Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Auction in Spanish: Subasta
Subasta · noun · soo-BAHS-tah
The Spanish word for auction is 'subasta' (feminine noun). In many Latin American countries, especially Argentina, Uruguay, and Chile, the word 'remate' is used instead. The verb 'to auction' is 'subastar.' Auctions can range from high-end art sales to government property liquidations.
Subasta is pronounced soo-BAHS-tah with stress on the second syllable 'bas'. Remate is reh-MAH-teh. Both are straightforward three-syllable words.
La pintura fue vendida en una subasta por tres millones de dólares.
The painting was sold at auction for three million dollars.
Auction in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for auction, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| subasta | auction | soo-BAHS-tah | Default, widely understood |
| remate | auction | Latin America (especially Southern Cone) |
How Native Speakers Use Subasta
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Art market
La casa de subastas confirmó la autenticidad de la obra.
The auction house confirmed the authenticity of the artwork.
Using 'casa de subastas' for the institution that conducts auctions.
Online bidding
Encontré un libro raro en una subasta en línea.
I found a rare book at an online auction.
Subasta en línea refers to online auction platforms.
Latin American usage
El remate de ganado se realiza todos los sábados en el pueblo.
The cattle auction takes place every Saturday in the town.
In Argentina and Uruguay, 'remate' is the standard word for auction, especially for livestock.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Subasta
Gender error
Incorrect: El subasta fue muy emocionante.
Correct: La subasta fue muy emocionante.
Subasta is a feminine noun and requires the feminine article 'la', not 'el'.
Confusing remate meanings
Incorrect: El remate del partido fue increíble. (intending auction)
Correct: La subasta del auto fue increíble.
While 'remate' can mean auction in some countries, it also means a finishing shot in sports (like a header in soccer). Context determines the meaning, so use 'subasta' for clarity if there could be ambiguity.
Lock in Auction Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Subasta used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using subasta in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear La pintura fue vendida en una subasta por tres millones de dólares. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
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Common Questions About Auction in Spanish
- What's the difference between subasta and remate?
- Both words mean auction, but 'subasta' is the standard term in Spain and most formal contexts, while 'remate' is preferred in everyday speech in Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, and some other Latin American countries—particularly for livestock and real estate auctions.
- How do you say 'to bid' at an auction in Spanish?
- To bid at an auction is 'pujar' (to bid/raise the price) or 'ofertar' (to make an offer), and a bid itself is 'una puja' or 'una oferta'—the highest bidder is 'el mejor postor'.
- What is a 'casa de subastas'?
- A 'casa de subastas' is an auction house—the company or institution that organizes and conducts auctions, equivalent to firms like Sotheby's or Christie's in the English-speaking world.