de regalo
/de ɾeɡalo/from spelling rules
The English word "complimentary", meaning free or provided at no charge, is expressed in Spanish as de regalo. Wiktionary also lists de obsequio.
Meaning: free, provided at no charge (adj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| de regalo | /de ɾeɡalo/ (from spelling rules) |
| de obsequio | /de obsekjo/ (from spelling rules) |
In professional settings like hotels or restaurants, you will often see the concept expressed through the noun cortesía, such as in the phrase por cortesía de la casa, which means "complimentary by the house".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase de regalo literally translates to "as a gift" or "of gift".
Which one should you use?
de obsequio is a more formal way to say 'complimentary' than de regalo.
How do you pronounce it?
/de ɾeɡalo/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use the word complimentario. Although it follows English logic, it is not a real word in Spanish. Instead, use de regalo or de cortesía.
Did you know?
- The formal term obsequio comes from the Latin obsequium, which originally meant 'compliance' or 'obedience'. It evolved from the idea of following someone's will to the act of giving a formal gift.
- Receiving a regalo in a professional setting in many Spanish-speaking cultures is often viewed as a way to build a personal relationship.
- In Spanish, the word cortesía relates 'complimentary' items to the concept of social grace and politeness rather than just a business transaction.
Examples in context
- Tienes una sonrisa encantadoraYou have a charming smile
- Tus ojos son hermososYour eyes are beautiful
- Eres muy atractivo/aYou are very attractive
- Estoy orgulloso/a de tiI am proud of you
- Qué logro tan impresionanteWhat an impressive achievement
- Te felicito por tu dedicaciónI congratulate you on your dedication
- El postre es de regalo.The dessert is free.
- Te doy este libro de regalo.I give you this book as a gift.
- Recibieron una botella de vino de regalo.They received a bottle of wine free of charge.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are at a local cafe.
- Alejandro¿Es este café de regalo?Is this coffee free?
- ElenaSí, es de regalo por tu cumpleaños.Yes, it is free because of your birthday.
- Alejandro¡Muchas gracias, Elena!Thank you so much, Elena!
- ElenaDe nada, Alejandro.You're welcome, Alejandro.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “complimentary” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, obsequio, regalo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
