Spanish word

mercadillo

Pronunciation

IPA/meɾkaˈðiʝo/

Meaning

  • masculine nounflea market

Example

¿Vamos al mercadillo esta tarde?

Shall we go to the flea market this afternoon?

Illustration for mercadillo (flea market)

More examples

¿Cuánto pagaste por ese jarrón en el mercadillo?

How much did you pay for that vase at the flea market?

Core concept

Temporary outdoor cluster of informal stalls selling secondhand items and curios.

Common phrases

  • pasear por el mercadillo

    stroll around the flea market

  • regatear en el mercadillo

    haggle at the flea market

  • encontrar gangas en el mercadillo

    find bargains at the flea market

Similar words

mercado: Market of shops and stalls that sell food and everyday household items.
rastro: Outdoor market focused on antiques and used goods, with many secondhand vendors.
feria: Temporary fair with stalls and attractions set up for a limited time.
bazar: Market-style collection of shops or stalls that offers a wide, eclectic range of goods.

Definition in Spanish

Espacio de venta temporal y reducido, al aire libre, donde predominan puestos informales con artículos de segunda mano y curiosidades.

Word origin

Mercadillo is formed from mercado 'market' plus the diminutive suffix -illo to indicate a small or temporary market, and mercado derives from Latin mercatus 'trade'.

Usage tips

  • A mercadillo is typically a temporary, often weekend market where light haggling and close inspection of goods are normal, so expect informal prices rather than fixed tags.

Other meanings

  • open-air marketnoun

Related words

Word lists with this word