essay on super market in french
Answers
In French open markets, there is usually a friendly, relaxed and informal ambiance. Les marchands (merchants) often like to joke and have fun with les clients (clients), and it’s not unusual to have them make flirtatious comments, just for fun, or act a bit silly, or to sing out loud: Ils sont beaux mes poulets, qu’ils sont beaux! (My chickens are beautiful, yes they are!).
As a customer, you should be a smart shopper, and always check what the merchant is giving you: are the fruits bien mûrs? (ripe?) and are you sure he didn’t slip a rotten one in the bag. Don’t hesitate to check and hand back a couple of fruits/vegetables you don’t like. Look where the product comes from or you are at risk of buying the same things as in the supermarket!
Don’t hesitate to marchander (barter), why not? It’s common practice, even more so if you are buying something a bit expensive—like a leather bag—or several of a somewhat expensive item, like four barquettes de fraises (four boxes of strawberries). Simply ask: Vous pouvez me faire un petit prix? (Could you give me a small discount?)
In France, you should always say Bonjour Madame, Mademoiselle, Monsieur—it’s much more polite than bonjour alone. Merchants will often use Bonjour, M’sieurs Dames, but it is not the most sophisticated way to speak, so I’d encourage you to not use it.
One last thing, try to take monnaie (small change) with you. Vendors don’t like when you spend five euros and hand them a 20 euro bill and many of them won’t take credit cards