Why is it van "de compras"?

Question

I'm on fluencia level 1, unit 8, lesson 8.

Apparetly, "They are going to go shopping." translates to "Ellas van de compras." "They are going to the movies" translates to "Ellos van al cine"

I expected it to be "Ellas van a comprar", so what rule have I missed? Please help me & explain.

Welcome to SpanishDict. Please complete your profile. :) - rac1, Aug 26, 2015

Answer 1

Ir de compras is an idiomatic saying which means - To go shopping. Van de compras – They are going shopping

Van a comprar would mean They are going to buy/purchase which does not work here because you want to say they are going shopping (It seems like you’re thinking of the Ir +a + infinitive rule)

Una compra is a purchase. Compras is plural

I hope this makes sense to you.

Answer 2

It´s not so much idiomatic as it is just common usage.

Van de compras. Compras is not a destination like cine but a quality of the action ir. To say "Van a compras" doesn´t make any sense as compras is not a destination and "Van a comprar" is an incomplete sentence, ie: ¿Van a comprar qué?

We can also say: Van de parranda (They are going partying / bar-hopping, etc).

I haven't heard ....de parranda before now. Thanks JulianChivi - tomasdeAlba, Aug 26, 2015

Answer 3

1. They go shopping

2. They are going to buy something...

Answer 4

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Would someone please tell me how to remove a first attempt that is rubbish? - tomasdeAlba, Aug 26, 2015

You did the best you could. Posts cannot be removed. - gringojrf, Aug 26, 2015

Well, they can, but only by a moderator. :) - bosquederoble, Aug 26, 2015

OK, thanks guys. - tomasdeAlba, Aug 26, 2015