Inklingo

How to Say "store" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “store” is “tienda” — use 'tienda' as the most general and common term for a shop or store, similar to how 'store' is used broadly in American English..

tienda🔊A1

Use 'tienda' as the most general and common term for a shop or store, similar to how 'store' is used broadly in American English.

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negocio🔊A1

Use 'negocio' when referring to a business as a physical place of operation, emphasizing the enterprise itself.

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mercado🔊A1

Use 'mercado' for a large grocery store, especially common for food markets or supermarkets, particularly in Latin America.

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almacénA2

Use 'almacén' for a retail establishment or a general shop, often implying a place that stocks goods, similar to a general store.

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comercio🔊A2

Use 'comercio' to refer to a commercial establishment or business, often a bit more formal than 'tienda' and applicable to various types of shops.

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local🔊A1

Use 'local' to refer specifically to the physical space or premises of a business, rather than the business itself.

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English → Spanish

tienda

/tyen-da//ˈtjenda/

NounA1General
Use 'tienda' as the most general and common term for a shop or store, similar to how 'store' is used broadly in American English.
A simple, brightly colored illustration of a small neighborhood store or shop with a large window displaying fresh produce.

Examples

Voy a la tienda a comprar leche.

I'm going to the store to buy milk.

Mi hermana trabaja en una tienda de ropa.

My sister works in a clothing shop.

Muchas tiendas del centro cierran los domingos.

Many shops downtown close on Sundays.

Always Feminine: 'La Tienda'

Remember that 'tienda' is a feminine word. This means you'll almost always see it with 'la' (the) or 'una' (a) before it. For example, 'La tienda está cerrada' (The store is closed).

The Place vs. The Activity

Mistake: “Me gusta tienda.”

Correction: To say you like the activity of shopping, use the phrase 'Me gusta ir de tiendas.' 'Tienda' is just the place, not the action.

negocio

/neh-GO-syo//neˈɣo.sjo/

NounA1General
Use 'negocio' when referring to a business as a physical place of operation, emphasizing the enterprise itself.
A friendly shopkeeper standing outside a small, bright storefront with colorful shoes displayed in the window, representing a business.

Examples

Mi tío tiene un negocio de zapatos en el centro.

My uncle has a shoe business downtown.

Abrir un negocio propio es mi sueño.

Opening my own business is my dream.

El negocio de la esquina vende frutas frescas.

The store on the corner sells fresh fruit.

Always Masculine

Even though it ends in 'o', it's good to remember that 'negocio' is always a masculine word. So, you'll always say 'el negocio' (the business) or 'un negocio' (a business).

'Negocio' vs. 'Empresa'

Mistake: “Quiero trabajar en un negocio grande.”

Correction: Quiero trabajar en una empresa grande. 'Negocio' is very general and often suggests a smaller shop or operation. For a large company or corporation, 'empresa' is a better fit.

mercado

mer-KAH-doh/meɾˈkado/

NounA1General
Use 'mercado' for a large grocery store, especially common for food markets or supermarkets, particularly in Latin America.
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.

Masculine Noun

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

almacén

NounA2General
Use 'almacén' for a retail establishment or a general shop, often implying a place that stocks goods, similar to a general store.

Examples

Fui al almacén de la esquina a comprar leche y pan.

I went to the corner store to buy milk and bread.

comercio

/koh-mehr-syoh//koˈmeɾsjo/

NounA2General
Use 'comercio' to refer to a commercial establishment or business, often a bit more formal than 'tienda' and applicable to various types of shops.
A brightly colored, simple illustration of the exterior of a small, inviting general store with a prominent display window showing various stylized items.

Examples

Hay un nuevo comercio de ropa en la esquina.

There is a new clothing shop on the corner.

Los pequeños comercios están sufriendo por la crisis.

Small businesses (shops) are suffering due to the crisis.

Singular vs. Plural

You can use 'comercios' (plural) to talk about many stores, just like 'tiendas' (stores).

Confusing the Place and the Activity

Mistake: “¿Dónde está el comercio de la ciudad? (meaning 'Where is the city's trade?')”

Correction: To ask for the shopping area, say: '¿Dónde está la zona comercial?' (Where is the commercial zone?) or '¿Dónde están los comercios?' (Where are the shops?).

local

lo-CAL/loˈkal/

NounA1General
Use 'local' to refer specifically to the physical space or premises of a business, rather than the business itself.
A simple illustration of a brightly colored commercial shop building with a large window and a welcoming entrance.

Examples

Alquilamos un local muy grande para poner la panadería.

We rented a very large premises/space to set up the bakery.

El local donde se celebró la fiesta era precioso.

The venue where the party was held was beautiful.

Busco un local comercial en el centro de la ciudad.

I am looking for a commercial premises in the city center.

Always Masculine

When referring to a commercial space or venue, 'local' is always masculine: 'el local', 'los locales'.

General vs. Specific Store Types

Learners often default to 'tienda' for all types of stores. While generally understood, remember that 'mercado' is specific to food markets, 'almacén' can imply a larger stock, and 'local' refers to the physical space itself.

Related Translations

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