Written by Edwar Manjarres

Holiday shopping in Quebec (Magasinage des fêtes au Québec) are the most common situations you will encounter throughout the holiday season and will serve as a starting point for improving your French.

Using the verb offer (to offer/to give) instead of donner (to give) is a simple detail that will make you sound more natural. Read along with me to the end and learn words to talk about your budget (budget), express urgency for last-minute gifts , and a linguistic tip to help you adapt more quickly to Quebec culture.

The verb offrir at Christmas

The verb offrir means 'to offer' or 'to give'. It is often used in the context of Christmas gifts. Christmas because it has a more specific and elegant meaning than the simple verb donner (to give).

Primary use

In Quebec French, it is preferred to offrir is preferred when talking about Christmas, birthdays, or a round of drinks. If you say donner un cadeau, it sounds more formal or less natural.

Present tense conjugation 

• I offer (I offer/give)
• You offer (You offer gifts)
• He/She/One offers (He/She offers/gives)
• We offer (We offer/give away)
• You offer (You offer/give)
• They offer (They offer/give)

Uses of offrir to plan the gift:

• What are you going to give to your mother? (What are you going to give your mom?)
• I would like to give a book to my friend. (I would like to give my friend a book as a gift)

Vocabulary for the purchasing budget

Before you can begin your search, you need to communicate your intention to buy and set your financial limits.

• To say: "I need to buy Christmas presents," the keyword is besoin. 

You can use this simple and direct phrase:  J'ai besoin to buy Christmas presents!

• To discuss the budget: the key word is budget. 

You can use this phrase: What is your budget pour ce cadeau?

• To indicate that you are looking for something original or unique, because it is a special gift: the keywords are original/unique. 

You can use this one: I'm looking for something original/unique.

Tips for adapting to Franco-Quebecois culture

Quebecers are betting on supporting the local economy (acheter local). This is a very strong value, especially during holidays such as Christmas. 

If you are Latino and are improving your French, shopping at local markets and stores is a great opportunity to support them and practice speaking with the owners. 

Words you will learn in the Quebec market

With this typical dialogue, you will learn how to interact as a acheteur (buyer) and use key French phrases with the vendeur (seller).

Identify words that are typical in Quebec:

— Buyer: Where are the gift items located? ?? (Where are the gift items ?)?) 

— Salesperson: Could you help me find a gift for...? (Can you help me find a gift for...?)

— Buyer: I am looking for a book for a child. Do you have it in a other color? (I'm looking for a book for a child. Do you have this in another color?)

— Salesperson: What is the price of this item? Do you have any discounts? (What is the price of this item? Do you have any discounts?)

— Buyer: I'm going to take it. Could you make a gift wrapping? (I'm going take it. Could you wrap it as a gift?) 

— Salesperson: Do you accept credit/debit cards? Here is my card. (Do you accept credit/debit cards? Here is my card)

— Buyer: Could you give me a receipt/invoice? (Could you give me a receipt/invoice?) 

Learn French with Planeta Immiland Education

If you want to master French so you can get around during the holiday shopping and daily life in Quebec, visit our online school: Planeta Immiland Education 

At Planeta Immiland, we offer French and English courses for immigration purposes and work with certified teachers. To start your course, take the placement test and receive your results immediately. 

If you have any questions, contact us and we will be happy to help you.

I hope that when you buy your Christmas gifts, you can use French words that will help you sound like a local Quebecer. Thank you for reading. See you soon!

With love,

Planet Immiland