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Hello, my curious shopper! Have you ever wondered how to navigate a supermarket and find all the things you need? Learning English vocabulary for the supermarket can be incredibly helpful in real life. Have you ever wanted to ask for certain products, understand signs and labels, or have a conversation with the cashier? In this exciting lesson, we will explore essential words and phrases that will make your supermarket trips a breeze. Are you ready to unlock the language of shopping and become a supermarket pro? Let’s dive into the world of the supermarket and embark on a delicious and fruitful learning journey!
Supermarket Sections
1. Produce Section (noun phrase) /ˈproʊdus ˈsɛkʃən/: An area in a supermarket where fresh fruits and vegetables are displayed and sold.
Example: I always start my shopping in the produce section to pick up fresh apples, oranges, and carrots.
2. Meat and Poultry Section (noun phrase) /mit ənd ˈpoʊltri ˈsɛkʃən/: The part of a supermarket where various cuts of meat from animals, such as beef, pork, and chicken, are sold.
Example: In the meat and poultry section, I bought some chicken breasts for dinner tonight.
3. Dairy Section (noun phrase) /ˈdɛri ˈsɛkʃən/: An area in a supermarket where milk, cheese, yogurt, and other products made from milk are sold.
Example: I found a delicious new cheese to try in the dairy section of the supermarket.
4. Frozen Food Section (noun phrase) /ˈfroʊzən fuːd ˈsɛkʃən/: The part of a supermarket where food items are kept frozen and sold, such as vegetables, fruits, and ready-made meals.
Example: I picked up some frozen peas from the frozen food section for a quick side dish.
5. Bakery (noun) /ˈbeɪkəri/: A place in a supermarket where bread, pastries, and other baked goods are made and sold.
Example: The smell of fresh bread from the bakery always makes my mouth water.
6. Deli Counter (noun phrase) /ˈdɛli ˈkaʊntər/: A section in a supermarket where customers can purchase sliced meats, cheeses, and prepared salads.
Example: I ordered some sliced turkey and Swiss cheese from the deli counter for our sandwiches.
7. Seafood Section (noun phrase) /ˈsiːfuːd ˈsɛkʃən/: An area in a supermarket where fresh fish, shellfish, and other seafood products are sold.
Example: I found some fresh salmon fillets in the seafood section for tonight’s dinner.
8. Dry Goods Section (noun phrase) /draɪ ɡʊdz ˈsɛkʃən/: The part of a supermarket where non-perishable food items, such as pasta, rice, and canned goods, are sold.
Example: I stocked up on canned tomatoes from the dry goods section for my pasta sauce recipe.
9. Beverage Section (noun phrase) /ˈbɛvərɪdʒ ˈsɛkʃən/: An area in a supermarket where various drinks, such as soft drinks, juice, and water, are displayed and sold.
Example: In the beverage section, I grabbed a few bottles of sparkling water for our dinner party.
10. Condiment Section (noun phrase) /ˈkɒndɪmənt ˈsɛkʃən/: The part of a supermarket where sauces, dressings, and other flavorings used to enhance the taste of food are sold.
Example: I found a new brand of mustard in the condiment section that I wanted to try on my sandwich.
11. Cereal Aisle (noun phrase) /ˈsɪəriəl ˈaɪl/: A specific pathway in a supermarket where breakfast cereals and related products are displayed and sold.
Example: In the cereal aisle, I picked up my favorite granola for breakfast.
12. Snack Aisle (noun phrase) /snæk ˈaɪl/: A specific pathway in a supermarket where chips, crackers, and other snack items are sold.
Example: I grabbed a bag of popcorn from the snack aisle for movie night.
13. Organic Section (noun phrase) /ɔːrˈɡænɪk ˈsɛkʃən/: An area in a supermarket where food items produced without synthetic pesticides, chemical fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms are sold.
Example: I found some organic apples in the organic section for a healthier snack option.
14. Health and Beauty Section (noun phrase) /hɛlθ ənd ˈbju:ti ˈsɛkʃən/: The part of a supermarket where personal care products, such as shampoo, soap, and makeup, are sold.
Example: I bought a new toothpaste from the health and beauty section of the store.
15. Cleaning Supplies SectionCleaning Supplies Section** (noun phrase) /ˈkli:nɪŋ səˈplaɪz ˈsɛkʃən/: The area in a supermarket where products for cleaning various surfaces and items, like detergents, disinfectants, and sponges, are sold.
Example: I picked up a bottle of all-purpose cleaner in the cleaning supplies section for my kitchen countertops.
