Verb · A1 · Spanish glossary
Comprar: to buy
comprar
Pronunciation: kohm-PRAHR (stress the capital letters)
Comprar means “to buy” in English.
Quick answer
- Meaning: to buy
- How to say it: kohm-PRAHR
- Present: yo compro, tú compras
- Level: Beginner (A1)
What “comprar” means and how to use it
Comprar means “to buy.” It works for groceries, tickets, gifts, and anything else you pay for.
How to conjugate “comprar”
| Who | Spanish | English |
|---|---|---|
| yo | compro | I |
| tú | compras | you (informal) |
| él, ella, usted | compra | he, she, you (formal) |
| nosotros | compramos | we |
| ellos, ustedes | compran | they, you all |
| Past (preterite) | yo compré, él compró | I / he or she |
| Past participle | comprado | used with haber |
Examples with audio
- Compro pan en la panadería.I buy bread at the bakery.
- ¿Dónde compraste ese libro?Where did you buy that book?
- Vamos a comprar un regalo.We are going to buy a gift.
Usage tip
Say “comprar algo a alguien” for buying from someone and “comprar algo para alguien” for buying for someone.
Frequently asked questions
How do you say “to buy” in Spanish?
“to buy” in Spanish is “comprar.” It is pronounced kohm-PRAHR, with the stress on the syllable in capital letters.
How do you pronounce “comprar”?
Say kohm-PRAHR. The syllable in capital letters gets the stress. Press the speaker button at the top of this page to hear it.
What is the past tense of “comprar”?
In the preterite, “yo” is “compré” and “él” is “compró.” The past participle is “comprado.”
Practice “comprar” for free
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