English Vocabulary: 80 Words Related to Shopping and Money
Learning vocabulary about shopping and money is essential for anyone studying English. Whether you’re traveling abroad, shopping online, or simply managing your daily expenses, these words will help you communicate confidently in real-world situations.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 80 essential words and phrases that will boost your English skills and make your shopping experiences much smoother.
Why Shopping and Money Vocabulary Matters
Before we dive into our word list, let’s talk about why this vocabulary is so important. Shopping and handling money are universal activities that everyone does, regardless of where they live.
When you’re learning English, these practical words give you the tools to navigate stores, markets, restaurants, and banks with ease. Plus, understanding money-related terms helps you protect yourself from scams and make smart financial decisions.
Essential Shopping Vocabulary (40 Words)
At the Store
1. Customer – A person who buys goods or services from a store
2. Cashier – The person who takes your payment at the checkout
3. Receipt – A paper showing what you bought and how much you paid
4. Barcode – The black and white lines on products that scanners read
5. Shopping cart – A large basket on wheels for carrying items (also called a “trolley” in British English)
6. Shopping basket – A smaller handheld basket for carrying items
7. Aisle – A walkway between shelves in a store
8. Checkout – The place where you pay for your items
9. Self-checkout – A machine where you scan and pay for items yourself
10. Sales associate – A store employee who helps customers
Making Purchases
11. Price tag – A label showing how much something costs
12. Sale – When items are sold at reduced prices
13. Discount – A reduction in the original price
14. Coupon – A ticket or code that gives you a discount
15. Buy one, get one free (BOGO) – A promotion where you get two items for the price of one
16. Clearance – A special sale to get rid of old inventory
17. In stock – Available to buy right now
18. Out of stock – Not currently available
19. Warranty – A guarantee that a product will work for a certain time period
20. Return policy – Rules about bringing items back to the store
Types of Shopping
21. Window shopping – Looking at items without intending to buy
22. Browse – To look around a store casually
23. Impulse buy – Something you buy without planning to
24. Bargain – A good deal or something bought at a low price
25. Splurge – To spend a lot of money on something special
26. Online shopping – Buying items through the internet
27. Grocery shopping – Buying food and household items
28. Comparison shopping – Checking prices at different stores
29. Shopping spree – Buying many things in a short time
30. Retail therapy – Shopping to make yourself feel better
Payment and Transactions
31. Cash – Paper money and coins
32. Credit card – A plastic card used to borrow money for purchases
33. Debit card – A card that takes money directly from your bank account
34. Contactless payment – Paying by tapping your card or phone
35. Total – The final amount you need to pay
36. Subtotal – The cost before taxes are added
37. Tax – Money the government adds to the price
38. Change – Money given back when you pay with cash
39. Refund – Money returned when you bring something back
40. Exchange – Trading an item for a different one
Money Management Vocabulary (40 Words)
Basic Money Terms
41. Currency – The type of money used in a country
42. Dollar – The main unit of money in the US
43. Cent – One hundredth of a dollar
44. Bill – Paper money
45. Coin – Metal money
46. Wallet – A small case for carrying money and cards
47. Purse – A bag for carrying personal items and money
48. ATM (Automated Teller Machine) – A machine for withdrawing cash
49. Bank account – A place where your money is stored at a bank
50. Balance – The amount of money in your account
Earning and Spending
51. Income – Money you earn from work
52. Salary – Fixed regular payment for work
53. Wage – Payment based on hours worked
54. Paycheck – A check or payment you receive for work
55. Tip – Extra money given for good service
56. Expense – Money spent on something
57. Cost of living – How much it costs to meet basic needs
58. Afford – To have enough money to buy something
59. Budget – A plan for how to spend your money
60. Overspend – To spend more money than you planned
Saving and Investing
61. Savings – Money kept for future use
62. Savings account – A bank account that earns interest
63. Interest – Money earned on savings or paid on loans
64. Investment – Money put into something to make a profit
65. Profit – Money gained from a business or investment
66. Loss – Money lost in a business or investment
67. Stock – A share in a company
68. Dividend – A payment from company profits to shareholders
69. Emergency fund – Money saved for unexpected expenses
70. Retirement fund – Money saved for when you stop working
Borrowing and Debt
71. Loan – Money borrowed that must be paid back
72. Mortgage – A loan to buy a house
73. Debt – Money owed to someone
74. Installment – A payment made as part of a series
75. Down payment – An initial payment when buying something expensive
76. Credit score – A number showing how reliable you are with borrowed money
77. APR (Annual Percentage Rate) – The yearly interest rate on borrowed money
78. Minimum payment – The smallest amount you can pay on a credit card
79. Late fee – A charge for paying after the due date
80. Pay off – To completely repay a debt
Practical Tips for Learning This Vocabulary
Now that you’ve seen all 80 words, here’s how to master them effectively.
For Beginners:
Start with the first 20 words about basic shopping. Practice them when you go to the store, even if you’re just browsing. Point to items and say the words out loud. Create flashcards with pictures to help you remember. Try using three new words each week in real conversations or written sentences.
For Intermediate Learners:
Focus on understanding the differences between similar words, like “refund” versus “exchange” or “sale” versus “discount.” Watch English shopping videos on YouTube or follow English-speaking shopping vloggers. Practice writing short paragraphs about your shopping experiences using these new words.
For Advanced Learners:
Challenge yourself to use these words in complex sentences. Discuss financial topics with other English speakers. Read articles about personal finance in English. Try explaining money concepts to others using this vocabulary, which will deepen your understanding.
Real-World Practice Activities
The best way to learn vocabulary is by using it. Here are some practical exercises:
- Keep a shopping journal in English, describing what you bought and how much you spent
- Role-play shopping scenarios with a study partner
- Watch English shopping channels or haul videos
- Read product reviews on English websites
- Calculate your monthly budget using English terms
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many English learners confuse “lend” and “borrow” or “price” and “cost.” Remember: you lend TO someone, but you borrow FROM someone. “Price” is a noun (the price is high), while “cost” works as both a noun and a verb (it costs too much).
Another common error is mixing up “change” meanings. “Change” can mean coins, the money returned to you, or the act of exchanging something. Pay attention to context.
Conclusion
Mastering these 80 words related to shopping and money will significantly improve your English communication skills. Remember, vocabulary learning is a journey, not a race. Start with the words you’ll use most often, practice them regularly, and gradually expand your knowledge. Before you know it, you’ll be shopping and discussing finances in English with complete confidence.
The key is consistent practice and real-world application. Every time you shop, handle money, or discuss finances, you have an opportunity to reinforce these words. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—they’re an essential part of the learning process. Happy learning, and happy shopping!
