Inklingo

How to Say "gift certificate" in Spanish

English → Spanish

cheque

/CHEH-keh//'tʃe.ke/

nounB1general
Use 'cheque regalo' when referring to a gift certificate that functions like a voucher for a specific store or service, often given as a present.
An illustration of a small, brightly colored rectangular paper voucher or discount coupon being held up by two fingers.

Examples

Me dieron un cheque regalo para mi cumpleaños.

I was given a gift certificate for my birthday.

Ganamos un cheque regalo de cincuenta euros para la librería.

We won a fifty-euro gift certificate for the bookstore.

La empresa nos da cheques de comida para el almuerzo.

The company gives us meal vouchers for lunch.

Common Compounds

This meaning almost always appears with another word describing its purpose, like 'regalo' (gift) or 'comida' (food).

vale

/BAH-leh//ˈbale/

nounB1general
Use 'vale' for a voucher, coupon, or discount card, especially when it offers a reduction in price or a special deal rather than a fixed monetary value.
A person's hands holding a paper gift voucher for a coffee shop.

Examples

Tengo un vale de descuento para la próxima compra.

I have a discount voucher for the next purchase.

Tengo un vale de descuento del 20% para esta tienda.

I have a 20% discount voucher for this store.

Me pagó con un vale de comida para el restaurante de la empresa.

He paid me with a meal voucher for the company restaurant.

No tengo dinero ahora, ¿te puedo firmar un vale?

I don't have money right now, can I sign an IOU for you?

It's a Masculine Noun

Even though it ends in '-e', 'vale' is a masculine noun. So, you always say 'un vale' or 'el vale', not 'una vale'.

Cheque vs. Vale

Learners often confuse 'cheque regalo' and 'vale'. Remember that 'cheque regalo' specifically refers to a gift certificate with a monetary value, like a present. 'Vale' is broader and often implies a discount or a coupon rather than a pre-paid amount.

Related Translations

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