Shopping

1. Sena ke bokae?

   How much is this?

   Usage

   The most essential phrase for asking the price of an item in any shop or market

   Grammar Note

   Composed sentence built with regular Sesotho grammar (composed).

2. Theko e phahameng haholo. Na o ka fokotsa theko?

   It is too expensive. Can you give a discount?

   Usage

   Used when bargaining at markets and street stalls

   Grammar Note

   "o ka + verb" means "can you …". "fokotsa" means reduce. Composed sentence built with regular Sesotho grammar (composed).

3. Ke sheba feela

   I am just looking

   Usage

   Used to politely tell an eager shopkeeper you are just browsing

   Grammar Note

   "feela" is an adverb meaning only, and it softens the tone. Composed sentence built with regular Sesotho grammar (composed).

4. Ke tla nka sena

   I will take this

   Usage

   Used when you have decided to purchase an item

   Grammar Note

   Future is "ke tla + verb". "sena" (this) avoids having to pick a noun class. Composed sentence built with regular Sesotho grammar (composed).

5. Na ho na le mokotla wa polasetiki?

   Is there a plastic bag?

   Usage

   Used to ask for a bag after shopping. Bags are often paid for

   Grammar Note

   "Na ho na le …?" asks whether something exists. Composed sentence built with regular Sesotho grammar (composed).

6. Na le amohela karete?

   Do you accept cards?

   Usage

   Used to ask whether a shop accepts cards. The plural "le" shows respect to the staff

   Grammar Note

   "amohela" means to accept or welcome. Composed sentence built with regular Sesotho grammar (composed).

7. Ke kopa theko e nepahetseng

   Please give me a fair price

   Usage

   Used at markets to ask for a fair local price, avoiding a tourist markup

   Grammar Note

   Composed sentence built with regular Sesotho grammar (composed).

8. Ke batla ho reka dieta

   I want to buy shoes

   Usage

   Used in a shoe shop or market to say you want to buy shoes

   Grammar Note

   "dieta" is the plural of seeta "shoe"

9. Na o na le mofuta o mong?

   Do you have another type?

   Usage

   Used to ask whether another colour, size or style is available

   Grammar Note

   Composed sentence built with regular Sesotho grammar (composed).

10. Ke a leboha ka tshebeletso ya hao

    Thank you for your service

    Usage

    Used to thank shop staff after completing a purchase

    Grammar Note

    "ke a leboha ka …" means "I thank you for …". Composed sentence built with regular Sesotho grammar (composed).

11. Ha ke batle rasite

    I don't need a receipt

    Usage

    Declining a receipt

    Grammar Note

    Composed sentence built with regular Sesotho grammar (composed).

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