Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| regalo | /reˈɡalo/ | masculine |
| obsequio | /obˈsekjo/ | masculine |
| aguinaldo | /aɡiˈnaldo/ | masculine |
| agasajo | /aɡaˈsaxo/ | masculine |
A gift is something given to another voluntarily and without charge. While regalo is the most common and general term, you might use other words depending on the specific nature of the gift, such as a token of appreciation or a seasonal bonus.
Which one should you use?
Regalo is the standard, everyday word for a gift. Obsequio is a more formal or elegant way to refer to a present, often implying a gift given with special intention or significance. Aguinaldo refers specifically to a traditional Christmas gift or a mandatory year-end bonus given to employees. Agasajo is also a masculine noun in the language. Detallito is used to refer to small gifts or tokens of appreciation.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin American countries, presente can be used as a formal term for a gift, although it primarily means present or attendance. Aguinaldo is the specific term used for the Christmas bonus/gift in many Spanish-speaking countries.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the action of giving something as a gift, use the verb regalar or obsequiar. Note that regalar is specific to gifting, whereas the general verb for 'to give' is dar.
How do you pronounce it?
/reˈɡalo/
When do people say it?
In many Latin American cultures, it is a common belief that giving sharp objects like knives as a gift can sever relationships, so it is often advisable to avoid them. The term aguinaldo is culturally significant as it refers to the mandatory year-end bonus or traditional Christmas gift provided to employees.
Did you know?
- The formal word obsequio comes from the Latin word obsequium, which originally carried the meaning of compliance or submission.
- Because regalar is so versatile, it can also be used to describe giving something away for free that you no longer want, even if it is not a 'gift' in the celebratory sense.
Examples in context
- Es un regalo para ti.It's a gift for you.This sentence shows how to use regalo to say a gift is for someone.Tatoeba #1010163 by Shishir, translation #9763033 by megamanenm
- La vida es un regalo.Life is a gift.This sentence uses regalo to describe life as a gift.Tatoeba #2721848 by cueyayotl, translation #2721768 by Hybrid
- Me encantó el regalo.I loved the gift.This sentence uses regalo to express liking a gift.Tatoeba #8464253 by arh, translation #8480597 by shekitten
- Me complace obsequiarle este presente en agradecimiento por su ayuda.I am pleased to give you this gift as a token of appreciation for your help.
- ¡Mira el regalito que te traje!Look at the little gift I brought you!
- Toma este detallito como muestra de mi cariño.Take this little token as a sign of my affection.
- Este regalo es para ti.This gift is for you.
- Te traje un pequeño obsequio.I brought you a small gift.
- Espero que te guste este presente.I hope you like this present.
- Quisiera darte este detalle como muestra de mi agradecimiento.I would like to give you this token as a sign of my gratitude.
- 181 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo gives Maria a present for her birthday.
- MateoTengo un regalo para ti, María.I have a gift for you, Maria.
- María¡Ay, gracias! ¿Qué es?Oh, thank you! What is it?
- MateoEs un pequeño regalo de cumpleaños.It is a small birthday gift.
- MaríaEres muy amable, Mateo.You are very kind, Mateo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gift” translations and entries regalo, obsequio, aguinaldo, agasajo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries agasajo, aguinaldo, obsequio, regalo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
