certificado de regalo
/θeɾtifikado de ɾeɡalo/from spelling rules
In Spanish, the phrase for gift certificate is certificado de regalo.
A certificado de regalo is a noun used to describe a voucher that entitles the bearer to free products or services. You may also use the alternative term vale de regalo to mean the same thing.
Meaning: voucher entitling the bearer to free products or services (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of certificado (certificate) and de regalo (of gift).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, you will hear the expression Certificado de Regalo. In Colombia, people typically use Vale de Regalo or Vale Regalo.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun certificado is masculine, so it is used with the masculine article el to say 'the gift certificate'. To make the phrase plural, only the noun changes to certificados. The prepositional phrase de regalo remains unchanged.
How do you pronounce it?
/θeɾtifikado de ɾeɡalo/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, the word vale is used not just for vouchers, but also as a common way to say 'okay' or 'all right' in conversation.
- The English word 'gala' shares the same root as regalo, coming from the Old French word galer, meaning 'to enjoy oneself'.
- The term vale comes from the verb valer, meaning 'to be worth', effectively describing the certificate as something that 'is worth' a certain amount.
Examples in context
- María me regaló un vale de regalo para la tienda de ropa.María gave me a gift certificate for the clothing store.
- Tengo un certificado de regalo para la tienda.I have a gift certificate for the store.
- ¿Puedo usar este certificado de regalo hoy?Can I use this gift certificate today?
- Ella recibió un certificado de regalo de su abuela.She received a gift certificate from her grandmother.
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are shopping for a birthday present.
- AlejandroMaría, ¿tienes un certificado de regalo?María, do you have a gift certificate?
- MaríaSí, tengo uno en mi bolso.Yes, I have one in my bag.
- AlejandroPerfecto, podemos comprar este libro con él.Perfect, we can buy this book with it.
- MaríaEs una excelente idea, Alejandro.It is an excellent idea, Alejandro.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries certificado, de, regalo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
