Food & drinkBeginner
At the butcher's in English (beginner)
Beginner English for at the butcher's. Key line: “Hi, I'd like half a kilo of pork.”
Full script
Lin
Hi, I'd like half a kilo of pork.
Them
Sure. Do you want it sliced?
Lin
Yes, thin, please. It's for dumplings.
Them
Nice. Lean or a little fat?
Lin
A little fat, please. My grandma insists.
Them
Smart grandma. Anything else today?
Lin
That's all, thanks. She also checks everything.
Them
Then let's hope I pass grandma's test.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
Buying meat
✓ I'd like half a kilo of pork.Order meat by weight.
I'd like is more polite when shopping
Sliced
✓ Do you want it sliced?Ask about cutting it.
it = the meat; don't drop it
Lean/fat
✓ Lean or a little fat?Ask which kind they want.
A common butcher's question
That's all
✓ That's all, thanks.Say you're done buying.
Shows you want nothing else
Quick answers
Buying meat: what to say in English
Say “I'd like half a kilo of pork.” — order meat by weight. I'd like is more polite when shopping.
Sliced: what to say in English
Say “Do you want it sliced?” — ask about cutting it. it = the meat; don't drop it.
Lean/fat: what to say in English
Say “Lean or a little fat?” — ask which kind they want. A common butcher's question.
That's all: what to say in English
Say “That's all, thanks.” — say you're done buying. Shows you want nothing else.