To Go Window Shopping, Showcase Display

[Bobbert]

I learned the phrase "to go window shopping" as "ir/salir de mirar escaparates." But I learned it in Spain and I think that is the wording that is only used in Peninsular Spanish.

How is this said in Mexico?
Ir/salir a mirar vitrinas?
Ir/salir a mirar vidrieras?


I learned that a "showcase display" is an "escaparate." But again I learned the word in Spain.

What is the picture below called in Mexico; a vitrina?
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/82/1a/85/821a8557f33a4535d8399481bba32d94.jpg

[AngelicaDeAlquezar]

I'll reply as I understand these words, and as I've seen them used. Usage and meaning may change from region to region or even people. :thinking:

"Escaparate" is the window outside the store and "aparador" is the display inside the store, without glass. However, both words are often used as synonyms.

"Vitrina" (the one in your photo) is a display case with glass. According to the dictionary, "vitrina" may be a synonym of "vidriera", which is an "escaparate" as well. :blackeye: But we don't use "vidriera" in Mexico, and I've never heard "vitrina" for "escaparate". Normally, "vitrinas" are smaller and not outside.

"Mostrador" is a flat surface where salespeople show you small items and where you pay. It may have a "vitrina" included.

As for how we say "window shopping"... In my family we say "bobear" (like being silly "just looking"), but I think this is idiosyncratic of my family only. No one else I know says that. :lol:
Anyway, I don't think there is actually a verb in Mexico for that. Most people I know would say "ver tiendas". In some regions the verb "mirar" may be more popular, but in my environment we use "ver". Also, we don't say "ir de tiendas"; I think we'd say "ir/salir a ver tiendas".

[Bobbert]

Thank you, AngelicaDeAlquezar.

[poli]

I don't know a term for window shopping, but unlike Mexico and Spain, many
Caribbeans use the word vitrina instead of escaparate. You probably can say
dar un paseo a mirar las vitrinas de los almacenes.

[Bobbert]

Thank you, poli.

[Rusty]

I liked Angelica's bobear, because 'to go window shopping' means to go to a store with no intention of buying anything (whether they have display cases or not, windows or not). But, as she said, it's a term only her family uses.

Maybe there's a universally understood phrase for going shopping, but with no plans to spend any money while out.