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comparar means to compare — a common term in Academic & Exam Prep. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: December 21, 2025

🧠 Academic & Exam Prep

comparar

verb • /[kom-pa-RAR]/

to compare

Example:

Vamos a comparar dos textos similares.

Let’s compare two similar texts.

🧠 What does comparar mean?

The verb 'comparar' means to examine two or more objects, people, or ideas in order to establish their similarities and differences. It is a fundamental verb for analysis and critical thinking. The most common structure is 'comparar A con B' (to compare A with B). For example, 'Comparó los resultados del estudio con los del año anterior' means 'He compared the study's results with those of the previous year.'

📚 Extra examples

  • Es difícil comparar dos ciudades tan diferentes.
    It is difficult to compare two such different cities.
  • El artículo compara las políticas económicas de varios países.
    The article compares the economic policies of several countries.
  • Si comparas la calidad, este producto es superior.
    If you compare the quality, this product is superior.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'comparar' comes from the Latin 'comparāre', which is formed from 'com-' (with, together) and 'par' (equal). This etymology perfectly captures the essence of the verb: to place things together to see how they are equal or different. The related noun is 'la comparación' (the comparison).

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "comparar"

Synonyms: cotejar, confrontar, equiparar, relacionar
Opposites: diferenciar, distinguir, contrastar

🔍 See more academic & exam prep words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'to compare' in Spanish?
The Spanish verb for 'to compare' is 'comparar'.
How do you pronounce 'comparar' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is kom-pah-RAHR. The stress falls on the final syllable. The 'a' sounds are open, like the 'a' in 'father', and the final 'r' is a distinct, tapped or slightly rolled sound.
How do you use 'comparar' in a sentence?
You typically use the structure 'comparar algo con algo' or 'comparar algo y algo'. For instance, 'Voy a comparar mi coche con el tuyo' (I'm going to compare my car with yours).
What is the English translation of 'comparar'?
The most direct English translation of 'comparar' is 'to compare'.
Does 'comparar' change for gender or number?
As a verb, 'comparar' does not change for gender or number. It is conjugated based on the subject and tense. However, its past participle, 'comparado', can function as an adjective and will change to 'comparada', 'comparados', or 'comparadas' to agree with the noun it modifies.
Is 'comparar' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'comparar' is a very common verb used in both formal academic contexts and everyday conversations, such as when comparing prices while shopping.
Does 'comparar' have slang or double meanings?
'Comparar' is a straightforward verb and does not have common slang meanings. Its meaning is consistent and literal.
Is 'comparar' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
No, the use and meaning of 'comparar' are consistent across all major Spanish-speaking regions. There are no significant regional variations.
How do you conjugate 'comparar' in Spanish?
'Comparar' is a regular -ar verb. For the 'yo' (I) form, the conjugations are 'comparo' in the present tense, 'comparé' in the preterite, 'comparaba' in the imperfect, and 'compararé' in the future.

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