presente

Presente is a term used in Romance languages, notably Portuguese, Spanish, and Italian. It covers two broad senses: the temporal present—the moment that is happening now—and the present tense in grammar. In Portuguese, presente also serves as a common noun meaning a gift or present; in Spanish and Italian, the usual word for a gift is regalo. The word ultimately derives from Latin praesens, meaning being at hand or present.

Etymology: The form comes from Latin praesens, praesent-, the present participle of praeesse, meaning to be at hand. Across the Romance languages, the core sense of being present in time or in language use is retained, while some languages extend the word to other domains related to immediacy or availability.

Portuguese usage: In Portuguese, presente denotes both the present moment and the present tense (presente do indicativo). It also means a tangible gift: “um presente.” Examples: “No presente momento estou estudando,” and “Vou te dar um presente.” The noun for “gift” is commonly used in everyday speech and is independent of tense references.

Spanish and Italian usage: In Spanish, presente denotes the present moment and the present indicative tense (el presente; presente de indicativo). The standard word for a gift is regalo. In Italian, presente similarly refers to the present time and the present tense (presente indicativo), while the usual term for a gift is regalo. Although both languages share the present-time sense, they do not typically use presente to mean gift.

See also: Present (time), Present tense, Gift (regalo, regalo).