compra
/Kohm-prah/
purchase
As a noun, 'compra' means a purchase, like the groceries in this bag.
compra(noun)
purchase
?the item bought or the act of buying
,shopping
?the activity of buying things
acquisition
?formal business or legal context
📝 In Action
¿Hiciste la compra para la cena?
A1Did you do the shopping (groceries) for dinner?
Esta compra fue muy cara.
A2This purchase was very expensive.
Vamos de compras al centro comercial.
A1We are going shopping at the mall.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Alert
Remember that 'compra' (the noun) is always feminine, so you must use 'la' or 'una' before it.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing Up 'Shopping'
Mistake: "Using 'ir a comprar' when you mean the general activity."
Correction: Use the set phrase 'ir de compras' (plural) for the general activity of shopping. 'Ir a comprar' means going to buy a specific thing.
⭐ Usage Tips
Grocery Shopping
In many Spanish-speaking regions, 'hacer la compra' specifically refers to buying groceries or essential household items.
The verb form 'compra' means 'he/she/it buys,' showing the present tense action of a transaction.
compra(verb)
he/she/it buys
?Present tense action (él/ella/usted)
,buy!
?Affirmative command (tú)
📝 In Action
Mi padre compra el periódico cada mañana.
A1My father buys the newspaper every morning.
¡Compra el boleto antes de que se acabe!
A2Buy the ticket before it runs out!
Usted compra solo la marca más barata.
A2You (formal) buy only the cheapest brand.
💡 Grammar Points
Dual Role
The form 'compra' is used for two distinct purposes: telling someone (informally, 'tú') to buy something, AND describing what a third person (he/she) or formal 'you' does right now.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing up the Command
Mistake: "Using 'compres' for the affirmative command."
Correction: The affirmative command for 'tú' (buy!) is the same as the third-person present tense: '¡Compra!'. You only use 'compres' when the command is negative ('¡No compres!').
⭐ Usage Tips
Regular Verb Ease
Since 'comprar' is a regular '-ar' verb, its conjugation pattern is predictable and follows the rules of most common Spanish verbs.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: compra
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'compra' as a noun (the purchase)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'compra' (noun) and 'comprar' (verb)?
'Comprar' is the action itself ('to buy'). 'Compra' is the result or the activity of buying ('the purchase' or 'the shopping').
How do I say 'go shopping' in Spanish?
The most common and natural way is 'ir de compras' (plural), or 'hacer la compra' if you are specifically referring to grocery shopping.