ir de compras
/iɾ de kompɾas/from spelling rules
To shop is ir de compras in Spanish.
The phrase ir de compras is used to describe the general activity of visiting stores to look at or buy various things. When you want to specify the act of online shopping, you can use either comprar en línea or comprar por internet.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb ir (to go), the preposition de (of/from) and the noun compras (purchases/shopping).
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between the activity and the specific act of buying. Ir de compras refers to the activity of shopping, such as browsing or visiting stores, while the verb comprar is used when the focus is specifically on the act of purchasing a particular item.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Colombia, the verb mercar is used instead of comprar when referring specifically to shopping for groceries.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase ir de compras is an impersonal idiom, which means the noun compras remains in the plural form even if only one person is going shopping.
How do you pronounce it?
/iɾ de kompɾas/
Did you know?
- The verb ir is a linguistic puzzle because its different forms actually come from three distinct Latin verbs: īre for the infinitive, vādere for the present 'I go' and esse for the past 'I went'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the act of ir de compras is viewed as a social leisure activity rather than a chore, often involving a long meal or coffee break with friends.
- In some regions, the phrase ir de compras may be replaced by ir de tiendas to describe the same activity of browsing through shops.
Examples in context
- Me encanta ir de compras los sábados.I love to go shopping on Saturdays.
- Quiero ir de compras hoy.I want to go shopping today.
- ¿Prefieres ir de compras sola?Do you prefer to go shopping alone?
- Vamos a ir de compras al centro comercial.We are going to go shopping at the mall.
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are discussing their plans for the afternoon.
- Javier¿Quieres ir de compras conmigo, Lucía?Do you want to go shopping with me, Lucía?
- LucíaSí, me encantaría ir de compras contigo.Yes, I would love to go shopping with you.
- JavierPerfecto, nos vemos en una hora.Perfect, I will see you in an hour.
- LucíaVale, allí estaré.Okay, I'll be there.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ir de compras, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, ir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
