Quiero comprar
/kjeɾo kompɾaɾ/from spelling rules
The English phrase "I want to buy" is translated into Spanish as Quiero comprar.
How does it change in a sentence?
Using the imperfect subjunctive quisiera instead of the indicative quiero makes the request more polite and indirect, similar to saying "I would like to buy" in English. To say "I want to buy it", you attach the object pronoun lo (for masculine objects) or la (for feminine objects) to the end of the infinitive comprar.
How do you pronounce it?
/kjeɾo kompɾaɾ/
Did you know?
- In Spain, the verb comprar is used in the expression comprar gato por liebre, which literally means 'to buy a cat instead of a hare'. It is the equivalent of the English phrase 'to be sold a bill of goods'.
- In many Spanish-speaking markets, instead of saying Quiero comprar, locals might simply use the verb llevar (to carry/take) to mean 'I will take this one'.
- The verb comprar shares a common ancestor with the English word 'compare', as both stems from the Latin idea of bringing things together or preparing them.
Examples in context
- Quiero comprar un ananá.I want to buy a pineapple.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire to buy an ananá using Quiero comprar.Tatoeba #4546108 by DarkHollow, translation #4505831 by Joseph
- Quiero comprar un libro.I want to buy a book.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire to buy a libro using Quiero comprar.Tatoeba #5016871 by don_ramon, translation #3180912 by CK
- Quiero comprar un coche.I want to buy a car.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire to buy a coche using Quiero comprar.Tatoeba #13708008 by ecorralest101, translation #6842856 by CK
- 66 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel are walking through a shopping mall.
- SofíaQuiero comprar un regalo para mi madre.I want to buy a gift for my mother.
- Daniel¿Quieres comprar algo en esta tienda?Do you want to buy something in this store?
- SofíaSí, quiero comprar unos zapatos nuevos.Yes, I want to buy some new shoes.
- DanielEsa tienda es perfecta para ti, Sofía.That store is perfect for you, Sofía.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries comprar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
