Inklingo

How to Say "dealer" in Spanish

English → Spanish

vendedor

ven-deh-DOR/ben.deˈðoɾ/

nounA1general
Use this for a salesperson or someone who sells goods or services in a general retail or commercial setting.
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.)

corredor

koh-rreh-DOR/ko.reˈðoɾ/

nounB1commercial trade
Choose this word when referring to a broker or agent who facilitates commercial transactions, especially in finance or real estate.
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.

traficante

trah-fee-KAHN-teh/tɾafiˈkante/

nounB2illegal
This term is specifically for someone involved in the illegal trade or smuggling of goods, such as drugs or weapons.
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.

Legal vs. Illegal Context

The most common error is using 'vendedor' or 'corredor' for illegal activities. Remember, 'traficante' is the only word for an illegal dealer; 'vendedor' is for general sales, and 'corredor' is for legitimate brokerage.

Related Translations

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