16. Pet Supplies Section (noun phrase) /pɛt səˈplaɪz ˈsɛkʃən/: The part of a supermarket where food, toys, and accessories for pets, such as dogs, cats, and fish, are sold.
Example: I bought a new toy for my dog in the pet supplies section of the store.
17. Candy Aisle (noun phrase) /ˈkændi ˈaɪl/: A specific pathway in a supermarket where sweets, chocolates, and other confectionery items are displayed and sold.
Example: I treated myself to a chocolate bar from the candy aisle after a long day.
18. Checkout Line (noun phrase) /ˈʧɛkaʊt laɪn/: The area in a supermarket where customers wait to pay for their items and finalize their purchases.
Example: I patiently waited in the checkout line with my full shopping cart.
19. Pharmacy (noun) /ˈfɑrˌməsi/: A section in a supermarket where prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and other healthcare products are sold.
Example: I picked up my allergy medication from the pharmacy inside the supermarket.
20. Wine and Spirits Section (noun phrase) /waɪn ənd ˈspɪrɪts ˈsɛkʃən/: The part of a supermarket where alcoholic beverages, such as wine, beer, and liquor, are sold.
Example: I selected a nice bottle of red wine from the wine and spirits section for our dinner party.
21. Fresh Flowers Section (noun phrase) /frɛʃ ˈflaʊərz ˈsɛkʃən/: An area in a supermarket where cut flowers, potted plants, and other floral items are displayed and sold.
Example: I bought a bouquet of tulips from the fresh flowers section to brighten up our living room.
22. Home Goods Section (noun phrase) /hoʊm ɡʊdz ˈsɛkʃən/: The part of a supermarket where items for the home, such as kitchenware, bedding, and small appliances, are sold.
Example: I found a new set of dish towels in the home goods section to replace our old ones.
Supermarket Activities
1. Shopping List (noun phrase) /ˈʃɒpɪŋ lɪst/: A written or digital list of items that a person needs to buy from a store, often organized by category or location.
Example: I always make a shopping list before going to the supermarket to save time and avoid forgetting anything.
2. Shopping Cart (noun) /ˈʃɒpɪŋ kɑrt/: A wheeled, metal or plastic container provided by a store for customers to place their items in while shopping.
Example: I grabbed a shopping cart near the entrance to help carry all the groceries I needed.
3. Grocery Bags (noun phrase) /ˈɡroʊsəri bæɡz/: Containers made of paper, plastic, or reusable materials used for carrying purchased items from a store.
Example: I remembered to bring my reusable grocery bags with me to reduce plastic waste.
4. Self-Checkout (noun) /ˌsɛlf-ˈʧɛkˌaʊt/: A system in a store that allows customers to scan, bag, and pay for their items without the assistance of a cashier.
Example: I used the self-checkout lane to quickly pay for my groceries and avoid waiting in line.
5. Coupon Clipping (verb phrase) /ˈkuːpɒn ˈklɪpɪŋ/: The act of collecting and using discount vouchers to save money on products and services.
Example: By coupon clipping, I was able to save a few dollars on my grocery bill.
6. Price Check (noun) /praɪs ʧɛk/: The act of verifying the cost of an item, often done by scanning its barcode or checking a price tag.
Example: I did a quick price check on the cereal to make sure it was on sale before putting it in my cart.
7. Sale Items (noun phrase) /seɪl ˈaɪtəmz/: Products that have been temporarily discounted in price, often to encourage shoppers to buy them.
Example: I found some great deals on sale items in the supermarket’s weekly flyer.
8. Buy one, get one free (phrase) /baɪ wʌn, ɡɛt wʌn fri/ : A promotional offer where a customer receives an additional item for free when purchasing one at the regular price.
Example: I took advantage of the buy one, get one free deal on my favorite brand of pasta.
9. Customer Service Desk (noun phrase) /ˈkʌstəmər ˈsɜrvɪs dɛsk/: A designated area in a store where employees assist customers with questions, returns, and other issues.
Example: When I couldn’t find the product I was looking for, I went to the customer service desk for help.
10. Stock Shelves (verb) /stɒk ʃɛlvz/: To fill store shelves with new merchandise or replace sold items.
Example: Employees were busy stocking shelves with fresh produce early in the morning.
11. Bagging Groceries (verb phrase) /ˈbæɡɪŋ ˈɡroʊsəri/: The act of placing purchased items into bags for transportation.
Example: The cashier quickly and efficiently bagged my groceries for me.
12. Weighing Produce (verb phrase) /ˈweɪɪŋ ˈproʊdus/: The act of placing fruits or vegetables on a scale to determine their weight and cost.
