Asking for Change or Breaking a Bill
A person at a small shop or cafe asks the cashier if they can break a large denomination bill or provide specific change.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
change
Money given back when you pay with more than the cost, or smaller coins and bills exchanged for a larger one. In this dialogue, it means breaking a large bill into smaller amounts.
bill
A banknote or paper money, like a $50 bill. It's used to refer to currency notes in everyday transactions.
denomination
The value printed on a bill or coin, such as $10 or $20. It's a formal word often used in banking to ask about the amount of money.
smaller bills
Banknotes with lower values, like $10 or $20 instead of $50. Useful when you need easier-to-use money for small purchases.
twenties
Informal way to say $20 bills. People often shorten denominations like 'tens' for $10 bills or 'fifties' for $50 bills in casual talk.
perfect
Means exactly right or ideal. In responses, it's a polite way to show satisfaction, like 'That would be perfect' to agree happily.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Excuse me, I just bought a coffee. Would it be possible to get some change for a larger bill?
This is a polite way to start a request. 'Would it be possible' is a soft, indirect question to ask for help without being demanding. Useful in shops when you need to exchange money after a purchase. Grammar: Conditional 'would' makes it courteous.
Sure, no problem. What denomination is it? And how much change are you looking for?
A helpful response from service staff. 'Sure, no problem' shows willingness. 'What denomination is it?' asks for the bill's value. Useful for cashiers to clarify. The 'and' connects two questions naturally.
It's a fifty-dollar bill. I was hoping to get some smaller bills, maybe tens or twenties, if possible.
Explains the bill and specifies the desired change. 'I was hoping' softens the request politely. 'If possible' adds courtesy. Great for specifying preferences in money exchanges. Informal abbreviations like 'tens' and 'twenties' are common in spoken English.
Let me see... Yes, I can definitely do that for you. How about two twenties and a ten?
Shows checking availability then offering a solution. 'Let me see' means thinking or checking. 'How about' suggests an option politely. Useful when proposing alternatives in service situations. 'Definitely' emphasizes certainty.
That would be perfect, thank you so much!
Expresses strong agreement and gratitude. 'That would be' is conditional for hypothetical politeness. 'Thank you so much' intensifies thanks. Ideal for ending a positive interaction, showing appreciation in daily services.
Here you go. Anything else I can help you with today?
Hands over the change and offers more help. 'Here you go' is a casual way to give something. The question invites further needs. Common in customer service to ensure satisfaction and build rapport.
You're welcome. Have a great day!
Standard polite response to thanks. 'You're welcome' acknowledges gratitude. 'Have a great day' is a friendly goodbye. Use this to end conversations positively in shops or cafes.