Essential Fabrics, Patterns, and Shopping Vocabulary

Common Fabrics and Materials

Textiles and Clothing Fabrics

• Terciopelo (Velvet): Gloves, dresses, costumes, and scarves.
• Seda (Silk): Scarves, bed sheets, and handkerchiefs.
• Cotele (Corduroy): Pants, coats, vests, and scarves.
• Lana (Wool): Caps, vests, dresses, and scarves.
• Algodón (Cotton): Vests, jackets, pants, and shirts.
• Lino (Linen): Tablecloths, bedspreads, and shawls.
• Poliéster (Polyester): Bags, coats, hoodies, socks, and jackets.

Durable and Industrial Materials

• Cuero (Leather): Jackets, suits, bags, sneakers, wallets, and shirts.
• Goma (Rubber): Boots, jackets, ponchos, and gloves.
• Plástico (Plastic): Pens, bottles, toys, and boots.
• Gamuza (Suede): Sneakers, boots, belts, and bags.
• Acero (Steel): Screws, chairs, sculptures, and bowls.
• Papel (Paper): Toilet paper and masks.
• Cartón (Cardboard): Boxes, covers, newspapers, necklaces, and baskets.
• Madera (Wood): Houses, chairs, tables, and pens.

Metals and Precious Materials

• Oro (Gold): Rings, necklaces, handles, and vases.
• Plata (Silver): Rings, necklaces, chains, and handles.
• Bronce (Bronze): Vases, coins, sculptures, and fruit bowls.
• Cobre (Copper): Medals, place settings, pots, pans, and chairs.
• Lata (Tin): Cans, necklaces, and craftsmanship.
• Platino (Platinum): Beads, rings, and watches.
• Fierro (Iron): Bicycles, tools, cots, and decorations.

Patterns and Visual Designs

• Escocés (Tartan): Dresses, pants, jackets, and hats.
• Rayado (Striped): Pants, t-shirts, gloves, and skirts.
• Lunares (Polka Dot): Shirts, scarves, handkerchiefs, and coats.
• Liso (Plain): Shirts, pants, jackets, skirts, and dresses.
• Floreado (Floral): Nails, bags, sneakers, and dresses.
• Con Diseño (Patterned): Dresses, socks, pants, and blouses.
• Colorido (Colorful): Trousers, bags, curtains, and swimsuits.

Useful Shopping Phrases and Dialogues

Customer Service and Inquiries

Clerk: May I help you? / Can I help you? / Can I help you find something? / What can I do for you?

Customer: Yes, do you have any brooms?

Clerk: Yes, they are over there by the wall.

Customer: Thank you. How much is this sweater? / How much are these sandals?

Clerk: It is $_______. / They are $_______.

Common Customer Responses

• "Yes, I am looking for _______."
• "Do you have any _______?"
• "Can you tell me where the _______ is/are?"

Checkout and Finalizing Purchases

Clerk: Is that all for today?

Customer: Yes, I think so.

Clerk: That comes to $_______.

Customer: Here you are.

Standard Checkout Questions

Clerk:

• "Did you find everything you needed?"
• "Did you find what you were looking for?"
• "Did you find everything okay?"
• "Will that be all for today?"
• "Is that everything?"
• "Will there be anything else?"

Customer: "That is all for today." / "That is it. Thanks."