Spanish word

souvenir

Pronunciation

IPA/suβeˈniɾ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounsouvenir

Example

Traje un souvenir de mi viaje.

I brought a souvenir from my trip.

Illustration for souvenir (souvenir)

More examples

¿Dónde compraste ese souvenir?

Where did you buy that souvenir?

Core concept

Small shop-bought trinket from a trip.

Common phrases

  • comprar un souvenir típico

    buy a typical souvenir

  • regalar un souvenir

    give a souvenir

  • tienda de souvenirs

    souvenir shop

Similar words

recuerdo: Personal keepsake that preserves the memory of an event or place.
regalo: Item purchased or chosen to be given to someone as a present.
obsequio: Ceremonial or appreciative gift presented on formal or polite occasions.
artesanía: Handmade craft object created by artisans using traditional techniques.

Definition in Spanish

Objeto pequeño comprado o traído de un viaje como recuerdo personal o para regalar a otras personas.

Word origin

From French souvenir ('memory'), entering Spanish after Old French usage and narrowing to mean a physical memento purchased or brought home from travel.

Usage tips

  • Spanish speakers commonly say comprar un souvenir or traer un souvenir to mean buying or bringing back such trinkets, whereas traer un recuerdo suggests a more personal or sentimental item.

Related words

  • souvenirerosouvenir sellernoun

Word lists with this word