vs
QUICK ANSWER
"La librería" is a form of "librería", a noun which is often translated as "bookstore". "Comprar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to buy". Learn more about the difference between "comprar" and "la librería" below.
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.).
la librería(
lee
-
breh
-
ree
-
ah
)A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
a. bookstore (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
Tenemos que ir a la librería a comprar libros.We need to go to the bookstore to buy books.
b. bookshop (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
La librería universitaria cuenta con más de 20,000 títulos en existencia.The university bookshop has over 20,000 titles in stock.
2. (store where stationery is sold) (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
a. stationary store (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
Si necesitas una libreta y un bolígrafo, tendremos que ir a la librería.If you need a notebook and a pen, we'll have to go to the stationery store.
b. stationer's (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
En esta librería venden todo el material necesario para pintar y dibujar.This stationer's sells all the material necessary for painting and drawing.
a. bookcase
Quiero mandar hacer una librería nueva para el despacho.I want to have a new bookcase made for the office.
