mercadillo
/meɾkaˈdiʝo/masculine
The English phrase "flea market" is translated into Spanish as mercadillo. Wiktionary also lists rastro and rastrillo.
Meaning: an outdoor market selling inexpensive antiques, curios (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| mercadillo | /meɾkaˈdiʝo/ | masculine |
| rastro | /ˈrastɾo/ | masculine |
| rastrillo | /rasˈtɾiʝo/ | masculine |
| tianguis | /ˈtjanɡis/ | Mexico |
| mercado de pulgas | /meɾˌkado de ˈpulɡas/ | masculine |
A flea market is an outdoor market selling inexpensive antiques, curios (noun).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase mercado de pulgas is a literal translation of "flea market", using pulgas for "fleas".
Which one should you use?
While mercadillo can mean any small market, it is the standard term for a flea market or a small street market. The term rastrillo is often used to describe a small, temporary flea market or a stall-based market.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, particularly in Madrid, the word rastro is commonly used to refer to a flea market. Mexico has its own unique term for a flea market, known as tianguis.
How do you pronounce it?
/meɾkaˈdiʝo/
Did you know?
- In Spain, the term rastro for a flea market shares a common ancestor with the English word 'raster', both originating from the Latin word for a tool used to scrape or comb.
- In Mexico, a tianguis is often not a static location but a nomadic market that migrates between different neighborhoods on a weekly schedule.
- The Madrid El Rastro is one of the oldest and most famous flea markets in Europe, becoming a cultural landmark beyond just a place to shop.
Examples in context
- ¿Dónde será el mercadillo?Where will the flea market be?This sentence uses mercadillo to ask about the location of the flea market.Tatoeba #10274471 by manufrutos, translation #10260633 by sundown
- Vayamos mañana al mercadillo.Let's go to the flea market tomorrow.This sentence uses mercadillo to suggest going to the flea market tomorrow.Tatoeba #5820656 by albrusgher, translation #2225381 by CK
- ¿Dónde va a estar el mercadillo?Where's the flea market going to be?This sentence uses mercadillo to ask where the flea market will be located.Tatoeba #10274470 by manufrutos, translation #10260634 by sundown
- Me encantaría visitar un mercado de pulgas para encontrar antigüedades.I would love to visit a flea market to find antiques.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are planning their weekend activities.
- AlejandroBusco un reloj antiguo en el mercadillo.I'm looking for an antique watch at the flea market.
- MaríaYo quiero ir contigo, Alejandro.I want to go with you, Alejandro.
- AlejandroEl mercadillo abre muy temprano el domingo.The flea market opens very early on Sunday.
- MaríaEntonces nos vemos allí a las ocho.Then I'll see you there at eight.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “flea market” translations and entries mercadillo, rastro, rastrillo, tianguis, mercado de pulgas, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mercadillo, rastrillo, rastro, tianguis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
