The Basic Meaning: To Give
At its core, “dar” means “to give.” This is the most direct and literal translation, and it’s used in the same way as in English when you talk about handing something over to someone.
- Eu vou dar um presente para ela. (I am going to give her a gift.)
- Ele deu o livro ao amigo. (He gave the book to his friend.)
Other Common Meanings and Uses of “Dar”
To Provide or Offer
“Dar” can also mean to provide or offer something. In these cases, the verb is often used with abstract nouns or intangible concepts.
- O professor deu uma explicação clara. (The teacher gave a clear explanation.)
- Ele deu uma resposta rápida. (He gave a quick answer.)
To Produce or Yield
In the context of nature, agriculture, or results, “dar” is used to express the idea of something producing or yielding.
- Essa árvore dá muitos frutos. (This tree yields a lot of fruit.)
- O experimento não deu resultado. (The experiment didn’t yield results.)
To Strike or Hit (in Certain Expressions)
“Dar” sometimes means to hit or strike, particularly in idiomatic expressions.
- Ele deu um tapa na mesa. (He hit the table.)
- Ela deu um soco no ar. (She threw a punch in the air.)
To Happen or Occur
In informal speech, “dar” can indicate that something happened or took place.
- O que deu aqui? (What happened here?)
- Deu confusão na festa. (There was trouble at the party.)
To Result In (Impersonal Expressions)
“Dar” is also used to indicate the outcome or result of something, often with the impersonal “dar certo” (to work out) or “dar errado” (to go wrong).
- Será que isso vai dar certo? (Will this work out?)
- O plano deu errado. (The plan went wrong.)
To Express Time or Distance
In Brazil, it’s common to use “dar” when talking about time or distance, especially informally.
- Daqui até lá, dá uns 10 minutos. (From here to there, it’s about 10 minutes.)
- Da minha casa até o trabalho, dá dois quilômetros. (From my house to work, it’s two kilometers.)
To Allow or Permit
“Dar” can also suggest that something is possible or permitted, often used with “para.”
- Dá para terminar hoje? (Is it possible to finish today?)
- Dá para ouvir daqui. (You can hear it from here.)
Idiomatic Expressions With “Dar”
Portuguese is rich in idiomatic expressions that use “dar.” Mastering these will help you sound more natural and fluent:
- Dar uma olhada – to take a look
- Dar certo – to work out
- Dar errado – to go wrong
- Dar risada – to laugh
- Dar um jeito – to find a way, to fix something
- Dar em cima de alguém – to hit on someone (flirt)
- Dar a volta por cima – to recover, to bounce back
“Dar” in Reflexive and Pronominal Forms
“Dar” can also be used reflexively or pronominally, changing its meaning:
- Se dar bem – to do well, to get along
- Se dar mal – to do poorly, to fail
- Se dar conta (de) – to realize, to notice
Example: Ele se deu bem no exame. (He did well on the exam.)
How to Master “Dar” in Portuguese
Understanding the many meanings of “dar” is key to sounding like a native Portuguese speaker. Here are some tips for mastering this essential verb:
- Pay attention to context – the meaning of “dar” often depends on the words around it.
- Learn common expressions and idioms – these are used in daily conversation.
- Practice with real-life examples and conversations, such as those available on Talkpal’s AI-driven language learning platform.
- Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – using “dar” in different contexts will help you internalize its meanings faster.
Conclusion
The verb “dar” is one of the most versatile and frequently used verbs in Portuguese. Its many meanings—from “to give” to “to happen,” “to hit,” and a host of idiomatic uses—make it essential for effective communication. By studying the examples above and practicing regularly, you’ll be able to use “dar” naturally in your conversations. For more tips and interactive exercises, be sure to check out Talkpal’s resources on learning Portuguese and take your language skills to the next level.
