regalar

reh-gah-LAHRreɡaˈlaɾ

“regalar” means “to give a gift” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

to give a gift🔊A1Verb

presenting someone with a present

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to give away/sell for cheap🔊B2Verb

when a price is so low it feels free

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to give a gift

Also: to treat someone

VerbA1regular ar

A child handing a colorful wrapped gift with a big bow to a smiling friend.

gerundregalando

past Participleregalado

infinitiveregalar

📝 In Action

Mi hermano me regaló un reloj por mi cumpleaños.

My brother gave me a watch for my birthday.

Queremos regalarle algo especial a nuestra profesora.

We want to give our teacher something special.

Siempre nos regalamos libros en Navidad.

We always give each other books at Christmas.

Word Connections

Synonyms

obsequiar (to present/gift)
donar (to donate)

Antonyms

vender (to sell)
quitar (to take away)

Common Collocations

regalar por Navidad – to give for Christmas
regalar flores – to give flowers

Idioms & Expressions

regalar el oído – to flatter someone or say what they want to hear

to give away/sell for cheap

Also: to hand over easily

VerbB2regular arinformal

Latin America

A wooden crate full of ripe red apples with a small pile of coins next to it, suggesting a very low price.

gerundregalando

past Participleregalado

infinitiveregalar

📝 In Action

¡Esta tienda está regalando la ropa!

This store is practically giving the clothes away!

El portero le regaló el balón al delantero.

The goalkeeper handed the ball right to the striker.

Word Connections

Common Collocations

precio de regalo – a bargain price
está regalado – it is a steal / it is very easy

Subjunctive

Imperfect Subjunctive

yoregalara

túregalaras

él/ella/ustedregalara

nosotrosregaláramos

vosotrosregalarais

ellos/ellas/ustedesregalaran

Present Subjunctive

yoregale

túregales

él/ella/ustedregale

nosotrosregalemos

vosotrosregaléis

ellos/ellas/ustedesregalen

Indicative

Preterite

yoregalé

túregalaste

él/ella/ustedregaló

nosotrosregalamos

vosotrosregalasteis

ellos/ellas/ustedesregalaron

Imperfect

yoregalaba

túregalabas

él/ella/ustedregalaba

nosotrosregalábamos

vosotrosregalabais

ellos/ellas/ustedesregalaban

Present

yoregalo

túregalas

él/ella/ustedregala

nosotrosregalamos

vosotrosregaláis

ellos/ellas/ustedesregalan

View All Tenses & Moods →

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: regalar

Question 1 of 3

How do you say 'I gave him a gift' using regalar?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼

regalo(gift/present) — Noun

regalado(given as a gift / very cheap / easy) — Adjective

regalazo(a great gift) — Noun

🎵 Rhymes▼

hablar cantar mar

📚 Etymology▼

From the Spanish word 'gala' (meaning luxury, celebration, or fine dress), originally suggesting a festive treat or luxury provided to someone.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

French: régalerItalian: regalare

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use 'regalar' for giving someone my phone number?

Yes, it is common and sounds very friendly. '¿Me regalas tu número?' sounds softer than '¿Me das tu número?'.

Is 'regalar' a regular verb?

Yes! It follows the standard pattern for all -ar verbs in all tenses.

What is the difference between 'regalar' and 'obsequiar'?

'Obsequiar' is much more formal. You might see it in a news report or formal invitation, while 'regalar' is what everyone uses in daily life.