supermercado
Lemma Details
Translation: supermarket; grocery store
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: Formed from the prefix 'super-' (meaning 'over', 'above', or 'beyond') + 'mercado' (market). The prefix 'super-' comes from Latin, while 'mercado' derives from Latin 'mercatus' (market, trade). The English cognate 'supermarket' follows the same formation pattern. The concept emerged in the mid-20th century as larger self-service stores began replacing traditional markets and small grocery shops.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 90%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Hay un nuevo supermercado en el centro comercial.
There's a new supermarket in the shopping mall.
Voy al supermercado a comprar comida para la semana.
I'm going to the supermarket to buy food for the week.
El supermercado está abierto hasta las diez de la noche.
The supermarket is open until ten at night.
Mnemonics
- Think 'super' + 'market' = 'supermercado', almost identical to English
- Remember 'mercado' (market) with the prefix 'super' to indicate its larger size
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, supermercados are central to daily life, though shopping patterns may differ from English-speaking countries. In many Latin American countries and Spain, neighborhood supermercados might be smaller than North American supermarkets, and people might shop more frequently for fresh products. Some regions maintain a mix of traditional markets and modern supermarkets.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Supermercado' specifically refers to a modern grocery store with self-service, while 'mercado' is a more general term for any market, often referring to traditional open-air or public markets.
Confused word:
Los sábados voy al mercado para comprar frutas frescas.
On Saturdays I go to the market to buy fresh fruits.
Notes: In some contexts, 'mercado' might be used colloquially to refer to a supermarket, but 'supermercado' is always specifically a supermarket.
Mnemonic: 'Super' + 'mercado' = modern, larger store with more products than a traditional 'mercado'.
Explanation: A 'hipermercado' (hypermarket) is even larger than a 'supermercado' and typically sells a wider range of products beyond groceries, including clothing, electronics, and household items.
Confused word:
Fuimos al hipermercado para comprar comida, ropa y electrodomésticos.
We went to the hypermarket to buy food, clothes, and appliances.
Notes: Hipermercados are less common than supermercados and are usually located in suburban areas due to their size.
Mnemonic: Think of 'hiper' as 'hyper' meaning 'beyond' or 'more than' a regular 'supermercado'.