compre
KOM-pray
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Por favor, señor, **compre** el billete antes de subir al tren.
A1Please, sir, **buy** the ticket before getting on the train.
Mi madre quiere que yo **compre** más vegetales.
A2My mother wants me **to buy** more vegetables.
No creo que Juan **compre** esa casa tan vieja.
B1I don't think Juan **will buy** that old house.
💡 Grammar Points
Formal Commands
When you give a direct order or instruction to someone you address formally (Usted), you use the 'compre' form: 'Señorita, compre más leche' (Miss, buy more milk).
The Subjunctive Mood
This form ('yo compre', 'él/ella/usted compre') is used after expressions of doubt, emotion, recommendation, or desire, often preceded by 'que': 'Espero que compre un buen regalo' (I hope he buys a good gift).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Commands
Mistake: "Using 'compra' for a formal command: 'Señor, compra esto.'"
Correction: Use 'compre' for formal commands (Usted): 'Señor, compre esto.' The 'compra' form is only for informal friends (Tú).
⭐ Usage Tips
How to Remember
Since comprar is an -AR verb, its special command/subjunctive endings switch to the letter 'E' (compre, compres, compren). This is a common pattern for all regular -AR verbs.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: compre
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'compre' correctly as a formal command?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'compra' and 'compre'?
'Compra' has two main uses: it means 'he/she/it buys' (simple present tense) OR it is the informal command ('Tú, buy!'). 'Compre' also has two main uses: it is the formal command ('Usted, buy!') OR it is the special verb form (subjunctive) used for wishes, doubts, or recommendations for 'yo', 'él/ella', and 'usted'.
Why does 'compre' look like the 'yo' form and the 'usted' form?
In Spanish, the formal commands and the special verb forms (subjunctive) often share the exact same shape. This means 'yo compre' (that I buy) and 'usted compre' (that you formally buy) are identical. Context always makes the meaning clear.