regalarle

Regalarle is a Spanish verbal construction formed by the verb regalar (to give as a gift) combined with the indirect object pronoun le, which marks the recipient. The infinitive form regala rle is commonly used to indicate the act of giving something to someone as a present, as in regalarle un libro or regalarle algo.

Grammar and usage notes: when a sentence with regalar includes both a direct object (the thing given) and the indirect object pronoun, Spanish typically replaces le with se before a direct object pronoun to avoid le lo or le la sequences. This yields forms such as regalárselo, regalándoselo, or regalándosela, depending on gender and number of the items and the tense. Examples include: Quiero regalarle un libro a mi amigo. Le voy a regalar un detalle. Voy a regalárselo mañana. Se lo voy a regalar.

Regalarle can be contrasted with other expressions: regalar (to give as a gift) is the general verb; obsequiar is a more formal or ceremonial option; dar is broader and may not imply gifting. The phrase is widely used across Spanish-speaking regions, with the same core meaning, though stylistic preferences may vary.

Related terms: regalo (gift, the noun), regalar (to give as a gift), obsequiar (to present as a gift). The construction regalarselo (or regalárselo) is a common example of Spanish clitic doubling, illustrating how indirect and direct object pronouns combine with the verb to convey recipient and item.