Example: I carefully weighed the produce before putting it into my shopping cart to make sure I didn’t buy too much.
13. Reading Nutrition Labels (verb phrase) /ˈridɪŋ njuːˈtrɪʃən ˈleɪblz/: The act of examining the nutritional information on packaged food items to compare and make informed choices.
Example: I spent some time reading nutrition labels to choose the healthiest cereal for my family.
14. Price Comparison (noun) /praɪs kəmˈpærɪsən/: The act of evaluating the cost of similar products to determine which is the best value.
Example: By doing a quick price comparison, I found the store-brand pasta sauce was cheaper than the name-brand.
15. Impulse Buying (noun) /ˈɪmpʌls ˈbaɪɪŋ/: The act of purchasing items without planning or considering the need, often due to attractive displays or promotions.
Example: I often fall into the trap of impulse buying whenI see a tempting snack near the checkout line.
16. Loyalty Card (noun) /ˈlɔɪəlti kɑrd/: A card issued by a store that allows customers to collect points or access discounts and special offers.
Example: I used my loyalty card at the supermarket to get a discount on my groceries.
17. Food Sampling (noun) /fuːd ˈsæmplɪŋ/: The practice of offering small portions of food or drink products for customers to try before buying.
Example: The food sampling station in the supermarket allowed me to taste a new flavor of yogurt before purchasing it.
18. Queueing (verb) /ˈkjuːɪŋ/: The act of waiting in line for service or to make a purchase.
Example: There was a long line of customers queueing at the checkout, so I decided to use the self-checkout instead.
19. Restocking (verb) /riˈstɒkɪŋ/: The process of replenishing the store’s inventory by adding new items or replacing those that have been sold.
Example: The supermarket employees were busy restocking the shelves with fresh produce and dairy products.
20. Use a shopping basket (verb phrase) /juz ə ˈʃɒpɪŋ ˈbɑskɪt/: To carry a small container, usually with a handle, for holding items while shopping in a store.
Example: I only needed a few items, so I decided to use a shopping basket instead of a shopping cart.
21. Scan barcodes (verb) /skæn ˈbɑrkoʊdz/: The act of using a scanner to read the unique black and white pattern on a product’s packaging to obtain information such as price.
Example: At the self-checkout, I had to scan the barcodes on my items to calculate the total cost.
22. Pay for groceries (verb phrase) /peɪ fər ˈɡroʊsəri/: The act of exchanging money, either in cash or electronically, for the items purchased at a store.
Example: After scanning and bagging my items, I used my credit card to pay for my groceries at the self-checkout terminal.
Supermarket Items
1. Fresh fruits (noun phrase) /frɛʃ fruts/: A variety of ripe, unprocessed fruits that are often displayed in the produce section of a supermarket.
Example: I bought some fresh fruits, like apples and oranges, for my family to enjoy as healthy snacks.
2. Vegetables (noun) /ˈvɛdʒtəblz/: Edible plant parts, such as roots, leaves, and stems, that are typically used to prepare savory dishes.
Example: I filled my shopping cart with a variety of colorful vegetables, including carrots, spinach, and bell peppers.
3. Bread (noun) /brɛd/: A food made from a mixture of flour, water, and yeast, which is baked until it forms a crusty loaf.
Example: I picked up a loaf of whole wheat bread from the bakery section for making sandwiches.
4. Eggs (noun) /ɛɡz/: Oval or round reproductive bodies produced by birds, especially chickens, and used as a source of protein in many dishes.
Example: I bought a dozen eggs to use for breakfast omelettes and baking recipes.
5. Milk (noun) /mɪlk/: A white liquid produced by female mammals, often cows, that is consumed as a beverage or used as an ingredient in cooking.
Example: I always make sure to have a carton of milk in my fridge for my morning coffee and cereal.
6. Cheese (noun) /ʧiz/: A food made from the pressed curds of milk, often aged to develop a specific texture and flavor.
Example: I selected a block of cheddar cheese from the dairy section to use in my homemade macaroni and cheese.
7. Butter (noun) /ˈbʌtər/: A solid, yellow fat made by churning cream, used as a spread on bread and as an ingredient in cooking.
Example: I bought a stick of unsalted butter to use for baking cookies and sautéing vegetables.
8. Pasta (noun) /ˈpɑstə/: An Italian food made from wheat flour and water, formed into various shapes and typically boiled before serving with a sauce.
Example: I chose a package of spaghetti pasta from the shelf for our family’s weekly pasta night.
