ir de compras
/iɾ de kompɾas/from spelling rules
To go shopping in Spanish is ir de compras.
The phrase ir de compras is used to describe visiting stores to look for and buy things, typically for pleasure or general retail purposes.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb ir (to go), the preposition de (of/from) and the noun compras (purchases/shopping).
Which one should you use?
While ir de compras implies shopping for pleasure or general retail, the phrase ir a comprar is more commonly used when the intent is to buy specific necessities or groceries.
How does it change in a sentence?
This phrase uses the preposition de to connect the movement to the activity, rather than using a direct object.
How do you pronounce it?
/iɾ de kompɾas/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid omitting the preposition de. English speakers often mistakenly say ir compras instead of the correct ir de compras.
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the command to go is andá, which is not a form of ir at all but is borrowed from the verb andar, meaning 'to walk'.
- In Spain, the culture of ir de compras often centers around the paseo, a traditional social stroll where the act of walking and seeing people is as important as the shopping itself.
- Spanish uses the preposition de in ir de compras in the same way it does for other leisure activities, such as ir de tapas or ir de fiesta, marking the outing as a social event.
Examples in context
- ¿Quieres ir de compras?Do you want to go shopping?This sentence is useful for asking someone if they want to go shopping using ir de compras.Tatoeba #3850897 by cueyayotl, translation #3348174 by CK
- Ella pretendía ir de compras.She intended to go shopping.This sentence is useful for expressing an intention to go shopping using ir de compras.Tatoeba #1425756 by marcelostockle, translation #887226 by CK
- Mañana tengo que ir de compras.Tomorrow I have to go shopping.This sentence is useful for expressing a necessity to go shopping using ir de compras.Tatoeba #5129840 by don_ramon, translation #5177276 by tabular
- Voy a ir de compras al centro comercial este fin de semana.I am going to go shopping at the mall this weekend.
- 19 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are planning their Saturday afternoon.
- SofíaAlejandro, ¿quieres ir de compras conmigo?Alejandro, do you want to go shopping with me?
- AlejandroSí, me encantaría ir de compras contigo, Sofía.Yes, I would love to go shopping with you, Sofía.
- SofíaPerfecto, buscaremos ropa nueva.Perfect, we will look for new clothes.
- AlejandroBuena idea, vamos ahora.Good idea, let's go now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ir de compras, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, ir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
