Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| comprar | /komˈpɾaɾ/ |
| mercar | /meɾˈkaɾ/ |
The verb is used to describe the act of obtaining something with money.
Which one should you use?
comprar is the standard, most widely used verb for 'to buy' across the Spanish-speaking world. In contrast, mercar is a colloquial term used in specific Latin American regions, such as Colombia, to mean 'to buy' or specifically 'to shop for groceries'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the reflexive form comprarse is commonly used instead of just comprar in informal contexts. In certain Latin American regions like Colombia, mercar is used colloquially to mean 'to buy' or 'to shop for groceries'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb changes form depending on the tense and aspect: compré is the first-person singular preterite form used to say 'I bought', and comprando is the gerund used to express continuous actions like 'buying'.
How do you pronounce it?
/komˈpɾaɾ/
Did you know?
- The Spanish verb comprar shares its ancestry with the English word 'compare', as both originate from the Latin 'comparare' meaning to procure or get.
- In Spain, adding the reflexive pronoun to create comprarse often implies that the purchase was a treat or a gift for oneself.
- In some contexts, using the reflexive comprarse can be used to describe acquiring a habit or a trait, even if no money is involved.
Examples in context
- Iré a comprar pan.I'll go buy some bread.This sentence shows how to use comprar with a noun like bread.Tatoeba #1510055 by marcelostockle, translation #1510047 by Shadd
- Voy a comprar uno.I'll buy one.This sentence demonstrates the use of comprar with a pronoun.Tatoeba #2476431 by hayastan, translation #2247685 by CK
- Ve a comprar hielo.Go buy some ice.This sentence shows how to use comprar with a noun like ice.Tatoeba #6626465 by clerval, translation #6626418 by Eccles17
- ¿Dónde puedo comprar un libro interesante?Where can I buy an interesting book?
- Decidimos adquirir una casa en la playa.We decided to buy a house on the beach.
- Me voy a llevar esa camisa.I'm going to buy/get that shirt.
- 930 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel are planning their grocery shopping.
- SofíaDaniel, ¿quieres comprar fruta hoy?Daniel, do you want to buy fruit today?
- DanielSí, pero primero debo comprar pan.Yes, but first I must buy bread.
- SofíaEstá bien, yo compraré las manzanas.Fine, I will buy the apples.
- DanielGracias, Sofía, eres muy amable.Thank you, Sofia, you are very kind.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “buy” translations and entries comprar, mercar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries comprar, mercar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
