comprador

American  

[kom-pruh-dawr] / ˌkɒm prəˈdɔr /

Or compradore

noun

1. (formerly in China) a local agent or factotum, as of a foreign business house.

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comprador British  

/ ˌkɒmprəˈdɔː /

noun

1. (formerly in China and some other Asian countries) a native agent of a foreign enterprise

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Etymology

Origin of comprador

First recorded in 1605–15; from Portuguese: literally, “buyer” from Latin comparātor, equivalent to comparā(re) “to furnish, provide, prepare” ( see com-, prepare) + -tor -tor

Example Sentences

Según cuenta la leyenda, frotar un boleto contra la figurita de un pájaro cantor que hay dentro de la tienda aumentará las posibilidades de que el comprador cobre el premio.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 24, 2025

La heredera de Fórmula Uno, Petra Ecclestone, y un comprador misterioso hicieron historia este mes con la venta récord de $119.75 millones de “The Manor” en Holmby Hills.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 24, 2019

Their comprador, or Chinese purchaser, who acted also as interpreter, having landed to make arrangements, the boats proceeded higher up the river on an exploring expedition.

From The Three Midshipmen by Prout, Victor

The exporters are missionaries and foreigners who make no effort to buy from the farmers, for the tradesman, or comprador, can get the nuts at a better figure than can the foreigners.

From Northern Nut Growers Association Report of the Proceedings at the Fourteenth Annual Meeting Washington D.C. September 26, 27 and 28 1923 by Northern Nut Growers Association

Having seen our effects disposed of, we set out for our quarters in the New City, attended by the Bengalese comprador who was to serve as guide and purveyor-general during our stay in the island.

From Lippincott's Magazine of Popular Literature and Science, Vol. 12, No. 32, November, 1873 by Various