regalo
“regalo” means “gift” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
gift, present
Also: bargain, treat
📝 In Action
Recibí un regalo muy bonito para mi cumpleaños.
A1I received a very nice gift for my birthday.
Gracias por el regalo, ¡me encanta!
A1Thanks for the present, I love it!
Este abrigo por veinte euros fue un verdadero regalo.
B1This coat for twenty euros was a real bargain.
Hoy me doy un regalo: una tarde sin hacer nada.
B2Today I'm giving myself a treat: an afternoon of doing nothing.
I give (as a gift)
Also: I give away
📝 In Action
Yo te regalo este libro porque ya lo leí.
A2I'm giving you this book because I already read it.
Siempre regalo chocolates para el Día de San Valentín.
A2I always give chocolates as a gift for Valentine's Day.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: regalo
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'regalo' to mean an action (something someone is doing)?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word 'regalo' comes from the verb 'regalar', which originally meant 'to entertain' or 'to please'. It's connected to the old idea of giving a 'regal' gift, something fit for a king (or 'rey' in Spanish).
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'regalo' and 'presente'?
They are very similar and most of the time you can use either one! 'Regalo' is generally more common in everyday conversation. Think of them like 'gift' and 'present' in English – they mean the same thing, but you might use them in slightly different situations.
Can a 'regalo' be something that isn't a physical object?
Absolutely! A 'regalo' can be an experience, a kind word, or a nice gesture. For example, you could say 'Pasar tiempo contigo es un regalo' (Spending time with you is a gift).

