Prepare for a price and a quantity
Start with Combien ça coûte ? (“How much does it cost?”), then practise a possible price before repeating the question. Asking clearly is only half of the exchange; understanding the answer determines what you can say next.
Use a small set of quantities and numbers you already know. Ask for one item, confirm the quantity and finish politely. If you miss the price, ask for repetition instead of guessing. You can also repeat the number as a check, giving the other person a chance to correct it.
In coûte, listen for a steady /u/ vowel rather than an English-style glide. Keep the rest of the request short while practising that sound. Open the French phrase library for model lines and the number phrase with audio when counting is your next practice target.
Mouth position and airflow
Keep combien smooth, make ça light, and do not let coûte become an English vowel.
Three examples to practise
| Round | French target |
|---|---|
| 1 | Combien ça coûte ? |
| 2 | Je peux payer par carte ? |
| 3 | Vous avez cette taille ? |
Common mistakes and a correction
- Avoid making combien choppy.
- Avoid pronouncing coûte like English coat.
- Avoid rushing numbers.
Five-minute practice ladder
- Say combien slowly.
- Add ça coûte.
- Practise payer par carte.
- Ask about a size.
- Role-play one purchase.