vs
QUICK ANSWER
"Comprar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to buy", and "pagar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to pay". Learn more about the difference between "comprar" and "pagar" 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.).
pagar(
pah
-
gahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
b. to pay off (a debt)
Yo acabo de pagar mis deudas de la universidad.I just paid off my college loans.
2. (to buy)
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
