How to Say "customer" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “customer” is “cliente” — use 'cliente' for someone receiving services or shopping in a general retail, dining, or banking setting..
cliente
/klee-EN-teh//kliˈente/
Examples
El cliente siempre tiene la razón.
The customer is always right.
Soy cliente habitual de esta cafetería.
I am a regular customer of this coffee shop.
La abogada está esperando a su próximo cliente.
The lawyer is waiting for her next client.
Gender: 'cliente' and 'clienta'
The word 'cliente' refers to a male customer or is used when the gender isn't known. For a female customer, you must use the word 'clienta'.
Mixing up 'Cliente' and 'Huésped'
Mistake: “El hotel tiene muchos clientes nuevos.”
Correction: It's more natural to say, 'El hotel tiene muchos huéspedes nuevos.' Use 'huésped' for a hotel guest and 'cliente' for almost everyone else who buys something.
comprador
kom-prah-DOR/kompɾaˈðoɾ/
Examples
El comprador firmó el contrato ayer.
The buyer signed the contract yesterday.
Buscamos un comprador para nuestro coche viejo.
We are looking for a buyer for our old car.
El mercado está lleno de compradores hoy.
The market is full of buyers today.
Making it female
If the person buying is a woman, the word changes to 'compradora'.
Buyer vs. Seller
Mistake: “Using 'vendedor' when you mean 'comprador'.”
Correction: Think of 'compra' (buy) for 'comprador' and 'vende' (sell) for 'vendedor'.
Cliente vs. Comprador
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.