Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| presente | /pɾeˈzẽ.t͡ʃi/ (Brazil) /pɾɨˈzẽ.tɨ/ (Portugal) |
masculine |
| prenda | /ˈpɾẽ.dɐ/ (Brazil) /ˈpɾẽ.dɐ/ (Portugal) |
feminine |
The primary way to express the concept of a gift, something given voluntarily and without charge, is through the word presente. Other terms exist depending on the nuance, such as mimo for a gift given out of affection or special attention and presentinho for a small or cute gift. While presente is common and versatile, you may also encounter dádiva, which refers to a gift signifying an act of generosity or goodwill.
Which one should you use?
While presente is the most versatile and common term, prenda is used specifically for a gift in Portugal. In Brazil, however, prenda is more frequently used to mean a trick or a prank. For a more formal or specific way to express the action of giving a gift, you can use the verb presentear instead of the more general phrase dar um presente.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Portugal, the word lembrança is often used to describe a souvenir or a token of remembrance. Additionally, as noted, prenda is a common way to say gift in Portugal, whereas in Brazil it often refers to a prank.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Note that presente is a homonym. In addition to meaning a gift, it can also mean being physically in attendance, such as in the phrase Estou presente (I am present).
How do you pronounce it?
The word presente is pronounced /pɾeˈzẽ.tʃi/. It has three syllables, and the stress is on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- The word prenda shares a common Latin ancestor with the English word 'pledge', as it originally referred to something held as a guarantee.
- The Portuguese word for a small, affectionate gift, mimo, is also used to describe a person or thing that is particularly cute or charming.
- In certain contexts, the word prenda can also mean a prize or an award, such as in a competition.
Examples in context
- Não é um presente.It's not a gift.This sentence uses presente to negate the idea of something being a gift.Tatoeba #4721895 by ajdavidl, translation #2649000 by CK
- Isto é um presente.This is a gift.This sentence uses presente to identify an object as a gift.Tatoeba #6567536 by bill, translation #2549623 by CK
- Esse é o seu presente.That's your gift.This sentence uses presente to indicate possession of a gift.Tatoeba #4633623 by KimiP, translation #3728123 by CM
- Eu comprei um presente para vocêI bought a gift for you
- Ele deu uma dádiva a seu mentorHe gave a gift to his mentor
- Que presentinho delicado!What a delicate little gift!
- Ela adorou o mimo que ganhouShe loved the gift she received
- 171 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Beatriz are at a birthday party.
- GabrielBeatriz, eu tenho um presente para você.Beatriz, I have a gift for you.
- BeatrizSério? Muito obrigada, Gabriel!Really? Thank you so much, Gabriel!
- GabrielDe nada. Espero que você goste.You're welcome. I hope you like it.
- BeatrizEu tenho certeza que vou amar.I am sure I will love it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gift” translations and entries presente, prenda, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries prenda, presente, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
