verb

comprar

buy

Es dar dinero a alguien para recibir un producto o servicio a cambio.

Definition & meaning

The word comprar primarily means to obtain or acquire something in exchange for money. It is the basic verb used for the act of purchasing goods, services, or property.

In a figurative or negative sense, it can also mean to bribe or corrupt someone. In this context, it refers to giving money or gifts to a person—such as a judge, a witness, or an official—to influence their behavior or decisions in one's favor.

Grammar & Word origin

comprar is a regular verb belonging to the first conjugation (verbs ending in -ar). Because it is regular, its stem "compr-" remains consistent throughout its conjugation in most tenses.

The word originates from the Latin verb comparāre. In Classical Latin, comparāre meant to prepare, to provide, or to compare. Over time, in Vulgar Latin, the meaning shifted toward the act of acquiring or procuring something through trade, eventually leading to the modern Spanish meaning of buying.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

adquirir : To acquire or gain possession of something.
obtener : To obtain or get.
pagar : To pay, which is the action required to complete a purchase.
sobornar : To bribe, used when "comprar" refers to corrupting someone.

Antonyms:

vender : To sell, which is the direct opposite of buying.
enajenar : To alienate or transfer the ownership of something to someone else.
malvender : To sell something at a loss or for a very low price.