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compra means purchase — a common term in Spanish for Business. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: December 23, 2025

💼 Spanish for Business

compra

noun • /[KOM-pra]/

purchase

Example:

La compra fue aprobada ayer.

The purchase was approved yesterday.

🧠 What does compra mean?

A purchase is an act of acquiring goods or services in exchange for money. In a business context, 'compra' refers to the transaction where a company or individual buys something, such as raw materials, equipment, or finished products. It is a fundamental element of commerce and involves the transfer of ownership or rights from a seller to a buyer.

📚 Extra examples

  • La compra de materia prima es esencial para la producción.
    The purchase of raw materials is essential for production.
  • El departamento de compras gestiona todas las adquisiciones de la empresa.
    The purchasing department manages all of the company's acquisitions.
  • Se realizó una compra importante de nueva maquinaria.
    A significant purchase of new machinery was made.
  • Los consumidores esperan que la compra sea fácil y segura.
    Consumers expect the purchase to be easy and secure.
  • La política de la empresa exige la aprobación previa para cada compra mayor a mil euros.
    The company policy requires prior approval for every purchase over one thousand euros.

💡 Did You Know?

The verb form 'comprar' (to buy) is closely related to the noun 'compra'. Understanding the verb helps solidify the noun's meaning and usage.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "compra"

Synonyms: adquisición, transacción, negocio, venta
Opposites: venta, cobro, ingreso

🔍 See more spanish for business words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'purchase' in Spanish?
The most common translation for 'purchase' as a noun is 'compra'.
How do you pronounce 'compra' in Spanish?
'Compra' is pronounced roughly as 'KOM-prah'. The 'c' is hard like in 'cat', the 'o' is like the 'o' in 'go', the 'm' is standard, the 'p' is standard, the 'r' is a rolled 'r' if possible, and the 'a' is like the 'a' in 'father'.
How do you use 'compra' in a sentence?
'Compra' is used to refer to the act or the result of buying. For example, 'La compra fue exitosa' (The purchase was successful) or 'Necesitamos hacer una compra grande' (We need to make a large purchase).
What is the English translation of 'compra'?
The primary English translation of 'compra' is 'purchase'. It can also sometimes be translated as 'buying' or 'acquisition', depending on the context.
Does 'compra' change for gender or number?
As a noun, 'compra' is feminine singular. To indicate multiple purchases, the plural form 'compras' is used. For example, 'una compra' (one purchase) and 'varias compras' (several purchases).
Is 'compra' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'compra' is a very common word in everyday Spanish, used both in informal contexts for personal shopping and in more formal business settings.
Does 'compra' have slang or double meanings?
In standard Spanish, 'compra' does not have significant slang or double meanings. Its primary and most direct meaning is 'purchase'.
Is 'compra' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The meaning and usage of 'compra' are essentially the same in Spain and Latin America. It consistently refers to a purchase or the act of buying.

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