Mixing up 'comprar' and 'vender'

To say who you're buying something for, use 'para'. For example, 'Compro un regalo para mi madre' (I'm buying a gift for my mom). You can also use little words like 'le' or 'te' before the verb: 'Le compro un regalo' (I'm buying a gift for her).

Buying for Someone

Use 'ir de compras' for the general activity of 'going shopping'. Use 'comprar' for the specific action of buying an item. 'Vamos de compras' (Let's go shopping) vs. 'Vamos a comprar leche' (Let's go buy milk).

Activity vs. Action

Extremely common. One of the first verbs you'll learn and use daily.

When you use 'comprar' to mean 'bribe', you need to put 'a' before the person you are bribing. For example, 'comprar al político' (to bribe the politician).

Bribing a Person

This meaning is understood from the situation. If someone is talking about a court case and says 'compraron al testigo' (they bought the witness), it clearly means 'bribed', not that they literally purchased a person.

Context is Key

A less common, figurative meaning used in contexts of corruption or influence.

Learn the complete meaning of the Spanish verb 'comprar'. See full conjugations, examples for 'to buy' and 'to bribe', common phrases, and usage tips for all levels.

comprar

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations