What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb ir (to go), the preposition de (of/on) and the plural noun compras (purchases), which literally translates to "to go on purchases".
Which one should you use?
While ir de compras usually implies shopping for pleasure or clothes, the alternative ir a comprar is used when the focus is on the specific act of buying necessities or a specific item.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The expression Voy de shopping is an informal phrase borrowed from English used in certain regions and among younger generations.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the preposition de to link the movement to the activity, which is a fixed construction in Spanish. As an infinitive construction, it must be conjugated according to the subject if used as a main verb, for example, voy de compras (I am going shopping).
How do you pronounce it?
/iɾ de kompɾas/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word for 'I go' voy comes from the Latin vādere, while ir comes from the Latin īre. This means the verb for 'going shopping' is actually a hybrid of two different ancient roots.
- While ir de compras is used for leisure, a Spanish speaker would use hacer la compra to describe the weekly chore of grocery shopping. The former is a hobby, but the latter is a household task.
- In some regions, the command to go shopping uses the verb andar instead of ir. This shifts the focus from the destination to the act of strolling through the shops.
Examples in context
- No tengo ganas de ir de compras.I don't feel like going shopping.This sentence shows how to express a lack of desire to use the phrase ir de compras.Tatoeba #7778536 by arh, translation #9645286 by DJ_Saidez
- He quedado con Sandra para ir de compras, ¿quieres venir?I'm going shopping with Sandra. Want to come?This sentence uses the phrase ir de compras to talk about a plan with a person.Tatoeba #9687840 by Shishir, translation #9733306 by DJ_Saidez
- Me fastidia ir de compras.Going shopping is a bother.This sentence expresses that the activity of ir de compras is a bother.Tatoeba #10363334 by DJ_Saidez, translation #10363335 by DJ_Saidez
- Voy de compras mañanaI'm going shopping tomorrow
- Voy a hacer compras el próximo fin de semanaI'm going shopping next weekend
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are discussing their plans for the afternoon.
- MaríaHoy quiero ir de compras por el centro.Today I want to go shopping downtown.
- Alejandro¿Te gustaría ir de compras conmigo, María?Would you like to go shopping with me, María?
- María¡Claro! Me encanta ir de compras contigo.Of course! I love going shopping with you.
- AlejandroPerfecto, nos vemos en la tienda.Perfect, I'll see you at the store.
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.
