comprar ropa
/kompɾaɾ ɾopa/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'buy clothes' is translated into Spanish as comprar ropa.
If you are referring to specific items, you might use related words such as camisa for 'shirt' or pantalones for 'pants'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To change the meaning from buying clothes in general to buying specific ones, add the definite article 'la' to get comprar la ropa (buy the clothes). If you wish to say 'I bought clothes' in the preterite tense, you conjugate the verb to compré ropa. For the continuous action of buying clothes, use the gerund form comprando ropa.
How do you pronounce it?
/kompɾaɾ ɾopa/
Did you know?
- While ropa means 'clothes', in some regions it is used in the phrase ropa vieja, which translates to 'old clothes' but is actually a famous slow-cooked shredded beef stew.
- The Spanish word ropa for 'clothes' shares a common ancestor with the English word 'robe'. Both can be traced back to the Gothic word raupjan meaning 'to tear' or 'to pluck'.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, instead of saying comprar ropa, people might use the slang term estrenar to describe wearing something new that they have just bought.
Examples in context
- Me gusta comprar ropa.I like to buy clothes.This sentence shows how to express a preference using comprar ropa.Tatoeba #1767645 by hayastan, translation #1762329 by Amastan
- ¿Dónde puedo comprar ropa?Where can I buy clothes?
- Disculpe, ¿podría indicarme dónde puedo adquirir prendas de vestir?Excuse me, could you tell me where I can purchase clothing?
- Necesito comprar ropa para el invierno.I need to buy clothes for the winter.
- Vamos al centro para comprar ropa nueva.Let's go downtown to buy new clothes.
Example conversation
María and Javier are discussing their weekend plans.
- María¿Quieres salir conmigo mañana?Do you want to go out with me tomorrow?
- JavierSí, me gustaría ir a comprar ropa.Yes, I would like to go buy clothes.
- María¡Qué buena idea, Javier!What a great idea, Javier!
- JavierPerfecto, nos vemos el sábado.Perfect, I will see you on Saturday.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries comprar, ropa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
