ir de compras
neutral, Mexico
In Mexico "shopping" is ir de compras. For routine grocery shopping Mexicans often say hacer el mandado, which is the weekly errand run. It is also called las compras.
Meaning: buying goods in stores (noun)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| ir de compras | neutral, Mexico |
| las compras | neutral |
| hacer el mandado | Mexico, groceries errand |
Ir de compras covers clothes, gifts and anything for fun. El mandado is for food and household basics, and it is also the word for any errand.
Which one should you use?
A shopping mall is a centro comercial or simply la plaza in many Mexican cities.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Mandado is very Mexican for grocery shopping, while other countries say hacer las compras or hacer la compra.
Did you know?
- Mandado comes from mandar, to send, because the task used to be sent to a child or servant.
Examples in context
- Este fin de semana vamos de compras.This weekend we are going shopping.
- Voy a hacer el mandado al súper.I am going to do the grocery shopping at the supermarket.
- Hice las compras para la fiesta.I did the shopping for the party.
Example conversation
Teresa and her sister Gaby plan a Saturday in Mexico City.
- TeresaGaby, ¿vamos de compras mañana?Gaby, shall we go shopping tomorrow?
- GabyPrimero tengo que hacer el mandado.First I have to do the groceries.
- TeresaEstá bien. Nos vemos en la plaza.Fine. We meet at the mall.
