Meaning
The act of buying food and household items.
Cultural Background
In Spain, people often buy bread daily at a 'panadería'. 'Hacer la compra' usually refers to the larger weekly trip to the supermarket, but fresh items are still bought frequently at local shops. The phrase 'hacer el súper' is more common than 'hacer la compra'. Also, 'el mandado' is a traditional term used for grocery errands. Argentines often say 'hacer las compras' (plural). The 'chino' (local grocery store often run by Chinese immigrants) is a common place to 'hacer la compra' for daily needs. In Colombia, 'hacer el mercado' is a very common alternative to 'hacer la compra', emphasizing the 'market' aspect of the task.
The 'La' is Key
Always include 'la'. Saying 'hacer compra' sounds like broken Spanish.
Regional Choice
If you are in Mexico, use 'hacer el súper' to sound more like a local.
Meaning
The act of buying food and household items.
The 'La' is Key
Always include 'la'. Saying 'hacer compra' sounds like broken Spanish.
Regional Choice
If you are in Mexico, use 'hacer el súper' to sound more like a local.
The Bag Trick
Remember that 'la compra' also refers to the bags. '¿Me ayudas con la compra?' means 'Help me with the bags'.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'hacer'.
Yo siempre _______ la compra los sábados.
The subject is 'Yo' (I), so the correct present tense form of 'hacer' is 'hago'.
Which phrase is used for buying food at the supermarket?
Hoy necesito...
'Hacer la compra' is the specific collocation for grocery shopping.
Match the Spanish phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are the key terms related to shopping activities.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ¿Por qué no hay leche? B: Lo siento, ayer no _______ la compra.
The context 'ayer' (yesterday) requires the past tense (Pretérito Indefinido) 'hice'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Where to 'Hacer la Compra'
Supermercado
- • Mercadona
- • Carrefour
- • Walmart
Mercado
- • Frutería
- • Carnicería
- • Pescadería
Online
- • App
- • Web
- • Delivery
Practice Bank
4 exercisesYo siempre _______ la compra los sábados.
The subject is 'Yo' (I), so the correct present tense form of 'hacer' is 'hago'.
Hoy necesito...
'Hacer la compra' is the specific collocation for grocery shopping.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the key terms related to shopping activities.
A: ¿Por qué no hay leche? B: Lo siento, ayer no _______ la compra.
The context 'ayer' (yesterday) requires the past tense (Pretérito Indefinido) 'hice'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is very common in Latin America. In Spain, it sounds slightly more general, like running several errands.
It is neutral. You can use it with friends, family, or even in a professional context when discussing schedules.
'Hacer la compra' is the activity. 'Ir al súper' is the movement to the place. They are often used interchangeably.
You say 'hacer la compra online' or 'hacer la compra por internet'.
No, for clothes you should use 'ir de compras'.
Yes, but it's more common in Mexico and among older generations. It's a bit more traditional.
It refers to a large, monthly shopping trip to stock up on non-perishables.
Not usually. If you're just buying one thing, say 'voy a comprar [item]'.
In Spanish, chores and tasks are often 'made' or 'done' (hacer), similar to 'hacer la cama' (make the bed).
It's the shopping cart you use in the store, or the personal trolley people use to walk groceries home.
Related Phrases
Ir de compras
similarTo go shopping (leisure)
Hacer el súper
synonymTo do the grocery shopping
Hacer el mandado
specialized formTo run errands/grocery shop
La lista de la compra
builds onThe shopping list
Estar de oferta
similarTo be on sale
