(1) REGALO AS GIFT / PRESENT
When we talk about something given to another person -without receiving payment in return- to honor or celebrate them or as a display of affection, we translate “regalo” as “gift” or “present”:
- Los niños tenían muchas ganas de abrir sus regalos de Navidad. The kids were looking forward to opening up their Christmas presents.
- Recibió un auto como regalo de graduación. She got a car as a graduation gift.
(2) REGALO AS BARGAIN
When we use this term to refer to an offer or purchase that is beneficial to us -typically due to its low price, we translate “regalo” as “bargain”:
- Esta chaqueta me costó $10; ¡fue un regalo! This jacket was $10; it was a bargain!
- Nos encanta visitar el mercado de pulgas; puedes encontrar verdaderos regalos. We love visiting the flee market; you can find true bargains.
(3) REGALO AS TREAT
When we use the word “regalo” to refer to something from which we derive pleasure, we use the equivalent “treat” :
- Él es un gran violinista; su música es un regalo para los oídos. He is a great violinist; his music is a treat for the ears.
- Si nos portamos bien cuando visitamos a la abuela, ella nos da un chocolate de regalo. If we behave when we visit Grandma, she gives us chocolabdte as a treat.
