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Can anyone help with shop lingo? In particular, how do I ask a shopassistant for a pack of cigarettes? Also am I likely to encounter any questions? Here in England you might be asked "would you like a bag?" "Is there anything else I can do for you?" Etc. I don't want to be caught unaware! Any help greatly appreciated!
Jul 31, 2015 8:25 PM
Answers · 4
Just say: " Poproszę..." and the brand of cigarettes you want. You may need to add which type, like "czerwone" (red) or "niebieskie" (blue). For light, we say:" Lajty" :) Shopkeeper may say " Coś jeszcze?" (anything else) , or " To wszystko?" (Is that all?) but that's about it. Also bear in mind, that most of the cigarettes brands are English words, and since most of Polish people are unfamiliar with the correct pronunciation, they just come up with the polonized verison: "Elemy" would be L&M, " simple polish accented Malboro will be Marlboro and so on. The shopkeepers especially in a kiosk stand or in a small corner stone, will not now know any English, so just smile, say" Poproszę" be ready to point and you will be fine. Good luck!
August 1, 2015
Just ask for the brand of cigarette you want and they'll probably ask which size pack you want but that should be all
July 31, 2015
I once had to use google translate in Spain mid conversation because I didn't know the word for binliners, you could have cut the awkward silence with a knife.... I had to hand gesture 'breasts' whilst looking for chicken breasts as well, it worked very well and the lady found it extremely funny!
July 31, 2015
Cue the Hungarian Phrasebook sketch, 3... 2... 1... :D
July 31, 2015
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