Spanish Conversation · Level 25
89 words
Spanish word
mercado
Pronunciation
IPA/meɾˈkaðo/
Meaning
- masculine nounmarket
Example
Compré verduras en el mercado.
I bought vegetables at the market.
More examples
El mercado local abre a las ocho.
The local market opens at eight.
Core concept
A public area of stalls and counters where vendors sell fresh food and goods.
Common phrases
ir al mercado
go to the market
comprar en el mercado
shop at the market
el mercado local
the local market
Similar words
supermercado: Large self-service store with wide aisles selling groceries and household items.
tienda: Small retail shop selling a limited range of everyday goods.
mercadillo: Outdoor market of temporary stalls held periodically where vendors sell local food and crafts.
puesto: Small individual stall or stand where a single vendor displays and sells goods.
Definition in Spanish
Área o recinto donde comerciantes ofrecen y venden mercancías al público, con énfasis en productos frescos y venta directa.
Word origin
From Latin mercatus 'trade' (from mercari 'to trade'), entering Spanish as mercado to name a place of commercial exchange.
Usage tips
- Ir al mercado commonly refers to shopping for fresh food, and mercado is often contrasted with supermercado for large stores and tienda for single shops.
Related words
- mercadilloflea marketnoun
- mercaderíamerchandisenoun
- mercantilcommercialadjective