shop
Middle English, from Old English 'sceoppa', related to similar words in other Germanic languages.
A place where goods are sold to the public, often specializing in a particular type of product or service. This concept of a dedicated retail space, particularly one that is smaller or more specialized than a large store, is fundamental to English-speaking cultures.
| plural |
|---|
| shops |
- I need to go to the grocery shop to buy some milk. — This refers to a small store selling food.
- The new coffee shop on the corner is always busy. — This indicates a place where coffee and related items are sold.
- She decided to open a small flower shop downtown. — This refers to a retail business specializing in flowers.
To visit one or more retail shops or stores with the intention of looking for and buying goods. This activity can be for necessities or pleasure, encompassing the entire process from browsing to purchasing. While direct translations like 'comprar' (to buy) exist, the English verb 'shop' often implies the entire experience of visiting multiple establishments or browsing extensively, which isn't always captured by a single Spanish verb.
| gerund | past | present |
|---|---|---|
| shopping | shopped | shops |
- We need to shop for new clothes for the winter. — This means to go to stores and buy new clothing.
- I love to shop online because it's so convenient. — This refers to the act of purchasing items via the internet.
- They spent the whole afternoon shopping for gifts. — This indicates that they spent a long time visiting shops to find presents.