Inklingo

How to Say "purchase" in Spanish

English → Spanish

compra

Kohm-prahˈkompɾa

nounA1general
Use 'compra' when referring to the general act of buying something, or the item that was bought, especially for everyday items like groceries.
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.

adquisición

nounB2formal
Use 'adquisición' for a significant or valuable item that has been bought, often implying a notable achievement or a successful find.

Examples

¡Qué buena adquisición! Ese coche es fantástico.

What a great find! That car is fantastic.

compre

KOM-prayˈkom.pɾe

verbA1formal
Use 'compre' as the formal imperative (command) form of the verb 'comprar' (to buy), directed at 'usted'.
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 Confusion

Learners often confuse 'compra' (noun, the item or act of buying) with the verb form. Remember that 'compre' is a specific verb conjugation, while 'compra' is typically used as a noun for the shopping or the thing bought.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.