quiero ir de compras
/kjeɾo iɾ de kompɾas/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "I want to go shopping" is expressed as quiero ir de compras.
A statement used to express a desire to visit stores to buy things.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of quiero (I want), ir (to go), de (of/for) and compras (purchases/shopping).
Which one should you use?
While ir de compras specifically refers to shopping for goods, ir de compras is distinct from ir a comprar, which implies a more specific intent to go buy a particular item.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, people might say me apetece ir de compras to suggest "I feel like going shopping."
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the first-person singular present indicative of querer (to want) followed by the infinitive ir (to go).
How do you pronounce it?
/kjeɾo iɾ de kompɾas/
Did you know?
- The verb ir is a linguistic puzzle because its different forms come from three separate Latin verbs: īre for the infinitive, vādere for voy and esse for fui.
- The phrase ir de compras describes a leisure activity, but for food or basic groceries, speakers use ir al súper or hacer la compra, which refers to a necessary chore.
- In some Latin American regions, if you want to go shopping for clothes specifically, you might use ir de shopping, borrowing the English word as a noun to distinguish it from general purchases.
Examples in context
- Me gustaría ir de compras este fin de semana.I would like to go shopping this weekend.
- Quiero ir de compras hoy.I want to go shopping today.
- Hoy no tengo tiempo, pero mañana quiero ir de compras.Today I don't have time, but tomorrow I want to go shopping.
- Hoy quiero ir de compras.Today I want to go shopping.
- No tengo dinero, pero quiero ir de compras.I don't have money, but I want to go shopping.
- Elena, quiero ir de compras contigo.Elena, I want to go shopping with you.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are talking in their living room about their weekend plans.
- MateoElena, ¿quieres salir hoy?Elena, do you want to go out today?
- ElenaSí, pero no sé qué hacer.Yes, but I don't know what to do.
- MateoYo quiero ir de compras.I want to go shopping.
- Elena¡Perfecto! Vamos al centro comercial.Perfect! Let's go to the mall.
Sources
- 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.
