Tips 067: Common Spanish Verbs – 5 Uses For The Word “Dar”

‘Dar’ is one of a small list of common spanish verbs that will have a big impact on your Spanish.

It is another verb that means a lot of different things in a lot of different contexts. Due to this verb’s frequency in the language, it is worth getting to know “dar” a little better.

On today’s podcast, I’m doing another solo round. Which is great because it gives me an opportunity to follow up tip number 51 on the verb “poner“.

In a similar set of phrases to that of “poner”, “dar” provides an opportunity to talk about how certain situations affect our emotions. It’s the translation of “that makes me … sad, happy, nervous, afraid”. In english certain things “make” us feel a certain way, in spanish those things “poner” or “dar” us a certain way.

I’m also going to cover, one of my favourite phrases in Spanish due to it’s poetic feel.

If you have any questions about the use of “dar” let us know in the comments below.

Examples from today’s podcast:

This year I’m going to give more money to charity – Este año voy a dar más dinero a la caridad.

Can you give me some advice? – ¿Me puedes dar un consejo?

It gives me equal (I don’t mind) – Me da igual.

Do you prefer meat or fish – ¿Prefieres la carne o el pescado?

It makes me nervous to speak in public – Me pone nervioso hablar en público.

Fear – Miedo.

I’m afraid to speak in public – Me da miedo hablar en público.

Embarrassment / shame – Vergúenza.

That makes me embarrassed – Me da vergüenza.

What a pity! – ¡Que pena!

I’m sad to leave – Me da pena irme.

It makes me sad to see the old man alone in the park – Me da pena ver al viejo solo en el parque.

To give birth – Dar a luz.

She is about to give birth – Ella está a punto de dar a luz.

To realise something – Darse cuenta de.

I just realised that I have forgot my wallet – Acabo de darme cuenta de que he olvidado mi cartera.

In that moment I realised I had a big problem – En ese momento me di cuenta que tenía un gran problema.

Other episodes mentioned in this podcast:

• 3 Common Ways To Use “Llevar” In A Conversation.
• 3 Spanish Phrases With The Verb ‘Poner’.

Quote for today:

“Pues habían vivido juntos lo bastante para darse cuenta de que el amor era el amor en cualquier tiempo y en cualquier parte, pero tanto más denso cuanto más cerca de la muerte.” – Gabriel García Márquez.

How else can you use “dar” in a conversation?

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