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gala

gah-lah/ˈɡala/

“gala” means “gala” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

gala

Also: formal event, finery
NounfB1
Elegant people in formal attire dancing in a grand ballroom under a chandelier.

📝 In Action

Asistieron a una gala benéfica para ayudar a los niños.

B1

They attended a charity gala to help the children.

La ciudad se vistió de gala para recibir al presidente.

B2

The city put on its best clothes to welcome the president.

Llevaba un vestido de gala espectacular.

A2

She was wearing a spectacular evening gown.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • sencillez (simplicity)

Common Collocations

  • traje de gala – formal suit / dress uniform
  • noche de gala – gala night
  • vestido de gala – evening gown

Idioms & Expressions

  • vestirse de gala – to dress up very formally or to decorate something beautifully

display

Also: boast
NounfC1formal
An archer hitting the center of a target with an arrow.

📝 In Action

El equipo hizo gala de su gran compañerismo.

C1

The team showed off their great camaraderie.

Hizo gala de una paciencia infinita con los niños.

C1

He displayed infinite patience with the children.

Siempre hace gala de sus conocimientos técnicos.

C2

He is always showing off his technical knowledge.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • alarde (show/boast)
  • ostentación (ostentation)

Antonyms

  • modestia (modesty)
  • discreción (discretion)

Idioms & Expressions

  • hacer gala de – to proudly show or exhibit a quality or virtue

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "gala" in Spanish:

boast→display→finery→formal event→gala→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: gala

Question 1 of 3

What is the best translation for 'traje de gala'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
galante(gallant/courteous) — Adjective
engalanar(to decorate/dress up) — Verb
galantería(gallantry/politeness) — Noun
galanura(grace/elegance) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From the Old French word 'gale', meaning pleasure, rejoicing, or show. It is related to the idea of festive celebration and bright, beautiful clothing.

First recorded: 16th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: galaItalian: galaFrench: gala

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can 'gala' be a man's name?

It is actually a female name in Spanish (most famous for being Salvador Dalí's wife and muse), though it's not very common today.

Is 'gala' always a feminine noun?

Yes, when referring to an event or elegance, you always say 'la gala'.

Is 'gala' related to the apple variety?

Yes! The 'Manzana Gala' (Gala Apple) is a very popular type of apple found in supermarkets everywhere.