A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Do you have this in stock" in French
Ask if a store has an item available with this essential French shopping phrase.
Est-ce que vous avez ça en stock ?
ess kuh voo zah-VAY sah on STOKneutral
French TTS · 0:01
Use this when you're looking for a specific item in a shop and want to know if they have it. It's polite and direct, perfect for most retail environments.
Alternatives
- Vous avez ça en stock ?Slightly more direct, dropping the 'Est-ce que vous.'
- Vous avez ça ?More general, asking if they have it at all, not specifically 'in stock.'
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing 'stock'
The 'o' sound is more like the 'o' in 'hot,' not the 'o' in 'stock.'
Forgetting 'en'
You need 'en stock' to mean 'in stock'; just 'stock' doesn't work here.
Using 'tu' too early
Always start with 'vous' when speaking to shop assistants unless they invite you to use 'tu.'
A small cultural note
While 'en stock' is understood, French shopkeepers might also use terms like 'disponible' (available) or simply ask 'Vous cherchez quelque chose ?' (Are you looking for something?).
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
What's the difference between 'en stock' and 'disponible'?
'En stock' specifically means it's in the inventory, ready to be sold. 'Disponible' is broader and means available or obtainable.
Can I use 'tu' with shop staff?
Generally, no. You should use 'vous' unless the staff member is clearly very young and uses 'tu' with you first.
What if they don't have it?
They might say 'Non, désolé(e)' (No, sorry) or 'Nous n'en avons plus' (We don't have any more).
