This is for you
in SpanishEsto es para ti
/EHS-toh ehs PAH-rah tee/
The most common and natural way to hand someone a gift or an object when you are on friendly terms.
Handing someone a gift is the perfect time to use 'Esto es para ti' or 'Esto es para usted'.
💬Other Ways to Say It
Esto es para usted
/EHS-toh ehs PAH-rah oos-TEHD/
The polite version used with elders, bosses, or people you don't know well.
Es para ti
/ehs PAH-rah tee/
A shorter, punchier version that drops the word 'this'.
Esto es para ustedes
/EHS-toh ehs PAH-rah oos-TEH-dehs/
The plural version used when giving something to a group of people.
Esto es para vosotros
/EHS-toh ehs PAH-rah boh-SOH-trohs/
The informal plural version used specifically in Spain.
Toma, para ti
/TOH-mah PAH-rah tee/
Literally 'Take [this], for you'.
Esto es para vos
/EHS-toh ehs PAH-rah bohs/
Uses 'vos' instead of 'ti' for the word 'you'.
Un detallito para ti
/oon deh-tah-YEE-toh PAH-rah tee/
Literally 'A little detail for you'.
🔑Key Words
Key Words to learn:
📊Quick Comparison
Choose the right version of 'you' based on who you are talking to and where you are.
| Phrase | Formality | Best For | Avoid When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Esto es para ti | Informal | Friends, siblings, and people your age. | Talking to a judge, a doctor, or an elderly person you just met. |
| Esto es para usted | Formal | Bosses, teachers, or strangers. | Talking to your young children or very close best friend. |
| Esto es para ustedes | Neutral | Any group of 2+ people in Latin America. | Addressing only one person. |
📈Difficulty Level
Very straightforward. Most words are pronounced exactly as they look to an English speaker.
The main hurdle is choosing the correct version of 'you' (ti vs usted) and using 'para' instead of 'por'.
Understanding the 'usted' vs 'ti' social boundary is the only real trick here.
Key Challenges:
- Distinguishing between para and por
- Selecting the correct level of formality
💡Examples in Action
Feliz cumpleaños, esto es para ti.
Happy birthday, this is for you.
Traje café. Es para usted, jefe.
I brought coffee. It's for you, boss.
Toma, un detallito que compré en el viaje.
Here, a little something I bought on the trip.
Espero que les guste el pastel, esto es para ustedes.
I hope you all like the cake, this is for you.
🌍Cultural Context
The Power of 'Un Detallito'
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, calling a gift 'un detallito' (a little detail) is a way to show modesty. It suggests that the thought behind the gift is more important than the cost of the item itself.
Gift Etiquette
When saying 'Esto es para ti', it is common to receive the gift and open it immediately in front of the giver. This shows appreciation and allows the giver to see your reaction.
Physical Contact
Handing over a gift is often accompanied by a light touch on the arm or, among friends, a 'beso' (a kiss on the cheek) or a hug. The phrase is rarely said with physical distance.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Por' instead of 'Para'
Mistake: "Esto es por ti."
Correction: Esto es para ti.
The 'Este' vs 'Esto' Trap
Mistake: "Este es para ti (when pointing to an unknown object)."
Correction: Esto es para ti.
Confusing 'Ti' and 'Tu'
Mistake: "Esto es para tu."
Correction: Esto es para ti.
💡Pro Tips
Add a Verb for Impact
Using 'Ten' (Hold/Take) or 'Toma' (Take) before the phrase makes you sound much more like a native speaker. It's more active and helpful than just stating who the object belongs to.
Choose your 'You' carefully
When in doubt, use 'usted' with anyone significantly older than you to avoid appearing overly familiar or disrespectful.
🗺️Regional Variations
Mexico
Mexicans love using diminutives like 'regalito' or 'detallito' to sound extra friendly and polite.
Spain
In Spain, 'Toma' is extremely common and not considered rude; it's just a direct way to offer something.
Argentina
The use of 'vos' is universal in Argentina for informal situations.
💬What Comes Next?
They receive the gift and say thank you
¡Muchas gracias! No tenías que molestarte.
Thank you so much! You shouldn't have gone to the trouble.
No es nada, espero que te guste.
It's nothing, I hope you like it.
They are surprised by the gesture
¿En serio? ¿Para mí?
Really? For me?
Sí, lo vi y me acordé de ti.
Yes, I saw it and thought of you.
🧠Memory Tricks
Think of the word PARA as 'PAR-cel'. You use PARA when you are delivering a parcel (a gift) to someone.
🎯Your Learning Path
➡️ Learn Next:
De nada
It's the natural response if they thank you for the gift.
Feliz cumpleaños
Common context for giving someone something.
Me gusta
To explain why you chose the gift or to understand their reaction.
✏️Test Your Knowledge
💡 Quick Quiz: This is for you
Question 1 of 2
You are giving a souvenir to your boss. Which phrase should you use?
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I use 'esto' vs 'este'?
Use 'esto' when you are just saying 'this' in a general sense. Use 'este' only if you follow it with a masculine noun, like 'este regalo' (this gift).
Is it rude to just say 'Es para ti' without the 'Esto'?
Not at all! In fact, it's very common and sounds very natural in casual conversation.
Do I need to say 'ti' or 'tú'?
After the word 'para', you must use 'ti'. Saying 'para tú' is a common beginner mistake and sounds incorrect to native ears.
How do I say 'This is for you' to a group of people in Spain?
In Spain, you would say 'Esto es para vosotros' if you are being informal with the group.
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