Inklingo

How to Say "commercial" in Spanish

English → Spanish

comercial

/koh-mer-syal//komeɾˈsjal/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'comercial' as an adjective when describing something related to trade or business, like a place or a general activity.
Two stylized figures standing at a counter, one handing a package to the other who is offering coins, representing a business transaction.

Examples

La calle principal es la zona comercial de la ciudad.

The main street is the commercial area of the city.

Necesitamos un acuerdo comercial con ese país.

We need a trade agreement with that country.

¡Qué aburrido! Hay demasiados comerciales en la televisión.

How boring! There are too many commercials on television.

El comercial de ese coche es muy pegadizo.

The ad for that car is very catchy.

Always the Same

Unlike many Spanish adjectives, 'comercial' doesn't change based on whether the thing it describes is masculine or feminine (e.g., banco comercial and zona comercial).

Short Form

This is a shortcut for the longer phrase anuncio comercial (commercial announcement). Because anuncio is masculine, the short form comercial is also masculine (el comercial).

comercial

nounA2general
Use 'comercial' as a noun to refer to a TV or radio advertisement.

Examples

¡Qué aburrido! Hay demasiados comerciales en la televisión.

How boring! There are too many commercials on television.

comerciales

adjectiveB2general
Use the plural form 'comerciales' as an adjective when referring to multiple agreements or activities related to commerce or trade.

Examples

Ellos firmaron acuerdos comerciales muy importantes.

They signed very important commercial agreements.

propaganda

/pro-pah-GAHN-dah//pɾopaˈɡanda/

nounA2general
Use 'propaganda' as a noun specifically for a TV or radio advertisement, often implying a persuasive or promotional message.
A colorful billboard on a city street showing a refreshing glass of orange juice next to a bright orange fruit.

Examples

Vi una propaganda muy buena sobre ese perfume.

I saw a very good advertisement for that perfume.

Hay demasiada propaganda durante el partido de fútbol.

There are too many commercials during the soccer game.

Me dieron una propaganda de la nueva pizzería en la calle.

They gave me a flyer (advertisement) for the new pizzeria on the street.

Gender of the word

This word is feminine, so you should always use feminine words with it, like 'la propaganda' or 'mucha propaganda'.

The 'False Friend' trap

Mistake: “Thinking 'propaganda' only means political brainwashing.”

Correction: In Spanish, especially in Latin America, it is the standard word for any commercial or TV ad. Don't be afraid to use it for simple things like pizza ads!

Ad vs. Business-Related

The most common mistake is confusing 'comercial' (noun) for an advertisement with 'comercial' (adjective) for business. Remember that 'un comercial' (masculine noun) is an ad, while 'una zona comercial' (feminine adjective) is a shopping area.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.