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"Compra" is a form of "compra", a noun which is often translated as "purchase". "Comprar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to buy". Learn more about the difference between "compra" and "comprar" below.
la compra(
kohm
-
prah
)A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
a. purchase
La compra de una casa implica muchos trámites.The purchase of a house entails a lot of paperwork.
b. purchasing
La compra no se hace aquí, sino en el departamento que está al otro lado del edificio.Purchasing is not done here, but rather in the department on the other side of the building.
c. buying
Mi tío trabaja en una empresa que se dedica a la compra y venta de carros usados.My uncle works in a company dedicated to the buying and selling of used cars.
d. shopping
Mi abuela hace la compra en un mercado al aire libre.My grandmother does the shopping at an outdoor market.
2. (product)
a. purchase
Estamos muy contentos con nuestras compras porque encontramos muchas ofertas.We're very happy with our purchases because we found a lot of deals.
c. groceries
Fui al supermercado y gasté más de 100 dólares en la compra.I went to the supermarket and spent more than 100 dollars on groceries.
las compras
A plural noun indicates that there is more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
3. (purchases) (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
a. shopping
Cuando mis hijas hacen las compras, me voy a un banco a leer el periódico.When my daughters do the shopping, I go to a bench to read the paper.
comprar(
kohm
-
prahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to acquire)
a. to buy
¡Hay que comprar una piñata que hoy comienzan las posadas!We need to buy a piñata because the Posadas start today!
2. (to bribe)
a. to buy off
Los políticos malvados intentaron comprar mi silencio.The evil politicians tried to buy me off.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
