your new treasure out of the store. It’s the ultimate shopping goal: to enter, find, buy, and successfully exit with your prize! 🛍️✨

to take it to the register

to be ready to purchase an item · to bring an item to the checkout counter

What's the situation?

Ever found that perfect item and thought, 'Yep, this is the one!'? 🤩 This phrase is exactly what you'd say when you're done browsing and ready to make it yours! It’s the final step before swiping your card or handing over cash. 💳

to swipe your card

to pay with a credit or debit card · to make a card payment

What's the situation?

This expression is used when you're ready to pay for your purchases and the cashier asks how you'd like to pay, or when you're simply describing the act of paying with a card. It's a fundamental part of modern shopping! 💳

to be in retail heaven

to be in a place where shopping is exceptionally enjoyable · to experience extreme pleasure from shopping

What's the situation?

This is perfect when you enter a store or a shopping area that's totally your vibe, has awesome deals, or just gives you the best shopping experience ever. It's like finding your happy place, but with cash registers! 🤩

to check for flaws

to look for imperfections · to inspect for damage

What's the situation?

You know that feeling when you find the perfect item, but then you realize... is it *really* perfect? 🤔 This expression is your go-to for making sure your potential new purchase is in tip-top shape before you take it home. It's all about being a smart shopper! 🕵️‍♀️✨

to bag it up

to put purchased items into a bag · to package something at the checkout

What's the situation?

Ever feel like your arms aren't long enough for all your shopping? 🛍️ This phrase is your go-to when you're at the checkout and need to put all those awesome new items into bags! Whether it's the cashier or a helpful friend, 'to bag it up' means getting those goodies neatly packed and ready to roll. ✨

to get store credit

receive credit from a store for a return, instead of cash · a voucher for future purchases

What's the situation?

You just returned an item, but the store doesn't offer cash refunds for certain products, or maybe you don't have the original receipt. Instead, they give you store credit! 🛍️💸

Is this available in store?

Can I buy this here physically? · Do you have this item at this location?

What's the situation?

You've seen an item online or in an ad and want to know if you can pick it up right now at the physical store. It's a key question when you want to avoid online shipping fees or waiting times, or simply prefer to see the item in person before buying! 🛍️✨

to go check out

to go to the checkout counter to pay for items · to be ready to pay

What's the situation?

This phrase is super handy when you've filled your basket and you're ready to make your great escape (with your purchases, of course!). 🛒💨 It's what you say when you're done browsing and it's time to seal the deal!

to browse the racks

to casually look through clothes or items displayed on racks, often without a specific purchase in mind · to leisurely inspect merchandise

What's the situation?

Ever just want to wander into a store and leisurely flip through clothes or items? This is your go-to phrase for that chill shopping vibe! 🧘‍♀️ Perfect for when you're not on a mission but enjoying the hunt. 🕵️‍♀️

to tally up the items

to calculate the total cost of the chosen products · to add up the prices of things

What's the situation?

You know that moment when you've got a basket full of goodies and you're mentally, or even physically, counting everything up to avoid a sticker shock at the register? 😅 That's when you're trying to **tally up the items**! It's super useful for keeping track of your spending, especially before you hit the checkout.

to take something off the shelf

to select an item for purchase from a display · to remove an item from a store shelf with the intention of buying it

What's the situation?

This expression is perfect for that satisfying moment when you've finally made up your mind! 🤩 You've weighed your options, compared brands, and now you're reaching out to physically *take* that item off the shelf because it's officially going home with you. It's the moment of commitment, folks! 💪🛒

What can I get you?

How may I help you? · What would you like to buy?

What's the situation?

This is a super common and polite question that a shop assistant or server will ask to find out what you want to purchase or what help you need. It's quick, friendly, and gets straight to the point! 🛒🗣️

© 2026 Speak Mango. All rights reserved.