Inklingo

How to Say "dealer" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “dealer” is “vendedor” — use this when referring to someone who sells goods or services in a general retail or service context, like a salesperson.

English → Spanish

vendedor

ven-deh-DORben.deˈðoɾ

nounA1general
Use this when referring to someone who sells goods or services in a general retail or service context, like a salesperson.
A smiling market vendor standing behind a simple wooden stall, holding a bright red apple out to a customer.

Examples

El vendedor de la tienda nos ofreció un descuento.

The salesperson at the store offered us a discount.

Necesitamos un buen vendedor para este nuevo producto.

We need a good seller for this new product.

Mi padre fue vendedor de coches durante veinte años.

My father was a car salesman for twenty years.

Gender Match

Since this word refers to a male person, you use the masculine article 'el' or 'un'. Remember that the female version is 'vendedora'.

Mixing up the action and the person

Mistake: “La venta es muy buena.”

Correction: El vendedor es muy bueno. ('Venta' means the sale or transaction; 'vendedor' is the person.)

banquero

bahn-KEH-rohbaŋˈkeɾo

nounB1games, finance
This is used specifically for the person managing money or dealing cards in a game, like a casino dealer or a banker in Monopoly.
A person sitting at a green felt table dealing out playing cards.

Examples

¿Quién quiere ser el banquero en esta partida de Monopoly?

Who wants to be the banker in this game of Monopoly?

En el blackjack, el banquero siempre tiene una pequeña ventaja.

In blackjack, the dealer always has a slight advantage.

Role-playing Articles

When playing a game, you 'are' the banker. Use the definite article: 'Ser el banquero'.

corredor

koh-rreh-DORko.reˈðoɾ

nounB1finance, real estate
Choose this for a professional who facilitates commercial transactions, especially in finance or real estate, like a stockbroker or real estate agent.
A professionally dressed person sitting at a large desk, gesturing confidently while talking into a headset microphone.

Examples

Mi corredor de bolsa me aconsejó vender las acciones.

My stockbroker advised me to sell the shares.

Tuvimos que pagar una comisión al corredor inmobiliario.

We had to pay a commission to the real estate agent.

Business Context

In this context, 'corredor' refers to a person who 'runs' or handles transactions between two parties, often for a fee.

mercader

mer-kah-DERmeɾkaˈðeɾ

nounB1trade, historical
This term is often used for someone involved in trade, especially historically or for specific types of goods like antiques or precious stones.
A friendly historical merchant standing behind a wooden stall filled with colorful fabrics and spices.

Examples

El mercader vendía especias de tierras lejanas.

The merchant sold spices from faraway lands.

En la Edad Media, los mercaderes viajaban en caravanas para protegerse.

In the Middle Ages, merchants traveled in caravans to protect themselves.

Shakespeare escribió 'El mercader de Venecia'.

Shakespeare wrote 'The Merchant of Venice'.

Making it feminine

To talk about a female merchant, simply add an 'a' at the end to make it 'mercadera'.

Plural form

Since this word ends in a consonant (r), you add '-es' to make it plural: 'mercaderes'.

Using it for everyday shopping

Mistake: “Voy al mercader para comprar pan.”

Correction: Voy a la panadería/tienda para comprar pan.

traficante

trah-fee-KAHN-tehtɾafiˈkante

nounB2illegal, criminal
Use this exclusively for someone involved in illegal trade, such as drugs, weapons, or other illicit goods.
A cautious figure in a dark trench coat stands next to a large brown sack, suggesting the secret movement of goods for illegal trade.

Examples

Capturaron al traficante de armas en la frontera sur.

They captured the arms trafficker on the southern border.

La traficante de personas fue condenada a muchos años de prisión.

The human trafficker was sentenced to many years in prison.

El gobierno está luchando contra los traficantes de drogas.

The government is fighting against the drug dealers/traffickers.

Gender Neutrality

Since 'traficante' ends in -e, it is gender-neutral. The only thing that changes when referring to a man or a woman is the article before it: 'el traficante' (the male trafficker) or 'la traficante' (the female trafficker).

Using 'traficante' for traffic lights

Mistake: “Using 'traficante' to mean 'traffic light' or 'traffic controller'.”

Correction: The correct words for traffic light are 'semáforo' or 'luz de tráfico'. 'Traficante' refers only to someone who trades or deals.

Illegal vs. Legal Trade

The most common mistake is using 'vendedor' or 'mercader' for illegal activities. Remember that only 'traficante' refers to an illegal dealer. For any legal sale, stick to 'vendedor' or more specific terms like 'corredor' or 'mercader' depending on the context.

Related Translations

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