comprar
[kumˈpɾa]
The English verb 'buy' is translated into Catalan as comprar.
The verb comprar is used to mean to obtain something with money. If you wish to emphasize the specific act of purchasing, you can use the phrase fer una compra, which literally translates to 'to make a purchase'.
Meaning: to obtain something with money (verb)
Which one should you use?
While comprar refers to the general act of purchasing, the phrase fer la compra is used specifically when talking about 'doing the grocery shopping'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The first-person singular present indicative form of comprar is compro (I buy), and the first-person plural future indicative form is comprarem (we will buy). When you want to say 'buy one' or 'buy some' using the pronoun ne, you must attach it to the end of the infinitive with a hyphen, as in comprar-ne.
Did you know?
- The Catalan word comprar shares the same Latin root as the English word 'compare', because the original meaning involved 'preparing' or 'getting' something ready.
- The verb comprar is a close linguistic 'cousin' to the Occitan word crompar, reflecting the shared history of the Romance languages in the Mediterranean.
- The verb comprar can be used metaphorically to describe the act of bribing someone or buying political influence.
Examples in context
- He de comprar-ne un demà.I have to buy one tomorrow.This sentence shows the use of comprar with the attached pronoun ne.Tatoeba #875311 by ziggsmith, translation #71812 by CK
- M'agradaria poder comprar eixa guitarra.I wish I could buy that guitar.Tatoeba #5173748 by gonsalet, translation #68709 by CK
- Haig de comprar segells.I need to buy stamps.Tatoeba #1448137 by el_vecino, translation #1448081 by CK
- Voldria adquirir aquest llibre.I would like to buy this book.
- On puc adquirir una entrada per al concert?Where can I buy a ticket for the concert?
- Avui he fet una compra al supermercat.Today I made a purchase at the supermarket.
- Hem de fer una compra per a la festa.We need to buy things for the party.
- Hola, vull comprar aquesta samarreta.Hi, I want to buy this shirt.
- On pots comprar aquest tipus de sabates?Where can you buy this type of shoes?
- Comprarem uns regals per als nostres amics.We'll buy some gifts for our friends.
- M'agrada anar de compres els dissabtes al mercat.I enjoy going shopping on Saturdays at the market.
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Júlia and Pol are at a shopping mall.
- JúliaPol, vols comprar aquestes sabates?Pol, do you want to buy these shoes?
- PolNo, no les compraré.No, I won't buy them.
- JúliaOstres, és una bona oferta!Wow, it's a good offer!
- PolSí, però prefereixo comprar un pantaló.Yes, but I prefer to buy trousers.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “buy” translations and entries comprar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries comprar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
