vendedor ambulante
/bendedoɾ ambulante/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'street vendor' is translated into Spanish as vendedor ambulante.
This phrase describes a person who sells food or other goods from a cart or stand on a public street. While vendedor ambulante refers specifically to the person, you can use el puesto to refer to the physical stand or stall they are using.
What does it mean word for word?
The term vendedor ambulante is composed of vendedor, meaning 'seller' and ambulante, meaning 'mobile', 'walking' or 'roaming'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Buhonero/Buhonera is an informal term used in various Spanish-speaking countries, particularly in Latin America.
How does it change in a sentence?
To specify a female street vendor, change the noun to the feminine form vendedora ambulante.
How do you pronounce it?
/bendedoɾ ambulante/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, vendedores ambulantes use rhythmic, rhyming chants called pregones to advertise their goods to passersby.
- The word buhonero originates from buhona, a type of cloth or bag used by traveling merchants to carry their wares in the past.
- While 'ambulant' in English is often reserved for medical discussions about patients who can walk, the Spanish word ambulante is a standard, everyday term for any mobile commerce.
Examples in context
- Oye, ¿sabes si hay algún buhonero cerca?Hey, do you know if there's a street vendor nearby?
- El vendedor ambulante tiene fruta fresca.The street vendor has fresh fruit.
- Compré un café de un vendedor ambulante.I bought a coffee from a street vendor.
- No hay ningún vendedor ambulante en esta calle.There is no street vendor on this street.
Example conversation
María and Mateo are walking through a busy market.
- MaríaMira, aquel vendedor ambulante vende helados.Look, that street vendor sells ice cream.
- Mateo¡Qué buena idea, María!What a great idea, María!
- María¿Quieres uno, Mateo?Do you want one, Mateo?
- MateoSí, por favor, me encanta el helado.Yes, please, I love ice cream.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
