mercader
“mercader” means “merchant” in Spanish (a person who buys and sells goods, especially in a historical context).
merchant
Also: trader, dealer
📝 In Action
El mercader vendía especias de tierras lejanas.
A2The merchant sold spices from faraway lands.
En la Edad Media, los mercaderes viajaban en caravanas para protegerse.
B1In the Middle Ages, merchants traveled in caravans to protect themselves.
Shakespeare escribió 'El mercader de Venecia'.
B2Shakespeare wrote 'The Merchant of Venice'.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: mercader
Question 1 of 3
Which word is a modern, common alternative to 'mercader'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word 'mercator', which describes someone who trades. It shares the same root as the English words 'market' and 'merchandise'.
First recorded: 12th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use 'mercader' to describe a salesperson in a shop?
Technically yes, but it sounds like you are in a movie from the 1700s. Use 'vendedor' instead for modern situations.
Is there a female version of 'mercader'?
Yes, 'la mercadera', although it is even less common in modern speech than the masculine version.
Does 'mercader' have anything to do with 'mercenary'?
Yes! They both come from the same Latin root 'merx' (merchandise/pay). A 'mercader' works for trade, while a 'mercenario' works for pay.