mercado

market

noun mehr-KAH-doh Common

Origin: From Latin mercatus, 'trade, commerce.'

Usage Note

Mercado covers both the physical marketplace and the economic concept of a market (el mercado de trabajo, 'the labor market'). A supermercado is literally a 'supermarket.' In Spain the local fresh-food market is often called el mercado or el mercadillo (small/flea market), while a feria is more festive. Mercado negro means 'black market.'

Examples

"Compramos frutas frescas en el mercado."

Natural Translation

We bought fresh fruit at the market.

Literal Translation

We bought fruits fresh at the market

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