Say 'This one is cheaper, bigger, fresher' in Spanish for Shopping
Learn to compare items directly in Spanish shops using 'este/esta' and 'más ... que' to say this one is cheaper, bigger, or fresher.
By MarcusFood & cafés · Yapr Learn
When you're shopping in a Spanish-speaking market or store, you often need to point at a specific item and say how it compares to another. This lesson teaches you to say 'This one is cheaper,' 'This one is bigger,' and 'This one is fresher' in Spanish. You'll learn the pattern using 'este' or 'esta' (this one) plus 'más' (more) plus an adjective, and 'que' (than) to make the comparison. We'll focus on three common adjectives: 'barato' (cheap), 'grande' (big), and 'fresco' (fresh). By the end, you'll be able to compare two items directly and make a simple choice while shopping.
By the end, you can…
- point to an item and say it is cheaper, bigger, or fresher than another.
- use 'este' and 'esta' correctly to match the gender of the noun.
- ask for a comparison using 'más ... que' in a shopping context.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Este es más barato.
This one (masculine) is cheaper.
EHS-teh ehs mahs bah-RAH-toh
Use 'este' for masculine nouns, like 'este tomate' (this tomato). 'Más barato' means cheaper.
Esta es más grande.
This one (feminine) is bigger.
EHS-tah ehs mahs GRAHN-deh
Use 'esta' for feminine nouns, like 'esta sandía' (this watermelon). 'Más grande' means bigger.
Este es más fresco.
This one (masculine) is fresher.
EHS-teh ehs mahs FREHS-koh
Use for masculine nouns, like 'este pescado' (this fish). 'Más fresco' means fresher.
Esta es más barata que esa.
This one (feminine) is cheaper than that one.
EHS-tah ehs mahs bah-RAH-tah keh EH-sah
Add 'que' to compare two items. 'Esa' means that one (feminine).
Este es más grande que ese.
This one (masculine) is bigger than that one.
EHS-teh ehs mahs GRAHN-deh keh EH-seh
Use 'que' to compare. 'Ese' means that one (masculine).
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To say 'This one is [comparative]', use: Este/Esta + es + más + adjective. The word 'este' (masculine) or 'esta' (feminine) must match the gender of the noun you're pointing at. For example, 'Este tomate es más barato' (This tomato is cheaper) and 'Esta manzana es más fresca' (This apple is fresher). To compare with another item, add 'que' + the other item: 'Este es más barato que ese' (This one is cheaper than that one). Note that 'más' means 'more', and the adjective stays the same; you don't change it to '-er' like in English.
When to use it
Use this pattern when you are choosing between two specific items and want to highlight a quality. For example, at a market stall, you might say 'Esta sandía es más grande' (This watermelon is bigger) to point out the size. If you want to compare directly, say 'Este es más fresco que ese' (This one is fresher than that one). This is common in shops, markets, and even when deciding between two products online. Remember to use 'este' or 'esta' based on the noun's gender; if you're unsure, you can often just say 'Este es más barato' while pointing, and it will be understood.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
¿Cuál prefieres, este pescado o ese?
Which do you prefer, this fish or that one?KWAHL preh-FYEH-rehs, EHS-teh pehs-KAH-doh oh EH-seh?Este es más fresco.
This one is fresher.EHS-teh ehs mahs FREHS-koh.Sí, pero ese es más barato.
Yes, but that one is cheaper.SEE, PEH-roh EH-seh ehs mahs bah-RAH-toh.Entonces, prefiero este. Es más fresco.
Then I prefer this one. It's fresher.ehn-TOHN-sehs, preh-FYEH-roh EHS-teh. ehs mahs FREHS-koh.A little context goes a long way
In many Spanish-speaking markets, pointing at items is common, but it's polite to use 'este' or 'esta' while indicating with your hand or eyes. In some regions, 'este' can also be a filler word meaning 'um', so context matters. When comparing, 'más ... que' is standard, but in casual speech in some areas you might hear 'más ... de', though 'que' is more widely accepted. Always match the gender of the noun; if you're unsure, using the masculine 'este' as a default is often understood, but it's better to learn the noun's gender.
One thing to watch for
Using 'más' with an adjective that already means 'more', like 'más mejor' (more better).
Try this instead: In Spanish, 'mejor' already means 'better', so you don't say 'más mejor'. For 'cheaper', 'bigger', and 'fresher', you do use 'más': 'más barato', 'más grande', 'más fresco'. But for 'better', just say 'mejor'. Example: 'Este es mejor' (This one is better).
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you say 'This one (feminine) is cheaper'?
Show a sample answer
Esta es más barata.
Use 'esta' for feminine nouns, and 'más barata' for cheaper. If the noun is masculine, you'd say 'Este es más barato'.
2Translate: 'This one (masculine) is bigger than that one.'
Show a sample answer
Este es más grande que ese.
Use 'este' for masculine, 'más grande' for bigger, and 'que ese' for than that one. If the noun is feminine, use 'esta' and 'esa'.
3What is the correct phrase to say 'This one (feminine) is fresher'?
Show a sample answer
Esta es más fresca.
Use 'esta' for feminine, and 'más fresca' for fresher. Remember to match the adjective ending to the noun's gender: 'fresca' for feminine, 'fresco' for masculine.
To compare items in Spanish, use 'este/esta + es + más + adjective (+ que + other item)'. Match the gender of 'este/esta' and the adjective to the noun you're pointing at.
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