プレゼント

• Reading: プレゼント
• Romaji: purezento
• Pronunciation: /pɯ.ɾe.zeɴ.to/

Meaning

A present; a gift. Also used as a verb meaning to give a present.

A loanword from English 'present.' Functions as a noun and する verb. More commonly used for personal, casual gift-giving occasions (birthdays, Christmas) compared to the more formal 贈り物. プレゼントする means to give someone a gift.

Examples

1. 誕生日にプレゼントをもらいました。 I received a present for my birthday.
2. 彼女にプレゼントを何にするか迷っています。 I can't decide what to get her as a present.
3. 母の日に花をプレゼントするつもりです。 I'm planning to give my mom flowers for Mother's Day.

Usage Guide

Context: celebrations, shopping, relationships

Tone: warm

Origin & History

Borrowed from English 'present' (gift). Entered Japanese during the post-war period along with many other English loanwords related to Western customs and celebrations.

Cultural Context

Era: Post-war

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal