Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| comercio | /koˈmeɾθjo/ /koˈmeɾsjo/ |
masculine |
| compraventa | /ˌkompɾaˈbenta/ | feminine |
| trocamiento | /tɾokaˈmjento/ | masculine |
In Spanish, the term used depends on whether you are discussing the general industry of commerce, a specific transaction or the act of exchanging goods. comercio refers to the general activity or industry of trade. If you want to describe the specific act of buying and selling a particular item, use compraventa. For the formal act of exchanging goods or services, use intercambio or the even more formal intercambio comercial. The phrase comercio exterior is the standard way to refer to foreign or international trade.
What does it mean word for word?
The word compraventa is a compound noun that literally combines compra (buying) and venta (selling) to mean 'buying-selling'.
Which one should you use?
While comercio refers to the general activity or industry of trade, compraventa refers to the specific act of buying and selling.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, the word canje might be used by some people as a synonym for trueque or cambio.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
comercio is a masculine noun. compraventa is a feminine noun. trocamiento is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/koˈmeɾθjo/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the term comercio can refer to both the abstract concept of trade and a physical 'shop' or 'store'.
- In some Latin American markets, the act of trading is closely tied to the regateo, the social custom of haggling over a price.
- While comercio covers business, the word trueque is used specifically for the ancient practice of bartering goods without using money.
Examples in context
- Japón depende del comercio exterior.Japan depends on foreign trade.This sentence shows how to use comercio regarding foreign trade.Tatoeba #2951400 by marcelostockle, translation #281607 by CK
- Mi padre se dedica al comercio exterior.My father is engaged in foreign trade.This sentence demonstrates a person's profession involving comercio.Tatoeba #2705511 by caiser, translation #319345 by CM
- Los planes para una nueva zona de libre comercio todavía están en el borrador.Plans for a new trade zone are still on the drawing board.This sentence uses comercio in the context of a free trade zone.Tatoeba #1178139 by marcelostockle, translation #269238 by CM
- El comercio internacional es vital para el crecimiento económico.International trade is vital for economic growth.
- Vamos a discutir las propuestas comerciales durante la reunión de negocios.We will discuss the trade proposals during the business meeting.
- El intercambio de productos entre países fomenta el desarrollo económico.The exchange of the products between countries promotes economic development.
- Hicimos un trueque de libros usados.We traded used books.
- Voy a hacer un cambio de zapatos con mi amigo.I'm going to trade shoes with my friend.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are discussing their university subjects.
- MateoLucía, ¿qué estudias en la universidad?Lucía, what do you study at university?
- LucíaEstudio sobre el comercio y la economía.I study trade and economics.
- MateoParece un tema muy interesante para ti.It seems like a very interesting subject for you.
- LucíaSí, me apasiona el comercio mundial.Yes, I am passionate about world trade.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “trade” translations and entries comercio, compraventa, trocamiento, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
