¿Me regalas...?
Literal meaning: "Could you gift me...?"
What does it mean?
"¿Me regalas...?" is a Mexican politeness convention that confuses other Spanish speakers: it literally means "could you gift me?" but Mexicans use it as a polite "could you give/hand me?". Asking for a napkin, a pen, a bag at the store — Mexicans soften the request by phrasing it as a gift. The shopkeeper isn't giving you a free pen; they're handing it to you. The word "regalar" is just the politeness frame.
How to use it
Universally polite Mexican phrasing. Works in stores, restaurants, with strangers, with friends. Visitors who say "¿me das...?" (the direct form) aren't wrong — but "¿me regalas...?" sounds warmer and more Mexican.
Example sentences
Could you give me a napkin?
¿Me regalas una servilleta?
Could I have a bag, please?
¿Me regala una bolsa, por favor?
Could you give me a moment?
¿Me regalas un momentito?
Related phrases
More mexico-everyday phrases
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