centro comercial
standard
Mexicans say centro comercial or plaza comercial for a mall, and often just la plaza in conversation. The English word "mall" is also understood in big cities. It is also called plaza.
Meaning: a shopping center (noun)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| centro comercial | standard |
| plaza comercial | everyday, Mexico |
| plaza | casual, Mexico |
Vamos a la plaza is a natural way to say "let us go to the mall".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico plaza can also mean the main square of a town, so listeners decide from context.
Did you know?
- The word plaza in Mexican Spanish covers town squares and shopping centers, which is why plaza comercial is used when the meaning must be clear.
Examples in context
- Vamos al centro comercial.Let us go to the mall.
- Nos vemos en la plaza a las seis.See you at the mall at six.
- La plaza comercial tiene cine.The mall has a cinema.
Example conversation
Karla and her friend Beto make plans for Saturday in Monterrey.
- Karla¿Qué haces el sábado?What are you doing on Saturday?
- BetoNada. ¿Vamos a la plaza?Nothing. Shall we go to the mall?
- KarlaSí, a las cuatro.Yes, at four.
