Learn Spanish (Spain): Compro media docena de huevos.

Compro media docena de huevos.

I buy half a dozen eggs.

Breakdown of Compro media docena de huevos.

Questions & Answers about Compro media docena de huevos.

Why is it media instead of medio?

Media translates to half, and it acts like an adjective here, changing its ending to match the noun it describes. Because docena (dozen) is a feminine noun, you must use media.

Why isn't there a word for 'a' in front of media docena?

In English, we say half a dozen, but in Spanish, you do not use words like un or una before medio or media when talking about half of a noun. You simply say media docena (literally half dozen).

Why do we need the word de before huevos?

In English we just say a dozen eggs, but in Spanish you have to say a dozen of eggs. Whenever you use a grouping or quantity noun like docena (dozen), you must connect it to the specific item using de.

Can compro also mean 'I am buying' in this context?

Yes! In Spanish, the simple present tense like compro is frequently used to express what you are doing right now (I am buying) as well as general habits (I buy). You do not always need to use the present continuous form.