Inklingo

How to Say "market" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “market” is “mercado” — use this word for a general physical place where goods are bought and sold, or for the broader economic system or industry..

English → Spanish

mercado

mer-KAH-doh/meɾˈkado/

nounA1general
Use this word for a general physical place where goods are bought and sold, or for the broader economic system or industry.
A high quality storybook illustration of a bustling outdoor market. Colorful stalls are stacked high with fresh fruits and vegetables, and a vendor stands ready to sell their goods.

Examples

Vamos al mercado para comprar frutas frescas.

We are going to the market to buy fresh fruits.

El mercado central está abierto hasta las seis de la tarde.

The central market is open until six in the evening.

El mercado laboral necesita más ingenieros.

The labor market needs more engineers.

La caída del precio afectó al mercado global de petróleo.

The price drop affected the global oil market.

Masculine Noun

Remember that 'mercado' is always masculine, so use 'el' (the) or 'un' (a) with it: 'el mercado' or 'un mercado'.

Specific Markets

To talk about specific types of markets, you usually combine 'mercado' with an adjective (e.g., 'mercado global') or another noun (e.g., 'mercado de valores').

Using 'mercado' for 'store'

Mistake: “¿Hay un mercado cerca? (When asking for a financial market)”

Correction: Only use 'mercado' for a store or grocery place if the context is clear. In a formal setting, always specify the type of market, like 'mercado bursátil' (stock market).

feria

FEH-ree-ah/ˈfe.ɾja/

nounB1general
This term refers to an outdoor or weekly market, often selling produce, where you might go to buy fresh food items.
An outdoor market stall piled high with fresh, colorful produce, including red apples and green leafy vegetables.

Examples

Voy a la feria a comprar fruta fresca y verduras orgánicas.

I am going to the market to buy fresh fruit and organic vegetables.

La feria se pone todos los sábados en la plaza central.

The market is set up every Saturday in the central square.

plaza

/plá-sa/ (or /plá-tha/ in Spain)/ˈplaθa/

nounA2general
Use this word specifically for a traditional food market, often a covered or public square dedicated to selling fresh goods like fish or produce.
A lively illustration of a traditional food market (plaza) with vendors selling brightly colored produce from wooden stalls.

Examples

La plaza de abastos abre temprano para vender pescado fresco.

The wholesale market opens early to sell fresh fish.

Vamos a la plaza a comprar ropa nueva.

Let's go to the shopping mall to buy new clothes. (Common in some regions)

anunciar

/ah-noon-see-ar//aˈnunθjaɾ/

verbB1general
This is the Spanish verb for 'to advertise' or 'to announce', used when promoting a product or service, not for a place to buy goods.
A large, colorful poster placed prominently outdoors, depicting a single, perfect red apple on a stand, designed to attract attention.

Examples

¿Dónde anunciaron ese nuevo coche?

Where did they advertise that new car?

La empresa anunció su producto en las redes sociales.

The company advertised its product on social media.

Anunciamos la casa en venta la semana pasada.

We advertised the house for sale last week.

Prepositions for Placement

When talking about where the advertisement appears, use 'en' (on/in): 'anunciar en la radio' (to advertise on the radio).

Marketplace vs. Advertising

The most common mistake is using a word for a physical market (like 'mercado' or 'feria') when you actually mean to 'advertise' something. Remember, 'anunciar' is a verb meaning to promote, while the others are nouns for places to buy things.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.