Spanish Phrase
Compramos y vendemos divisas.
Meaning
This phrase literally translates to "We buy and sell currencies." It is commonly used by financial institutions, banks, or exchange houses to indicate that they offer services for exchanging foreign money. "Divisas" specifically refers to foreign currencies, not just money in general.
When to use
You would typically see or hear this phrase in a financial context, such as at a bank, a currency exchange office (casa de cambio), or on the website of a financial service provider. It clearly states the core business of exchanging different national currencies.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Compramosyvendemosdivisas.
Compramos (Comprar)
This is the first-person plural ('we') conjugation of the verb 'comprar' (to buy) in the present tense. It indicates an action performed by a group including the speaker.
y
'Y' is the Spanish word for 'and'. It connects two words, phrases, or clauses. Note that it changes to 'e' before words starting with 'i' or 'hi' (e.g., 'padre e hijo').
Vendemos (Vender)
This is the first-person plural ('we') conjugation of the verb 'vender' (to sell) in the present tense. It follows the same pattern as 'compramos' for -er verbs.
Divisas
'Divisas' is a plural noun meaning 'foreign currencies' or 'foreign exchange'. It's the specific term used in financial contexts to refer to money from other countries.
🗨In Conversation
Disculpe, ¿aquí puedo cambiar dólares a pesos?
Excuse me, can I exchange dollars for pesos here?
Sí, claro. Compramos y vendemos divisas.
Yes, of course. We buy and sell foreign currency.
✕Common Mistakes
Compramos y vendemos dinero.
While 'dinero' means money, 'divisas' is the specific and correct term for foreign currencies in a financial context. Using 'dinero' might sound less professional or precise.
Compramos y vendemos monedas.
'Monedas' refers to coins or a country's currency in a general sense (e.g., 'la moneda de México'), but 'divisas' is the appropriate term when talking about foreign exchange.
↔Alternatives
Cambiamos moneda extranjera.
We exchange foreign currency.
Ofrecemos servicios de cambio de divisas.
We offer foreign currency exchange services.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish-speaking countries, particularly in Latin America, currency exchange is a common service found in dedicated 'casas de cambio' (exchange houses) in addition to banks. It's always advisable to compare rates and be aware of any commissions. The term 'divisas' is widely understood in this financial context across the Spanish-speaking world.