comprar
/komˈpɾaɾ/
To buy in Spanish is comprar.
The phrase comprar means to acquire something by paying money for it.
How does it change in a sentence?
The gerund form of comprar is comprando. The first-person singular preterite form of comprar is compré. The third-person singular future tense form of comprar is comprará.
How do you pronounce it?
/komˈpɾaɾ/
When do people say it?
The phrase ¿Se puede regatear? means Can we bargain? This phrase is particularly common in Latin American countries.
Did you know?
- Spanish speakers use the phrase comprar gato por liebre when they feel they have been cheated in a purchase, which literally translates to 'buying a cat for a hare'.
- The Spanish verb comprar shares a common ancestor with the English word 'compare'. Both come from the Latin comparāre, which originally meant to bring things together to match or procure them.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, the act of 'comprar' at a local market is often accompanied by a social ritual of small talk with the vendor.
Examples in context
- Necesito adquirir un nuevo ordenador para mi oficina.I need to purchase a new computer for my office.
- Voy a agarrar algo de comida en el mercado.I'm going to pick up some food at the market.
- ¿Se puede pagar en efectivo o con tarjeta?Can I pay in cash or with a card?
- Hacer una compra en líneaTo make an online purchase
- Comprar en líneaTo buy online
- Quiero comprar un coche nuevo.I want to buy a new car.
- Quiero comprar un café.I want to buy a coffee.
- ¿Dónde puedo comprar pan?Where can I buy bread?
- Ella necesita comprar un vestido nuevo.She needs to buy a new dress.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are at a shopping mall.
- Mateo¿Quieres comprar algo hoy?Do you want to buy something today?
- ElenaSí, necesito comprar unos zapatos.Yes, I need to buy some shoes.
- MateoYo también voy a comprar un libro.I am also going to buy a book.
- ElenaPerfecto, vamos a la tienda.Perfect, let's go to the store.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry comprar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries comprar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
