Spanish Phrase
En la estación venden tarjetas de transporte.
Meaning
This phrase literally translates to "At the station they sell transport cards." It uses the third-person plural verb "venden" (they sell) in an impersonal way, which is very common in Spanish to describe general actions or services without specifying who performs them. It's a straightforward way to state where something is sold or available.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to inform someone that transport cards are available for purchase at the station. It's useful when giving directions, explaining public transport options, or simply stating a fact about a location. It's a common and practical phrase for travelers.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Enla estaciónvendentarjetas de transporte
En (preposition)
'En' is a versatile preposition meaning 'in', 'on', or 'at'. Here, it indicates location, meaning 'at the station'.
La estación (noun phrase)
'La estación' means 'the station'. 'La' is the feminine definite article, matching the feminine noun 'estación'.
Venden (impersonal verb)
'Venden' is the third-person plural form of 'vender' (to sell). It's used impersonally here, meaning 'they sell' or 'one sells', without specifying who 'they' are. This is common for general services.
Tarjetas de transporte (noun phrase)
'Tarjetas de transporte' means 'transport cards'. 'De' (of/from) is used to link 'tarjetas' (cards) to their purpose, 'transporte' (transport).
🗨In Conversation
¿Dónde puedo conseguir una tarjeta para el autobús?
Where can I get a card for the bus?
En la estación venden tarjetas de transporte.
At the station they sell transport cards.
✕Common Mistakes
En la estación hay tarjetas de transporte para vender.
While 'hay' means 'there are', using 'para vender' is clunky and less natural than the impersonal 'venden' when referring to a selling point.
En la estación venden tarjetas de transportación.
'Transporte' is the more common and natural word for 'transport' or 'transportation' in this context in most Spanish-speaking regions.
A la estación venden tarjetas de transporte.
The preposition 'en' (at/in) is used for location, while 'a' (to) is used for direction. You are 'at' the station, not 'to' the station, when something is sold there.
↔Alternatives
En la estación se venden tarjetas de transporte.
At the station, transport cards are sold.
Puedes comprar tarjetas de transporte en la estación.
You can buy transport cards at the station.
Hay tarjetas de transporte disponibles en la estación.
Transport cards are available at the station.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish-speaking countries, public transport systems often rely on rechargeable cards rather than single-use tickets. Knowing where to purchase these, like at the station, is crucial for navigating cities. The impersonal 'venden' (they sell) is a very common construction in Spanish for general statements about services, like 'Aquí se come bien' (Here one eats well) or 'En este supermercado venden frutas frescas' (In this supermarket they sell fresh fruit).