presente
/preh-SEN-teh/
present
As an adjective, presente means something is existing now, like this apple.
presente(adjective)
present
?existing now
,current
?as in 'current situation'
here
?physically present
📝 In Action
Necesitamos enfocarnos en la situación presente.
A2We need to focus on the current situation.
La crisis está presente en toda la región.
B1The crisis is present throughout the whole region.
El presidente dijo que el peligro ya no está presente.
B2The president said that the danger is no longer present.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Agrees
As an adjective, 'presente' changes its form slightly to match the noun it describes, though it usually stays 'presente' for both masculine and feminine, singular nouns. For plural nouns, it becomes 'presentes'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing Adjective and Noun
Mistake: "Usar 'presente' como sustantivo sin 'el' (Use 'presente' as a noun without 'el')."
Correction: When talking about the current time, you must use the article 'el': 'El presente es ahora' (The present is now).
⭐ Usage Tips
Reply to a Roll Call
When someone calls your name to check attendance, replying with '¡Presente!' is the polite and standard Spanish way to say 'I'm here!'
Presente can be a noun referring to the current time, or 'the present moment.'
presente(noun)
the present
?the current time
Present Tense
?Grammar concept (El presente de indicativo)
📝 In Action
El pasado se fue, solo tenemos el presente.
A1The past is gone, we only have the present.
Olvídate del futuro y disfruta del presente.
A2Forget about the future and enjoy the present.
💡 Grammar Points
Masculine Noun
Even though 'presente' ends in '-e', when it refers to time, it is always a masculine noun, meaning you must use 'el' before it.
⭐ Usage Tips
Grammar Context
In Spanish classes, you will hear 'el presente' used all the time to refer to the verb tense that describes current actions or habitual facts.
Presente is also the word for a gift or a physical offering.
📝 In Action
Le trajimos un pequeño presente de agradecimiento.
A2We brought him a small token of gratitude.
El presente vino envuelto en un papel brillante.
B1The present came wrapped in shiny paper.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal vs. Informal Gifts
'Presente' often suggests a polite offering or a small, symbolic gift, whereas 'regalo' is the universal word for any type of gift, especially larger ones.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: presente
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'presente' to mean 'the current time'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'presente' (gift) and 'regalo'?
Both mean 'gift' or 'present.' 'Regalo' is the more common and general term for any gift. 'Presente' often implies a small, thoughtful offering or token, especially in slightly more formal contexts.
Is 'presente' only used for time and gifts?
No. Its main meaning is the adjective 'present' or 'current.' When you hear 'presente,' it usually describes something existing right now or attending physically. For example, 'problemas presentes' (current problems).