Before you start
A visitor asks you a question in English and the words do not come? A few well-practised phrases can help you welcome them, ask for clarification and answer clearly. This guide is for everyday practice; it does not replace a course or your workplace’s actual information.
Welcome someone and start a conversation
At a shop, café or reception desk in Essaouira, start simply and give the other person time to answer. Learn three phrases you actually need at work before adding more.
| English | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Good morning. How can I help you? | Greet someone and offer help. |
| Welcome. Please come in. | Invite someone inside. |
| Do you have a reservation? | Check whether someone has booked. |
| May I have your name, please? | Politely ask for a name. |
| How many people are in your group? | Ask about group size. |
| Would you like to sit here? | Offer a seat. |
| Please follow me. | Ask someone to come with you. |
| Here is the menu. | Give someone a menu. |
| What would you like to drink? | Ask for a drink order. |
| Would you like anything else? | Check whether anything else is needed. |
| I will check that for you. | Offer to check information. |
| One moment, please. | Politely ask someone to wait. |
Names, prices and situations are practice examples. Always check the actual information at your workplace.
Understand, give information and close the conversation
Asking someone to repeat is a useful skill. Listen for a number, time or product. If you are unsure, say you will check rather than promise something you cannot confirm.
| English | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Could you repeat that, please? | Ask to hear the message again. |
| Could you speak a little more slowly? | Ask the speaker to slow down. |
| Let me make sure I understood. | Check your understanding. |
| Is this the item you mean? | Confirm which item the person means. |
| This one costs eighty dirhams. | State a sample price. |
| The price is shown here. | Point to a displayed price. |
| You can pay at the counter. | Explain where payment is made. |
| Would you like a receipt? | Offer a receipt. |
| The entrance is on your left. | Give a direction. |
| It is about five minutes on foot. | Give an approximate walking time. |
| I am sorry about the wait. | Apologise for a delay. |
| Thank you for visiting us. | Thank someone before they leave. |
| Enjoy your stay in Essaouira. | Wish a visitor a pleasant stay. |
One phrase for each situation
Choose three phrases: one to ask for repetition, one to give a price and one to say thank you. Say them without reading.
Four short dialogues
| Situation | English exchange |
|---|---|
| On arrival | A: Good morning. How can I help you? B: I have a reservation. A: May I have your name, please? B: Yes, it is Sam. |
| A price | A: How much is this one? B: This one costs eighty dirhams. A: Eighty? B: Yes. The price is shown here. |
| Directions | A: Where is the entrance? B: The entrance is on your left. A: Thank you. B: You are welcome. |
| Checking a request | A: Can we sit outside? B: One moment, please. I will check that for you. A: Thank you. B: Thank you for waiting. |
Practise both roles with another person. Then change the name, item or price. Change one thing at a time so the conversation stays easy to follow.
Practise before your next conversation
1. You did not understand
A customer speaks too quickly. Which polite phrase could you use? Write it, then say it aloud.
2. Complete the exchange
A customer asks for a price, then a receipt. Write four lines using a fictional price.
3. Your own mini-list
Write down the three situations you meet most often at work. Do not include customers’ personal details.
Check the answers
Possible answers: 1. Could you speak a little more slowly? 2. How much is this one? / This one costs eighty dirhams. / Would you like a receipt? / Yes, please. Other polite answers are also possible.
English
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