tienda
/ˈtjenda/
The Spanish word for "store" is tienda.
tienda is the general term used to refer to a shop or a store. In certain contexts, it can also mean a tent.
Meaning: shop (noun)
Which one should you use?
While tienda is the general term for a shop, almacén can refer to a large department store or a warehouse. For high-end fashion stores, you may use the word boutique.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In many parts of Latin America, specifically in the Caribbean, bodega is used to refer to convenience stores or small shops. In the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and other Caribbean countries, colmado is a common term for a neighborhood store. Additionally, in Latin America, almacén can be used to mean a store or shop, though it also translates to warehouse.
How does it change in a sentence?
tienda is a feminine noun, so it is used with feminine articles such as la or una. The plural form is tiendas.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtjenda/
Did you know?
- The transition from tienda meaning 'tent' to 'shop' happened because early marketplaces consisted of temporary tents pitched in public squares.
- While tienda is the common word for shop, Spanish has specialized terms like estanco specifically for government-authorized tobacco shops.
- The word bodega traditionally referred to a wine cellar or warehouse, but in cities like New York, it has become the standard term for a corner deli.
Examples in context
- ¡Ve a la tienda!Go to the store!This example shows how to give a command to go to the tienda.Tatoeba #1897567 by Shishir, translation #1121840 by cntrational
- Él va a la tienda.He's going to the store.This example illustrates the use of the third-person singular to say someone is going to the tienda.Tatoeba #1801258 by Shishir, translation #10367142 by DJ_Saidez
- Me voy a la tienda.I am going to the store.This example demonstrates the first-person singular to express that you are going to the tienda.Tatoeba #1239000 by marcelostockle, translation #11491159 by megamanenm
- Voy a la tienda a comprar algunas frutas y verduras.I'm going to the store to buy some fruits and vegetables.
- Necesito un establecimiento donde pueda reparar mi teléfono.I need a store where I can repair my phone.
- Voy al almacén a comprar materiales de construcción.I'm going to the store to buy construction materials.
- Voy a pasar por la boutique para buscar un vestido elegante.I'll stop by the boutique to look for an elegant dress.
- ¡Vamos a la tienda de música a buscar el nuevo álbum de nuestro artista favorito!Let's go to the music store to get our favorite artist's new album!
- ¿Conoces algún buen comercio donde pueda encontrar accesorios para bicicletas?Do you know any good store where I can find bicycle accessories?
- Voy a la tienda de chucherías a comprar algunos dulces.I'm going to the store to buy some candies.
- 275 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are walking down a street looking for a place to buy water.
- DanielTengo sed. ¿Hay una tienda cerca?I'm thirsty. Is there a store nearby?
- SofíaSí, hay una tienda a la vuelta.Yes, there is a store around the corner.
- DanielPerfecto, vamos a esa tienda entonces.Perfect, let's go to that store then.
- SofíaEstá bien, Daniel. Vamos.All right, Daniel. Let's go.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry tienda, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
