Subasta refers to a public sale in which goods or property are sold to the highest bidder. The term is commonly used in contexts related to commerce, law, and economics. In Spanish, it is often used to describe different types of auctions, such as art auctions, real estate auctions, or charity auctions.
The frequency of use is relatively high in both written and oral contexts, especially in discussions about property sales, economic transactions, and legal matters. It is particularly common in industries that involve marketing, real estate, or public sales.
La subasta de arte se llevará a cabo el próximo mes.
The art auction will take place next month.
He participado en varias subastas online para comprar antigüedades.
I have participated in several online auctions to buy antiques.
La subasta pública de propiedades comenzará a las diez de la mañana.
The public auction of properties will start at ten in the morning.
In Spanish, subasta is frequently found in several idiomatic expressions. Here are a few:
Venderse como pan caliente en una subasta
To sell like hotcakes at an auction.
This expression means that something is selling very quickly and is highly desirable.
Dejar a alguien en la subasta
To leave someone at the auction.
This expression implies abandoning someone or leaving them behind in a situation, often in a competitive context.
Apuestar en la subasta
To bid at the auction.
This is used to indicate participation in a competitive scenario, often used metaphorically in negotiations or confrontations.
Subastar esperanzas
To auction hopes.
This expression is used when discussing giving up on certain expectations or dreams, indicating a surrendering of aspirations.
El mejor postor en la subasta
The highest bidder at the auction.
Used to describe competitive situations where the best offer wins, often beyond just auctions.
The word subasta derives from the Latin term subhasta, which means "set under the hammer," referring to the practice of selling goods through bidding. It is related to the term "hasta," which means "hammer," used in traditional auction practices.
Synonyms: - Licitación (bidding) - Remate (sale or auction)
Antonyms: - Compra directa (direct purchase) - Venta fija (fixed sale)