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How to Say "purchase" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “purchase” is “compra” — use 'compra' when referring to the act of buying something, the shopping trip itself, or the item that was bought..

English → Spanish

compra

Kohm-prah/ˈkompɾa/

nounA1general
Use 'compra' when referring to the act of buying something, the shopping trip itself, or the item that was bought.
A smiling cartoon figure holds a bright red shopping bag containing a loaf of bread, representing a purchase.

Examples

¿Hiciste la compra para la cena?

Did you do the shopping (groceries) for dinner?

Esta compra fue muy cara.

This purchase was very expensive.

Vamos de compras al centro comercial.

We are going shopping at the mall.

Gender Alert

Remember that 'compra' (the noun) is always feminine, so you must use 'la' or 'una' before it.

Mixing Up 'Shopping'

Mistake: “Using 'ir a comprar' when you mean the general activity.”

Correction: Use the set phrase 'ir de compras' (plural) for the general activity of shopping. 'Ir a comprar' means going to buy a specific thing.

compre

KOM-pray/ˈkom.pɾe/

verbA1formal
Use 'compre' as the formal 'usted' command form of the verb 'comprar' (to buy).
A close-up illustration of two hands completing a transaction: one hand is offering a shiny gold coin, and the other is receiving the coin while holding a single bright red apple.

Examples

Por favor, señor, compre el billete antes de subir al tren.

Please, sir, buy the ticket before getting on the train.

Por favor, señor, **compre** el billete antes de subir al tren.

Please, sir, **buy** the ticket before getting on the train.

Mi madre quiere que yo **compre** más vegetales.

My mother wants me **to buy** more vegetables.

No creo que Juan **compre** esa casa tan vieja.

I don't think Juan **will buy** that old house.

Formal Commands

When you give a direct order or instruction to someone you address formally (Usted), you use the 'compre' form: 'Señorita, compre más leche' (Miss, buy more milk).

The Subjunctive Mood

This form ('yo compre', 'él/ella/usted compre') is used after expressions of doubt, emotion, recommendation, or desire, often preceded by 'que': 'Espero que compre un buen regalo' (I hope he buys a good gift).

Confusing Commands

Mistake: “Using 'compra' for a formal command: 'Señor, compra esto.'”

Correction: Use 'compre' for formal commands (Usted): 'Señor, compre esto.' The 'compra' form is only for informal friends (Tú).

Noun vs. Verb Form

Learners often confuse 'compra' (noun) with verb forms. Remember that 'compra' itself is the noun for 'purchase' or 'shopping.' The verb form to 'buy' requires conjugating 'comprar,' such as the formal command 'compre.'

Related Translations

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