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"Regalo" is a form of "regalo", a noun which is often translated as "present". "Don" is a noun which is often translated as "gift". Learn more about the difference between "don" and "regalo" below.
el don(
dohn
)
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
masculine noun
a. Mr.
Tengo una cita con don Carlos Jiménez a las dos.I have an appointment with Mr. Carlos Jiménez at two.
b. Esq. (in correspondence)
Sr. Don Ángel DomínguezÁngel Domínguez, Esq.
c.
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
no direct translation
Recibí una carta de don Pedro.I received a letter from Peter.
Don Pablo, ya puede pasar al despacho.Pablo, if you'd like to go into the office now, sir.
2.
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
(colloquial)
(before a common noun)
a. Mr.
Regionalism used in the United States
(United States)
¡Mira quién habló, don Perfecto!Look who's talking, Mr. Perfect!
b. Mr
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
(United Kingdom)
Aquí don Videojuegos no aparta los ojos de la pantalla.Mr Videogames here can't take his eyes off the screen.
a. gift
Tiene un don especial para tratar con la gente problemática.She has a special gift for dealing with problematic people.
b. talent
Tiene un don para el violín.She has a special talent for the violin.
4.
A word or phrase restricted in usage to literature or established writing (e.g., sex, once upon a time).
(literary)
(present)
a. gift
Los tres Reyes de Oriente portaban dones para el nuevo Mesías.The Three Kings from the East bore gifts for the new Messiah.
5.
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
(colloquial)
(term of address)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
(Latin America)
a. buddy
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
(colloquial)
Regionalism used in the United States
(United States)
¿En qué puedo servirle, don?How can I help you, buddy?
b. mate
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
(colloquial)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
(United Kingdom)
¿Cuántos quiere, don?How many do you want, mate?
Copyright © 2026 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.
el regalo(
rreh
-
gah
-
loh
)
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
masculine noun
a. present
¡Es hora de abrir los regalos!It's time to open the presents!
b. gift
La empresa donde trabajo suele hacer regalos de Navidad a sus empleados.The company I work for usually gives Christmas gifts to its employees.
2.
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning; metaphorical (e.g., carrot, bean).
(figurative)
(good deal)
a. bargain
La computadora que compré fue un verdadero regalo.The computer I bought was a real bargain.
b. steal
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
(colloquial)
¿Ese tablet solo cuesta $50? ¡Es un regalo!That tablet only costs $50? It's a steal!
3.
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning; metaphorical (e.g., carrot, bean).
(figurative)
(pleasure)
a. delight
Verlo feliz es un regalo para el corazón.Seeing him happy is a delight to the heart.
b. treat
El coro de niños de nuestra ciudad es un regalo para los oídos.Our town's children's choir is a treat to listen to.
a. delicacy
La comida que sirvieron en la boda fue un regalo.The food they served at the wedding was a delicacy.
Copyright © 2026 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.