What does it mean word for word?
The phrase lista de la compra is composed of lista (list), de (of), la (the) and compra (purchase/shopping).
Which one should you use?
Lista de provisiones is a more formal version, whereas Lista del mandado is an informal option. In some contexts, lista de mandados refers to a list of errands or things to be bought.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, lista de la compra is the standard and most common way to express this. In Mexico, Lista del mandado is a popular way to refer to a grocery list. In many Latin American countries, the colloquial phrase lista del súper (supermarket list) is often used. In some Caribbean and Central American dialects, you may hear lista de mandados to refer to a list of groceries or errands.
How do you pronounce it?
/lista de la kompɾa/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word lista is a cognate of the English word 'list', as both trace their origins back to the Proto-West Germanic word *līstā.
- The term mandado in lista del mandado reflects a historical custom of commissioning someone else to go to the market on your behalf.
- In some contexts, the word compra does not just refer to the act of buying, but is used as a collective noun for the physical bags of groceries you bring home.
Examples in context
- ¿Tienes la lista de compras? Sí, aquí está. Necesitamos pan, leche y huevos.Do you have the grocery list? Yes, here it is. We need bread, milk, and eggs.
- ¿Dónde dejaste la lista del supermercado? La olvidé en casa, tendremos que hacerla de nuevo.Where did you leave the grocery list? I forgot it at home, we'll have to make it again.
- He olvidado la lista de la compra.I have forgotten the grocery list.
- ¿Puedes escribir la lista de la compra?Can you write the grocery list?
- Tengo la lista de la compra en el móvil.I have the grocery list on my phone.
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are in the kitchen before going to the supermarket.
- AlejandroMaría, ¿tienes la lista de la compra?María, do you have the grocery list?
- MaríaSí, la tengo aquí mismo.Yes, I have it right here.
- AlejandroPerfecto, vamos al supermercado ahora.Perfect, let's go to the supermarket now.
- MaríaVale, no olvides las bolsas.Okay, don't forget the bags.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries compra, de, la, lista, CC BY-SA 4.0.
