comprar
/komˈpɾaɾ/
The English phrase 'purchase' is translated into Spanish as comprar. Wiktionary also lists mercar.
Meaning: to obtain by paying money or its equivalent, to buy for a price (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| comprar | /komˈpɾaɾ/ |
| mercar | /meɾˈkaɾ/ |
To purchase something means to obtain it by paying money or its equivalent. Related nouns include compra and adquisición, which refer to the thing obtained or the act of acquiring property.
Which one should you use?
While comprar is the standard, most common way to say 'to buy' or 'to purchase' in almost all Spanish-speaking contexts, mercar is a specialized term used in certain Latin American regions to mean 'to shop' or 'to buy groceries'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain Latin American regions, such as Colombia, the verb mercar is used colloquially to mean 'to shop' or 'to buy groceries'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The third-person singular preterite form of comprar is compró (he/she/it purchased), and its conditional form is compraría (would purchase).
How do you pronounce it?
/komˈpɾaɾ/
Did you know?
- In some regions, saying compré (I bought) can be used figuratively to mean 'I fell for it' when someone believes a lie or a trick.
- In Spanish, the act of purchasing a 'cat in a bag' is expressed as comprar gato por liebre, meaning to buy a cat instead of a hare.
- The Spanish word comprar shares a Latin ancestor with the English word 'compare'. While 'compare' now means to examine similarities, its original Latin root meant to 'procure' or 'get together'.
Examples in context
- Desearía comprar unas botas.I would like to purchase some boots.This sentence shows how to use comprar to express a desire to purchase an item.Tatoeba #10006106 by arh, translation #34403 by CK
- Tuve que pedir prestado dinero para comprar el coche.I had to borrow money to purchase the car.This sentence demonstrates using comprar in the context of needing money to purchase a vehicle.Tatoeba #1607708 by teskmon, translation #265625 by CK
- ¿En qué se basó su decisión de comprar nuestro producto?What was your decision to purchase our product based on?This sentence shows how to use comprar when discussing a decision to purchase a product.Tatoeba #4368510 by pchamorro, translation #4305656 by corvard
- Realicé una compra en la tienda de muebles.I made a purchase at the furniture store.
- La adquisición de un nuevo automóvil requiere una investigación exhaustiva.The purchase of a new car requires thorough research.
- Voy a comprar comida para la cena.I'm going to buy food for dinner.
- Necesito hacer una compra en el supermercado.I need to make a purchase at the supermarket.
- Me encantaría adquirir un boleto para el concierto.I would love to purchase a ticket for the concert.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are at a shopping mall.
- ElenaJavier, ¿quieres comprar algo hoy?Javier, do you want to buy something today?
- JavierSí, quiero comprar unos zapatos nuevos.Yes, I want to buy some new shoes.
- ElenaPerfecto, busquemos una tienda de ropa.Perfect, let's look for a clothing store.
- JavierEs una buena idea, Elena.That is a good idea, Elena.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “purchase” translations and entries comprar, mercar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries comprar, mercar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
