Souvenirs & Gifts
Use these phrases when you are shopping for souvenirs, asking for local recommendations, and getting gifts wrapped for people back home.
Key Phrases
¿Qué hay típico de aquí?
casualWhat's typical around here?
A casual way to ask what local items they sell.
¿Tiene algo típico de la ciudad?
politeDo you have anything typical from the city?
Use the formal 'usted' form for shopkeepers.
Busco un regalo para mi amigo.
neutralI'm looking for a gift for my friend.
Use 'busco' (I am looking for) to explain what you need to buy.
Es para un niño de cinco años.
neutralIt's for a five-year-old child.
¿Qué me recomiendas?
casualWhat do you recommend to me?
Informal, useful in small shops with young staff.
¿Qué me puede recomendar?
politeWhat can you recommend to me?
Uses the modal verb 'poder' (can) for a softer, more polite request.
¿Cuánto es esto?
casualHow much is this?
¿Cuánto cuesta esto, por favor?
neutralHow much does this cost, please?
Voy a comprar esta taza.
neutralI am going to buy this mug.
Me llevo este.
casualI'll take this one.
The most natural, everyday way to say you are taking an item.
¿Lo envuelves para regalo?
casualCan you wrap it as a gift?
A casual present-tense way to ask for wrapping.
¿Puede envolver esto para regalo?
politeCan you wrap this as a gift?
More polite, excellent for nice boutiques or older staff.