comprar de segunda mano
/kompɾaɾ de seɡunda mano/from spelling rules
To say 'thrifting' in Spanish, you say comprar de segunda mano.
The phrase refers to the act of shopping for cheap items. If you want to refer to the concept of 'thrifting' as a noun rather than an action, you can use compras de segunda mano. In natural conversation, speakers often add the word 'cosas' (things) to the phrase, making it comprar cosas de segunda mano, which sounds more fluid.
Meaning: Shopping for cheap items (verb)
Is it said differently in some regions?
Regional variations exist depending on where you are: in Spain, you might say comprar en rastros to refer to thrifting at flea markets or second-hand markets. In Mexico, the term ir de tianguis is used for thrifting at an open-air market. In Argentina, the phrase ferias americanas is used to denote thrifting at stores or markets selling second-hand clothes.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase comprar de segunda mano is an infinitive verb phrase used to express the action of thrifting.
How do you pronounce it?
/kompɾaɾ de seɡunda mano/
Did you know?
- In Mexico, the word tianguis comes from the Nahuatl word tianquiztli, meaning 'market'. It describes a specific type of open-air thrifting culture rooted in pre-Hispanic traditions.
- In Argentina, the term for thrifting, ferias americanas, literally translates to 'American fairs'.
- In Spain, the word rastro used for flea markets literally refers to a 'track' or 'trail' left behind.
Examples in context
- puedes encontrar ropa de segunda mano en mercados de pulgasYou can find second-hand clothing at flea markets
- mañana voy a visitar varias tiendas de ropa usadaTomorrow, I'm going to visit several used clothing stores
- a veces me encanta buscar tesoros en tiendas vintageSometimes I love searching for treasures in vintage stores
- ¡Buena suerte con tus aventuras de compras en segunda mano!Good luck with your second-hand shopping adventures!
- Me gusta comprar de segunda mano.I like thrifting.
- Ella prefiere comprar de segunda mano para ahorrar.She prefers shopping for cheap items to save money.
- ¿Quieres ir a comprar de segunda mano conmigo?Do you want to go thrifting with me?
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are talking about their weekend plans.
- Javier¿Qué vas a hacer este sábado, Lucía?What are you doing this Saturday, Lucía?
- LucíaVoy a comprar de segunda mano en el mercado.I am going thrifting at the market.
- Javier¡Qué buena idea! Yo también quiero ir.What a great idea! I want to go too.
- LucíaEntonces, Javier, nos vemos allí a las diez.Then, Javier, see you there at ten.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