9. Rice (noun) /raɪs/: Small, starchy grains that are a staple food in many cultures, cooked by boiling or steaming until tender.
Example: I purchased a bag of long-grain white rice to serve as a side dish with our grilled chicken dinner.
10. Canned goods (noun phrase) /kænd ɡʊdz/: Food items that have been preserved in a metal container to extend their shelf life.
Example: I picked up some canned goods, such as tomatoes and corn, for my pantry.
11. Baking supplies (noun phrase) /ˈbeɪkɪŋ səˈplaɪz/: Ingredients and tools used for preparing and cooking baked goods, like cakes, cookies, and bread.
Example: I needed to restock my baking supplies, so I bought flour, sugar, and baking powder.
12. Cookies and crackers (noun phrase) /ˈkʊkiz ənd ˈkrækərz/: Sweet baked treats and savory, crispy snacks that are often found in the snack aisle of a supermarket.
Example: I bought a box of cookies and crackers to enjoy while watching a movie with my friends.
13. Breakfast cereals (noun phrase) /ˈbrɛkfəst ˈsɪriəlz/: Dry, processed grains, often sweetened and fortified with vitamins, that are typically served with milk for breakfast.
Example: I chose a box of breakfast cereal that was high in fiber and low in sugar for a healthier option.
14. Meats (noun) /mits/: Animal flesh, such as beef, pork, or poultry, that is used as a source of protein in various dishes.
Example: I bought some meats, like chicken breasts and ground beef, to prepare for our family dinners this week.
15. Fish (noun) /fɪʃ/: Aquatic animals, such as salmon or tuna, that are consumed for their protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Example: I picked up some fresh fish from the seafood counter to grill for dinner tonight.
16. Frozen dinners (noun phrase) /ˈfroʊzn ˈdɪnərz/: Precooked meals that are stored frozen and can be easily reheated in a microwave or oven.
Example: I bought a few frozen dinners for those busy nights when I don’t have time to cook.
17. Icecream (noun) /ˈaɪs krim/: A sweet, frozen dessert made from a mixture of milk, cream, sugar, and flavorings, often served in scoops.
Example: I treated myself to a pint of chocolate chip ice cream from the frozen section of the supermarket.
18. Soft drinks (noun phrase) /sɔft drɪŋks/: Non-alcoholic beverages made from carbonated water, sweeteners, and flavorings, usually served cold.
Example: I grabbed a few cans of my favorite soft drinks to enjoy during the hot summer days.
19. Wine (noun) /waɪn/: An alcoholic beverage made from fermented grapes or other fruits, often enjoyed as a drink or used in cooking.
Example: I selected a bottle of red wine to pair with our spaghetti dinner tonight.
20. Beer (noun) /bɪr/: A popular alcoholic beverage made from malted barley, hops, water, and yeast, often consumed chilled and in social settings.
Example: I picked up a six-pack of beer to share with my friends while watching the game.
21. Pet food (noun phrase) /pɛt fud/: Specially formulated food products designed to meet the nutritional needs of domestic animals, such as dogs and cats.
Example: I bought a bag of pet food for my dog and a can of wet food for my cat.
22. Cleaning products (noun phrase) /ˈkliːnɪŋ ˈprɒdʌkts/: Chemical solutions and tools used for removing dirt, grime, and stains from various surfaces in a household.
Example: I stocked up on cleaning products, like dish soap and all-purpose cleaner, to keep my home tidy.
23. Toilet paper (noun phrase) /ˈtɔɪlɪt ˈpeɪpər/: Soft, absorbent tissue on a roll that is used for cleaning oneself after using the bathroom.
Example: I made sure to buy enough toilet paper for the whole family, so we don’t run out.
24. Shampoo and conditioner (noun phrase) /ʃæmˈpuː ənd kənˈdɪʃənər/: Hair care products used for cleansing and improving the texture and appearance of hair.
Example: I chose a bottle of shampoo and conditioner that is specifically formulated for my hair type.
25. Toothpaste (noun) /ˈtuθpeɪst/: A thick, flavored paste containing mild abrasives and fluoride, used with a toothbrush to clean and protect teeth.
Example: I picked up a new tube of toothpaste with whitening properties to help brighten my smile.
Congratulations on completing this exciting lesson on English vocabulary for the supermarket! Now you have the essential words and phrases to confidently navigate the aisles, communicate with staff, and find everything you need. Whether you’re looking for fruits, vegetables, dairy products, or snacks, your vocabulary will guide you through the supermarket maze. Remember, organization is key in making your shopping experience efficient, so keep practicing and enjoy the convenience of expressing your supermarket needs in English.
