mercado paralelo
Lemma Details
Translation: black market; parallel market; underground market; gray market
Part of Speech: noun phrase
Etymology: Compound term from 'mercado' (market) and 'paralelo' (parallel). 'Mercado' derives from Latin 'mercatus' (trade, market), related to 'merx' (merchandise). 'Paralelo' comes from Greek 'parallelos' meaning 'beside one another', from 'para' (beside) + 'allelos' (one another). The term describes an unofficial market that runs 'parallel' to the official, regulated market system.
Commonality: 60%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Debido a la escasez, muchos productos solo se pueden conseguir en el mercado paralelo.
Due to shortages, many products can only be obtained on the black market.
El dólar se cotiza a un precio mucho más alto en el mercado paralelo que en el oficial.
The dollar is quoted at a much higher price in the parallel market than in the official one.
Las autoridades están tratando de combatir el mercado paralelo de medicamentos.
The authorities are trying to combat the black market for medications.
Mnemonics
- Think of two markets running side by side ('parallel') - one official and one unofficial.
- Imagine parallel lines where one line represents legal trade and the other represents illegal or unregulated trade.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
The concept of 'mercado paralelo' is particularly relevant in countries that have experienced currency controls, economic crises, or shortages of goods. In Latin America, particularly in countries like Argentina and Venezuela, the term is commonly used to refer to unofficial currency exchange markets where dollars can be bought at rates different from the official exchange rate. During Franco's dictatorship in Spain, the 'mercado paralelo' or 'estraperlo' was a significant economic phenomenon.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Mercado paralelo' refers to unofficial, often illegal markets that operate alongside official ones, while 'mercado libre' means 'free market' and refers to a legitimate economic system with minimal government intervention.
Notes: In some contexts, especially regarding currency exchange, people might use these terms incorrectly, thinking 'mercado libre' refers to unregulated currency exchange, when 'mercado paralelo' would be more accurate.
Mnemonic: 'Paralelo' suggests something running alongside the official system (often illegally), while 'libre' emphasizes freedom from restrictions (legally).
Explanation: 'Mercado paralelo' refers to unofficial or black markets, while 'mercado secundario' refers to legitimate secondary markets where previously issued securities (like stocks or bonds) are traded.
Notes: Both terms describe alternatives to primary or main markets, but 'mercado secundario' is a normal part of financial systems, while 'mercado paralelo' typically operates outside legal frameworks.
Mnemonic: 'Paralelo' suggests an alternative, often illegal path, while 'secundario' simply indicates a second, legitimate stage in a market process.