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"Comprar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to buy", and "vender" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to sell". Learn more about the difference between "comprar" and "vender" 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.).
vender(
behn
-
dehr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to sell
La chica estaba vendiendo naranjas en el mercado.The girl was selling oranges in the market.
Aquí se venden carros usados.Used cars are sold here.
2. (to betray)
a. to sell out (colloquial)
Rehusó vender a su hermano, a pesar de que le estuvieran haciendo chantaje.He refused to sell out his brother, even though they were blackmailing him.
venderse
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
a. to sell out
Nunca pensé que te venderías a una gran compañía.I never thought that you would sell out to a big company.
