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regatear means to bargain; haggle — a common term in Travel Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: July 11, 2025

✈️ Travel Spanish

regatear

verb • /[reh-gah-teh-AR]/

to bargain; haggle

Example:

¿Se puede regatear en este mercado?

Can you haggle in this market?

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🧠 What does regatear mean?

Regatear means to bargain or haggle, typically over the price of something. It's the art of negotiating a lower price, often used in markets, street stalls, or informal shops. It implies a back-and-forth discussion where buyer and seller try to reach a mutually agreeable price.

📚 Extra examples

  • Regateé el precio de la alfombra en el mercado.
    I bargained for the price of the carpet at the market.
  • No tengas miedo de regatear un poco; es común aquí.
    Don't be afraid to haggle a little; it's common here.
  • Intenté regatear con el vendedor, pero no quiso bajar el precio.
    I tried to bargain with the vendor, but he wouldn't lower the price.
  • Ella es una experta en regatear; siempre consigue las mejores ofertas.
    She's an expert at haggling; she always gets the best deals.

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'to bargain' in Spanish?
The most common way to say 'to bargain' is 'regatear'.
How do you pronounce 'regatear' in Spanish?
It's pronounced reh-gah-teh-ahr, with the stress on the third syllable (teh).
How do you use 'regatear' in a sentence?
Here are some examples: 'Voy a regatear el precio de estas frutas' (I'm going to bargain for the price of these fruits), or '¿Regateaste por ese sombrero?' (Did you haggle for that hat?)
What is the English translation of 'regatear'?
Regatear translates to 'to bargain' or 'to haggle'.
Does 'regatear' change for gender or number?
No, 'regatear' is a verb and its conjugation changes depending on the tense and the subject, but not based on gender or number of the object being bargained for.
Is 'regatear' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, especially in situations involving informal commerce like markets or street vendors.
Does 'regatear' have slang or double meanings?
Not really. Its meaning is generally straightforward and related to bargaining.
Is 'regatear' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
While the core meaning remains the same, the frequency of use might vary. It's perhaps more common in Latin American markets than in Spain, but understood in both.
How do you conjugate 'regatear' in Spanish?
Here are some common conjugations: Yo regateo (I bargain), Tú regateas (You bargain), Él/Ella/Usted regatea (He/She/You bargain), Nosotros/Nosotras regateamos (We bargain), Vosotros/Vosotras regateáis (You all bargain - Spain), Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes regatean (They/You all bargain).

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "regatear"

Synonyms: negociar, regatear, tratar

💡 Did You Know?

Regatear is related to the English word 'regatta,' which originally referred to Venetian boat races where gondoliers would jostle and haggle for position!

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