comparar
/kohm-pah-RAHR/
to compare
Comparar involves looking at two things side-by-side to see how they are the same or different.
comparar(verb)
to compare
?looking for similarities and differences
to check against
?verifying something by looking at another source
📝 In Action
Quiero comparar los precios de estas dos tiendas.
A1I want to compare the prices of these two stores.
No puedes comparar el clima de Madrid con el de Londres.
A2You can't compare the weather in Madrid with the one in London.
Ella está comparando las fotos para ver cuál es mejor.
B1She is comparing the photos to see which one is better.
💡 Grammar Points
Using the connector 'con'
When you compare one thing to another, you almost always use the word 'con' (with). For example: 'Comparo mi coche con el tuyo'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'a' instead of 'con'
Mistake: "Comparo este libro a ese."
Correction: Comparo este libro con ese. (While 'a' is sometimes used, 'con' is the standard for physical objects and qualities.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Natural Sounding Phrases
Use 'comparado con' (compared with) as a set phrase at the start of sentences to sound more natural: 'Comparado con ayer, hoy hace frío'.
Comparar can also mean to liken one thing to another, such as seeing the sun in a flower.
comparar(verb)
to liken
?saying two things are poetically or figuratively similar
to equate
?treating two distinct concepts as if they were the same
📝 In Action
El poeta compara la vida con un río.
B2The poet likens life to a river.
No puedes comparar la libertad con el dinero.
C1You cannot equate freedom with money.
⭐ Usage Tips
Figurative usage
In this sense, you are not just looking at facts, but suggesting that two different things share a deeper quality.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: comparar
Question 1 of 2
How do you say 'I compare' in Spanish?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'comparar' a regular verb?
Yes, 'comparar' follows the standard pattern for all verbs ending in -ar.
Can I use 'a' instead of 'con'?
While 'comparar a' is occasionally used in literature or specific regions, 'comparar con' is much more common and safer for learners to use in all situations.