Inklingo

How to Say "supermarket" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “supermarket” is “supermercado” — use 'supermercado' for the standard, formal term when referring to a large self-service store selling groceries and household goods..

English → Spanish

supermercado

soo-per-mer-KAH-doh/su.peɾ.meɾˈka.ðo/

nounA1general
Use 'supermercado' for the standard, formal term when referring to a large self-service store selling groceries and household goods.
A colorful storybook illustration depicting the inside of a supermarket aisle. Tall shelves are stocked neatly with various colorful grocery items. A bright red shopping cart is positioned in the middle of the aisle.

Examples

Voy a ir al supermercado para comprar algunas cosas.

I am going to go to the supermarket to buy some things.

Necesito ir al supermercado antes de que cierre.

I need to go to the supermarket before it closes.

Compramos todas las frutas y verduras en el supermercado local.

We buy all the fruits and vegetables at the local grocery store.

El carrito del supermercado estaba lleno de ofertas.

The supermarket cart was full of sales/deals.

Masculine Noun

Since 'supermercado' is a masculine noun, you must use the masculine articles 'el' (the) or 'un' (a) before it.

Using the wrong article

Mistake: “La supermercado”

Correction: El supermercado. Remember that most nouns ending in -o are masculine.

súper

nounA2informal
Use 'súper' as a casual, shortened version of 'supermercado' when talking with friends or in informal settings.

Examples

Compra leche en el súper, por favor.

Buy milk at the supermarket, please.

Formal vs. Informal Use

The most common mistake is using the informal 'súper' in formal writing or very polite situations where 'supermercado' would be more appropriate. While 'súper' is widely understood and used, sticking to 'supermercado' is always safe in formal contexts.

Related Translations

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