mercadillo
Lemma Details
Translation: small market; flea market; street market; farmers' market
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: Diminutive form of 'mercado' (market), with the suffix '-illo' indicating something smaller or more modest. 'Mercado' comes from Latin 'mercatus' (trade, market), which is related to the Latin 'merx' (merchandise). This same Latin root gives us English words like 'merchant', 'commerce', and 'mercantile'.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 50%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Todos los domingos voy al mercadillo para comprar frutas y verduras frescas.
Every Sunday I go to the street market to buy fresh fruits and vegetables.
Encontré esta lámpara antigua en un mercadillo por solo cinco euros.
I found this antique lamp at a flea market for only five euros.
El mercadillo de artesanía atrae a muchos turistas.
The craft market attracts many tourists.
Mnemonics
- Think 'merchant-dillo' – a place where small merchants sell their goods
- Mercado (market) + -illo (small) = small market
- Picture a small armadillo (similar sound to '-dillo') selling goods at a tiny market
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
Mercadillos are an important part of Spanish culture and can be found in most towns and cities, typically on specific days of the week. They sell everything from fresh produce to clothing, household items, and antiques. They're social spaces where locals gather, shop, and interact. In tourist areas, they often sell souvenirs and local crafts.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'mercado' is a general term for any market (including large permanent ones), 'mercadillo' specifically refers to smaller, often temporary or periodic markets.
Notes: Mercadillos are often associated with second-hand goods, artisanal products, or local produce, while mercados can include large permanent food markets or supermarkets.
Mnemonic: Remember: mercadillo has the diminutive '-illo' ending, indicating something smaller than a regular 'mercado'.
Explanation: Both are diminutives of 'mercado', but 'mercadito' is more common in Latin American Spanish, while 'mercadillo' is more typical in Spain.
Confused word:
Vamos al mercadito de la esquina a comprar algunas cosas.
Let's go to the small market on the corner to buy some things.
Notes: Both terms convey the same basic meaning of a small market, but with regional preferences.
Mnemonic: '-illo' for Spain, '-ito' more common in Latin America.