Inklingo

How to Say "present" in Spanish

English → Spanish

presente

preh-SEN-teh/pɾeˈsente/

adjectiveA1general
Use this when referring to something that exists or is happening right now, in the current moment.
A bright red apple resting clearly on a simple wooden table, emphasizing its existence right now.

Examples

Necesitamos enfocarnos en la situación presente.

We need to focus on the current situation.

La crisis está presente en toda la región.

The crisis is present throughout the whole region.

El presidente dijo que el peligro ya no está presente.

The president said that the danger is no longer present.

Le trajimos un pequeño presente de agradecimiento.

We brought him a small token of gratitude.

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'.

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).

regalo

/rreh-GAH-loh//reˈɣa.lo/

nounA1general
Use this when referring to a gift, especially one given for a birthday, holiday, or as a token of appreciation.
A brightly wrapped, square gift box tied with a large red ribbon and bow, signifying a present.

Examples

Recibí un regalo muy bonito para mi cumpleaños.

I received a very nice gift for my birthday.

Gracias por el regalo, ¡me encanta!

Thanks for the present, I love it!

Este abrigo por veinte euros fue un verdadero regalo.

This coat for twenty euros was a real bargain.

It's a Masculine Word

Even though you give it to a man or a woman, the word 'regalo' itself is always masculine. So, you'll always say 'el regalo' (the gift) or 'un regalo' (a gift).

Describing the Gift

Mistake: “Compré una regalo bonita.”

Correction: Compré un regalo bonito. Because 'regalo' is masculine, any word that describes it (like 'bonito' for 'pretty') also needs to be in its masculine form.

asistente

/ah-sees-TEN-teh//a.sisˈten.te/

adjectiveB1formal
Use this to describe someone who is physically present or attending an event.
A simple colorful illustration of three people sitting around a small conference table, all paying attention to something in front of them, indicating they are attending a meeting.

Examples

Se agradece la presencia de todos los miembros asistentes.

The presence of all attending members is appreciated.

La junta directiva, en su mayoría asistente, aprobó la propuesta.

The board of directors, mostly present, approved the proposal.

Always Follows the Noun

When used as an adjective, 'asistente' almost always comes after the noun it describes, like 'los estudiantes asistentes' (the attending students).

corriente

koh-rree-EN-teh/koˈrjente/

adjectiveB2general
Use this to describe something that is current, happening now in time, often referring to a month or day.
A close-up of a child's hand actively holding a paintbrush, applying bright red paint to a canvas, emphasizing the present moment.

Examples

El mes corriente finaliza el jueves.

The current month ends on Thursday.

Necesito revisar mi cuenta corriente.

I need to check my current account (checking account).

Time Marker

When used for time ('mes corriente'), it is placed after the noun, just like most descriptive Spanish adjectives.

Gift vs. Current

Learners often confuse 'presente' (gift) with 'presente' (current) or 'corriente' (current). Remember that 'regalo' is specifically for a gift, while 'presente' (adjective) and 'corriente' refer to what is happening now. 'Presente' (adjective) is more general, while 'corriente' often refers to time periods.

Related Translations

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