How to Say “Online Shopping” in Spanish

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compras en línea
/kompɾas en linea/from spelling rules
The English phrase "online shopping" is translated into Spanish as compras en línea.
The phrase refers to the activity of buying goods or services over the internet. When you want to refer to the specific action of shopping on a platform like Amazon, you can use the expression comprar en Amazon. Other useful terms encountered during this activity include añadir al carrito for "add to cart" and número de seguimiento for "tracking number".

Which one should you use?

While compras en línea is a standard way to express the concept, you may also see compras por internet, which is a slightly more descriptive and formal alternative meaning "shopping via the internet". In many regions, people use the hybrid phrase compras online, which incorporates the English word "online" as an adjective.

Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?

compras en línea is a formal expression. For a more descriptive and formal tone, you can use compras por internet. In more informal settings, the hybrid compras online is frequently used.

Is it said differently in some regions?

The term compras online is common in many Spanish-speaking regions due to the frequent use of the English word "online" as an adjective.

How does it change in a sentence?

If you want to express the action of "to shop online" as a verb rather than using the noun phrase for the activity, use the infinitive comprar en línea.

Did you know?

  • The word línea is derived from the Latin word for 'flax', referring to the linen threads used to mark straight lines.
  • Spanish has a distinct difference between compras, the act of shopping, and compra, the specific purchase of an item, which can lead to confusion when discussing a single 'online purchase'.
  • While compras en línea describes the activity, the term carrito used in añadir al carrito literally means 'small cart', using the diminutive suffix to make the digital experience feel more friendly and accessible.

Examples in context

  • Para realizar compras en línea, es necesario tener una tarjeta de crédito válida.
    To do online shopping, it is necessary to have a valid credit card.
  • Me encanta hacer compras por Internet porque encuentro ofertas increíbles.
    I love online shopping because I find incredible deals.
  • Me gustan mucho las compras en línea.
    I really like online shopping.
  • Las compras en línea son muy cómodas.
    Online shopping is very convenient.
  • Hago mis compras en línea todos los meses.
    I do my online shopping every month.

Example conversation

Daniel and María are talking about their weekend plans at a cafe.

  1. Daniel

    María, ¿vas a salir de tiendas hoy?
    María, are you going shopping today?
  2. María

    No, prefiero las compras en línea.
    No, I prefer online shopping.
  3. Daniel

    Es verdad, es más rápido.
    It's true, it is faster.
  4. María

    Sí, y no tengo que caminar.
    Yes, and I don't have to walk.

Sources

  • IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
  • Word origins: Wiktionary entries en, línea, CC BY-SA 4.0.
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Lydia Jennie
Lydia JennieHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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