The Italian language is known for its rich vocabulary and nuanced expressions. While the most common way to say “buy” in Italian is “comprare,” there are many other words and phrases that convey the same meaning but with slight variations in tone, context, and formality. Whether you’re shopping at a market, making an online purchase, or discussing financial transactions, having a diverse vocabulary will help you sound more fluent and natural. Here are 15 alternative ways to say “buy” in Italian, along with their meanings and usage contexts.
1. Acquistare – To Purchase
A more formal synonym for “comprare,” “acquistare” is often use in business transactions or formal contexts. It conveys the idea of obtaining something, often with a sense of investment.
Example: “Ho acquistato una nuova macchina.” (I purchased a new car.)
2. Procurarsi – To Obtain for Oneself
This verb is used when someone obtains something for their own use, often through effort or planning.
Example: “Devo procurarmi un biglietto per il concerto.” (I need to get myself a ticket for the concert.)
3. Ottenere – To Obtain
While not a direct synonym for “comprare,” “ottenere” is use when acquiring something, often through a process rather than a straightforward purchase.
Example: “Ho ottenuto uno sconto dal negozio.” (I got a discount from the store.)
4. Prendere – To Take
In many casual contexts, “prendere” can mean “to buy” when referring to food, drinks, or items in a store.
Example: “Prendo un caffè e un cornetto.” (I’ll take a coffee and a croissant.)
5. Rilevare – To Take Over (a Business)
Used mainly in business contexts, “rilevare” refers to acquiring a company or a property.
Example: “Ha rilevato un negozio di abbigliamento.” (He took over a clothing store.)
6. Accaparrarsi – To Snatch Up
This verb is use when talking about securing something in limited supply, often in a competitive setting.
Example: “Mi sono accaparrato gli ultimi biglietti.” (I snatched up the last tickets.)
7. Aggiudicarsi – To Win (a Bid)
Often used in auctions or competitive buying scenarios, “aggiudicarsi” means securing an item, typically through bidding.
Example: “Si è aggiudicato il quadro all’asta.” (He won the painting at the auction.)
8. Sborsare – To Shell Out (Money)
This verb emphasizes the act of spending money, sometimes reluctantly.
Example: “Ho dovuto sborsare una fortuna per questa borsa.” (I had to shell out a fortune for this bag.)
9. Pagare – To Pay
While “pagare” means “to pay,” in everyday language, it is often use to imply a purchase.
Example: “Ho pagato il conto del ristorante.” (I paid the restaurant bill.)
10. Commissionare – To Commission
Used when ordering something to be made or customized, such as art, furniture, or special services.
Example: “Ho commissionato un dipinto personalizzato.” (I commissioned a custom painting.)
11. Investire – To Invest
In financial contexts, “investire” refers to buying assets like stocks, property, or businesses.
Example: “Ha investito in un’azienda tecnologica.” (He invested in a tech company.)
12. Sottoscrivere – To Subscribe/Sign Up
This is commonly used for purchasing subscriptions or financial products.
Example: “Ho sottoscritto un abbonamento annuale.” (I signed up for an annual subscription.)
13. Assicurarsi – To Ensure/Get Hold Of
This verb is used when ensuring you get something valuable before it runs out.
Example: “Mi sono assicurato un posto in prima fila.” (I made sure to get a front-row seat.)
14. Noleggiare – To Rent/Hire
Though it means “to rent,” “noleggiare” can imply temporary purchase-like transactions, such as renting a car or equipment.
Example: “Abbiamo noleggiato una macchina per il weekend.” (We rented a car for the weekend.)
15. Barattare – To Barter/Trade
When goods are exchanged instead of money, “barattare” is the appropriate term.
Example: “Ho barattato la mia bicicletta con una chitarra.” (I traded my bicycle for a guitar.)
Conclusion
Expanding your vocabulary beyond “comprare” allows you to express yourself with more precision and fluency in Italian. Whether you’re making a casual purchase, investing in property, or winning an auction, there’s a perfect verb to suit the situation. Start incorporating these terms into your conversations and see how much more natural your Italian sounds!
