regalo
/reˈɡa.lo/masculine
The English word 'gift' can be translated into Italian using regalo, dono or presente.
Meaning: something given to another voluntarily, without charge (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| regalo | /reˈɡa.lo/ | masculine |
| dono | /ˈdo.no/ | masculine |
| presente | /preˈzɛn.te/ | masculine |
The term refers to something given to another voluntarily and without charge. If you wish to express the action of giving something as a gift, you can use the verb regalare, while the verb donare is used for more formal acts such as donating money to charity or blood.
Which one should you use?
regalo is the most common, everyday word used for a gift or a present. In contrast, dono is a more formal term that often implies a significant, solemn or symbolic gift, such as a donation or a natural talent.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
All three forms provided, regalo, dono and presente, are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of regalo is /reˈɡa.lo/. It has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italy, it is a social faux pas to give a regalo consisting of a number of flowers that is even, as odd numbers are traditionally preferred for bouquets.
- Because regalo has roots in the French word régal, it is etymologically linked to the idea of a 'treat' or something delicious to eat.
- When giving a regalo for a wedding, Italians often provide a lista nozze or a cash gift in a white envelope, as large physical gifts are less common.
Examples in context
- Non è un regalo.It's not a gift.The sentence is useful for practicing the negation of regalo.Tatoeba #3010650 by Guybrush88, translation #2649000 by CK
- È il tuo regalo.That's your gift.The sentence shows how to indicate ownership of a regalo.Tatoeba #4465138 by Guybrush88, translation #3728123 by CM
- Un regalo per te.A gift for you.The sentence demonstrates how to express a gift intended for someone using regalo.Tatoeba #6875853 by Guybrush88, translation #6815254 by Eccles17
- Grazie per il tuo regaloThank you for your gift
- Ho comprato un regalo per il mio capoI bought a gift for my boss
- Mi è stato offerto un dono molto generosoI was offered a very generous gift
- Ho portato un dono per il matrimonioI brought a gift for the wedding
- 647 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo and Giulia are celebrating a birthday at home.
- MatteoGiulia, ho un regalo per te.Giulia, I have a gift for you.
- GiuliaDavvero? Grazie mille, Matteo!Really? Thank you so much, Matteo!
- MatteoSpero che questo regalo ti piaccia.I hope you like this gift.
- GiuliaNon vedo l'ora di aprirlo.I can't wait to open it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gift” translations and entries regalo, dono, presente, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dono, presente, regalo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
