comercio
/koh-mehr-syoh/
commerce
The word 'comercio' refers to 'commerce' or the activity of trade.
comercio(noun)
commerce
?the activity of trade
,trade
?exchange of goods
business
?economic activity
📝 In Action
El comercio internacional ha crecido mucho este año.
B1International trade has grown a lot this year.
Estudió la historia del comercio en la antigüedad.
B2She studied the history of commerce in antiquity.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Masculine
Even though it ends in '-o', remember 'comercio' is always a masculine noun, so you always use 'el' or 'un' before it.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal vs. Informal
Use 'comercio' when speaking about economic systems or official policy. Use 'negocio' more often when referring to a specific deal or small enterprise.
The word 'comercio' can also mean a physical 'shop' or store.
comercio(noun)
shop
?a physical store
,store
?commercial establishment
establishment
?commercial place
📝 In Action
Hay un nuevo comercio de ropa en la esquina.
A2There is a new clothing shop on the corner.
Los pequeños comercios están sufriendo por la crisis.
B1Small businesses (shops) are suffering due to the crisis.
💡 Grammar Points
Singular vs. Plural
You can use 'comercios' (plural) to talk about many stores, just like 'tiendas' (stores).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing the Place and the Activity
Mistake: "¿Dónde está el comercio de la ciudad? (meaning 'Where is the city's trade?')"
Correction: To ask for the shopping area, say: '¿Dónde está la zona comercial?' (Where is the commercial zone?) or '¿Dónde están los comercios?' (Where are the shops?).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: comercio
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'comercio' to mean 'a physical store'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
¿Cuál es la diferencia entre 'comercio' y 'negocio'?
Both are related to business! 'Comercio' usually refers to the general system of buying and selling (like 'international trade') or a physical shop. 'Negocio' is broader; it can mean a specific deal, a company, or just the idea of 'business' in general ('es un buen negocio').