QUICK ANSWER
"La compra" is a form of "compra", a noun which is often translated as "purchase". "Venta" is a noun which is often translated as "sale". Learn more about the difference between "la compra" and "venta" 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).
feminine noun
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.
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.
b. buy
Esa computadora no fue buena compra.That computer wasn't a good buy.
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.
d. shopping
¿Cuánto te gastas en la compra semanal?How much do you spend on the weekly shopping?
las compras
A plural noun indicates that there is more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
plural noun
3. (purchases)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
(Latin America)
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.
Copyright © 2025 Curiosity Media Inc.
la venta(
behn
-
tah
)
A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
feminine noun
a. sale
La venta de nuestra casa y de mi negocio nos dejará viajar el mundo.The sale of our house and my business will allow us to travel the world.
a. inn
Está oscureciendo y deberíamos parar en esa venta y dormir un poco.It's getting dark and we should stop at that inn and get some sleep.
3. (store)
Regionalism used in the Caribbean: Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico
(Caribbean)
Regionalism used in Mexico
(Mexico)
a. stall
Compré este brazalete de esmeraldas en la venta de la playa.I bought this emerald bracelet at the stall on the beach.
b. small shop
En el mercado hay muchas ventas en donde puedes comprar chompas o chalinas.There are many small shops in the market where you can buy pullovers or scarves.
las ventas
A plural noun indicates that there is more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
plural noun
a. sales
¿Alguna vez has trabajado en ventas o marketing?Have you ever worked in Sales or Marketing?
Copyright © 2025 Curiosity Media Inc.