comprare
/komˈpra.re/
The English verb 'buy' is translated into Italian as comprare. If unsure, use comprare. Wiktionary also lists comperare (desueto) and acquistare.
Meaning: to obtain something with money (verb)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| comprare | /komˈpra.re/ |
| comperare (desueto) | |
| acquistare | /ak.kwisˈta.re/ |
The primary way to say 'to obtain something with money' is using comprare. You may also encounter the phrase fare acquisti when referring to the act of doing shopping or making purchases.
Which one should you use?
comprare is the standard everyday word for 'to buy'. In more professional or business contexts, such as discussing the acquisition of assets, the term acquistare is used to mean 'to acquire' or 'to purchase'. In very casual, colloquial speech, the verb prendere is often used to express the idea of buying something.
How do you pronounce it?
comprare is pronounced /komˈpra.re/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italy, if someone says mi sono comprato un'auto, they are using a reflexive form that adds an emotional tone of satisfaction or personal achievement to the purchase.
- The word acquistare is used for things that cannot be bought with money, such as acquistare esperienza to 'gain experience' or acquistare prestigio to 'gain prestige'.
- The English word 'compare' is a distant linguistic cousin to the Italian comprare, tracing back to the same Latin roots involving bringing things together.
Examples in context
- Ne devo comprare uno.I must buy one.This example shows how to use comprare to express the necessity of buying one item.Tatoeba #1389554 by Guybrush88, translation #73098 by CK
- Non so cosa comprare.I don't know what to buy.This sentence demonstrates using comprare when expressing uncertainty about what to buy.Tatoeba #3547079 by Guybrush88, translation #3825960 by CK
- Non mi comprare nulla.Don't buy me anything.This example illustrates the use of comprare in a negative command regarding buying something for someone.Tatoeba #5059500 by Guybrush88, translation #3919155 by CH
- Vorrei comprare una borsa nuova.I would like to buy a new bag.
- Sono interessato ad acquistare un'auto usata.I am interested in buying a used car.
- Oggi devo fare degli acquisti al centro commerciale.Today, I have to do some shopping at the mall.
- Vado a prendere un caffè.I'm going to buy a coffee.
- 1468 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Martina and Matteo are at a shopping mall.
- MartinaMatteo, cosa vuoi comprare oggi?Matteo, what do you want to buy today?
- MatteoVorrei comprare un paio di scarpe.I would like to buy a pair of shoes.
- MartinaTi piace quel negozio?Do you like that shop?
- MatteoSì, voglio comprare qualcosa lì.Yes, I want to buy something there.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “buy” translations and entries comprare, acquistare, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries acquistare, comprare, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
