Inklingo

How to Say "auction" in Spanish

English → Spanish

subasta

soo-BAH-stasuˈβasta

nounB1general
Use 'subasta' for a general public sale where items are sold to the highest bidder, often for a collection or estate.
A simplified illustration of an auctioneer wearing a vest standing behind a wooden podium, holding a wooden gavel raised high, ready to strike. A single hand is raised in the foreground, indicating a bid.

Examples

Mi abuela vendió su colección de sellos en una subasta.

My grandmother sold her stamp collection at an auction.

La subasta de arte moderno atrajo a coleccionistas de todo el mundo.

The modern art auction attracted collectors from all over the world.

Ganamos la casa en la subasta, pero tuvimos que pujar mucho.

We won the house at the auction, but we had to bid a lot.

Gender Reminder

Remember that 'subasta' is a feminine word, so you must use 'la subasta' or 'una subasta'.

Confusing Noun and Verb

Mistake: “Using 'subasta' as a verb instead of 'subastar'. (e.g., 'Yo subasta mi coche').”

Correction: The correct verb is 'subastar' (to auction). The noun is 'subasta'. ('Yo subasto mi coche' or 'Pongo mi coche en una subasta').

remate

reh-MAH-tehreˈmate

nounB2general
Use 'remate' when the focus is specifically on the bidding and the final price achieved through competitive offers, especially for items like furniture or property.
A store window with a large red banner and many cardboard boxes on the floor.

Examples

Compré estos muebles en un remate.

I bought this furniture at an auction.

Hay un remate total por cierre de temporada.

There is a total clearance sale for the end of the season.

Anunciaron el remate de la casa por deudas.

They announced the auction of the house due to debts.

Prepositions with sales

Use 'en' to say 'at a sale' (en un remate) and 'de' to describe the prices (precios de remate).

Regional Confusion

Mistake: “Using 'remate' for a sale in Spain.”

Correction: In Spain, 'rebajas' is more common for sales. 'Remate' for sales/auctions is very common in countries like Chile, Argentina, and Mexico.

Subasta vs. Remate

Learners often confuse 'subasta' and 'remate' because both mean auction. Remember that 'subasta' is a broader term for a public sale, while 'remate' specifically highlights the bidding and the final sale price achieved through those bids.

Related Translations

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