vs 

QUICK ANSWER
"Costar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to cost", and "comprar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to buy". Learn more about the difference between "costar" and "comprar" below.
costar(
kohs
-
tahr
)
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
transitive verb
a. to cost
Ese tratamiento cuesta una fortuna.That treatment costs a fortune.
a. to be hard
Me costó decirle la verdad, pero sabía que tenía que hacerlo.It was hard to tell him the truth, but I knew that I had to do it.
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.
comprar(
kohm
-
prahr
)
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
transitive verb
a. to buy
¡Hay que comprar una piñata que hoy comienzan las posadas!We need to buy a piñata because the Posadas start today!
b. to purchase
¿Le gustaría comprar ese artículo?Would you like to purchase that item?
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.).
intransitive verb
a. to shop
Prefiero comprar en el mercado si puedo.I prefer to shop at the market if I can.
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.