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How to Say "sale" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “sale” is “venta” — use 'venta' when referring to the transaction of selling something, or the general business of selling..

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venta

BEHN-tah/ˈben.ta/

nounA1general
Use 'venta' when referring to the transaction of selling something, or the general business of selling.
Two hands exchanging items: one hand is giving a gold coin while the other hand is accepting a small, wrapped package, symbolizing a single transaction.

Examples

La venta de mi coche fue muy rápida.

The sale of my car was very quick.

Necesitamos aumentar la venta de productos orgánicos.

We need to increase the selling of organic products.

Esta tienda está prohibida la venta de alcohol a menores.

This store prohibits the sale of alcohol to minors.

Gender Reminder

Even though 'venta' ends in 'a', which often signals feminine, remember that it MUST always be used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., 'una venta', 'la venta').

Confusing 'Venta' and 'Tienda'

Mistake: “Voy a la venta para comprar pan. (I am going to the sale to buy bread.)”

Correction: Voy a la tienda para comprar pan. ('Venta' is the act of selling; 'tienda' is the place.)

descuento

/des-KUEN-toh//desˈkwento/

nounA1general
Use 'descuento' when talking about a reduction in price, like a discount offered on an item or a general price cut.
A bright red apple resting on a small green pedestal, next to a large yellow downward-pointing arrow, symbolizing a price discount.

Examples

¿Hay algún descuento si pago en efectivo?

Is there a discount if I pay in cash?

Conseguimos un descuento del 20% en todos los zapatos.

We got a 20% discount on all the shoes.

¡Qué buen descuento! Voy a comprar dos.

What a great deal! I'm going to buy two.

Masculine Noun Rule

Since 'descuento' ends in 'o', it is a masculine word. Always use 'el' (the) or 'un' (a) before it: 'el descuento'.

Using 'Descontar' as a Noun

Mistake: “Saying 'Necesito un descontar' (I need a to discount).”

Correction: The noun form is 'descuento' (discount). The verb is 'descontar' (to deduct/discount). Use 'Necesito un descuento'.

oferta

oh-FEHR-tah/oˈfeɾta/

nounA2general
Use 'oferta' when referring to a specific item or group of items being sold at a reduced price for a limited time, like a weekly special.
A red shopping bag with handles is placed next to a large, prominent, stylized white arrow pointing down, symbolizing a discounted price or sale.

Examples

¡Mira! Los zapatos están de oferta esta semana.

Look! The shoes are on sale this week.

Aprovecha la oferta de dos por uno en las camisetas.

Take advantage of the two-for-one deal on the shirts.

Compré el televisor porque estaba a mitad de precio, era una gran oferta.

I bought the television because it was half price; it was a great deal.

How to talk about sales

Use the structure 'estar de oferta' to say that an item is currently discounted. ('El pan está de oferta hoy.')

Confusing Offer and Sale

Mistake: “Quiero una oferta.”

Correction: Quiero un descuento. (If you are asking a salesperson for a better price, 'descuento' (discount) is often more direct than 'oferta' (a specific advertised sale).)

promoción

nounA2general
Use 'promoción' when referring to a marketing strategy that involves discounts, special offers, or deals to encourage sales, often for a limited period.

Examples

Aproveché la promoción de dos por uno en el supermercado.

I took advantage of the two-for-one special offer at the supermarket.

barata

/bah-RAH-tah//baˈɾata/

nounB1informal
Use 'barata' informally to describe a sale event where items are significantly cheaper, often implying a bargain or clearance.
A large stack of colorful, neatly folded clothes with a big red arrow pointing down beside them, symbolizing a major sale event.

Examples

Compré estos zapatos de barata.

I bought these shoes on sale/at a bargain.

Vamos a la tienda, creo que hay barata hoy.

Let's go to the store, I think there is a sale today.

Fixed Phrase Usage

When used as a noun meaning 'sale' or 'bargain,' it often appears with the preposition 'de' (de barata) to mean 'on sale' or 'at a bargain price'.

Sale Event vs. Discounted Price

Learners often confuse 'oferta' and 'descuento'. 'Oferta' typically refers to a specific product or service being temporarily cheaper, like a weekly special. 'Descuento' is a more general term for a price reduction or discount you might receive.

Related Translations

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