un regalo para ti
/un ɾeɡalo paɾa ti/from spelling rules
un regalo para ti is the Spanish way to say "a gift for you".
This phrase is used to describe something given to another person without payment. Use the preposition para to indicate the person receiving the gift. If you were to use por instead, it would change the meaning to imply the gift is being given as an exchange or as a reason for something.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of un (a), regalo (gift), para (for) and ti (you).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, when addressing a group of people informally, you should use un regalo para vosotros. In Latin America, un regalo para ustedes is used for both formal and informal plural "you" contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The choice of the pronoun after para depends on whether you are speaking to one person or a group, and the level of formality. For one person informally, use ti. For one person formally, use usted. For a group in Spain, use vosotros (informal) or ustedes (formal). In Latin America, use ustedes for all plural groups.
How do you pronounce it?
/un ɾeɡalo paɾa ti/
Did you know?
- In some regions, the diminutive regalito is used sarcastically to refer to a 'little surprise' that is actually an annoying problem or a nuisance.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, it is customary to open a regalo immediately after receiving it in front of the giver.
- The word regalo shares a common ancestor with the English word 'gala', as both stem from the Old French word 'galer', meaning 'to enjoy oneself'.
Examples in context
- Es un regalo para ti.It's a gift for you.This sentence shows how to state that something is a gift for someone.Tatoeba #1010163 by Shishir, translation #9763033 by megamanenm
- Tengo un regalo para ti.I have a gift for you.This sentence shows how to say you possess a gift for someone.Tatoeba #3300714 by Shishir, translation #2358723 by CK
- Yo olvidé comprar un regalo para ti.I forgot to buy a gift for you.This sentence shows how to say you forgot to purchase a gift for someone.Tatoeba #5428790 by Omnivoro, translation #5428767 by mailohilohi
- Estimado señor, le traigo un obsequio para agradecerle su colaboración en este proyecto.Dear sir, I bring you a gift to thank you for your collaboration on this project.
- ¡Felicidades en tu cumpleaños! Aquí tienes un regalo especial para ti.Congratulations on your birthday! Here's a special gift for you.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier gives Sofía a small box at her birthday party.
- JavierSofía, tengo un regalo para ti.Sofía, I have a gift for you.
- Sofía¿De verdad? ¡Muchas gracias, Javier!Really? Thank you so much, Javier!
- JavierEspero que te guste mucho.I hope you like it a lot.
- SofíaSeguro que sí, eres muy amable.I'm sure I will, you are very kind.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries para, regalo, ti, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
