Portuguese learners, take note: The verb dar is not only versatile but also notorious for its irregular conjugation patterns, playing a pivotal role in countless Portuguese idiomatic expressions. For learners eager to elevate their language skills, mastering the various uses of dar is not just beneficial—it’s essential. In this Portuguese lesson, we dive into three incredibly useful Brazilian Portuguese expressions with dar. Incorporating these expressions into your vocabulary will not only enhance your conversational fluency but also help you sound more like a native speaker.
3 Must-Know Brazilian Portuguese Expressions with Dar
1) Dar certo (to work out)
Dar certo is commonly used to describe plans or actions that succeed or go according to plan. Here’s how you can use it:
Example 1:
Sílvia: Tenho uma reunião na sexta com um cliente muito exigente.
Paulo: Você precisa se preparar bem. Improvisar nunca dá certo.
Translation:
Sílvia: I have a meeting on Friday with a very demanding client.
Paulo: You need to prepare well. Improvising never works out.
Example 2:
Paulo: E aí, como foi a reunião ontem? Deu tudo certo?
Sílvia: Deu certo, sim. Fechei o negócio.
Translation:
Paulo: So, how was the meeting yesterday? Did everything work out?
Sílvia: Yes, it worked out fine. I closed the deal.
Example 3:
Paulo: Amanhã começo no novo trabalho. Estou meio nervoso.
Sílvia: Vai dar tudo certo.
Translation:
Paulo: Tomorrow I start at the new job. I’m kind of nervous.
Sílvia: Everything will work out fine.
Need to practice the conjugation of Dar? Do these practice exercises 💪🏼
2) Dar pra trás (to back out, to chicken out)
The expression dar pra trás is used when someone decides not to follow through with a previously agreed plan or action.
Example 1:
Carla: Quando vocês viajam?
Maria: Não vamos mais viajar. João deu pra trás na última hora.
Carla: Que pena. Sinto muito.
Maria: É sempre assim. A gente combina tudo e, no fim, João dá pra trás.
Translation:
Carla: When do you guys travel?
Maria: We are not going to travel anymore. João changed his mind and quit at the last minute.
Carla: What a shame. I’m sorry.
Maria: It’s always the same. We plan everything, and at the end João chickens out.
Example 2:
Roberto: E então, você vai investir naquele novo projeto de startup?
Fernanda: Eu estava animada, mas acabei dando pra trás. Parece arriscado demais no momento.
Translation:
Roberto: So, are you going to invest in that new startup project?
Fernanda: I was excited, but I ended up backing out. It seems too risky right now.
3. Dar uma mão/Dar uma mãozinha (to give a hand, to lend a hand)
Whether it’s physical or figurative assistance, dar uma mão is all about helping someone out.
Example 1:
Marta: Essa caixa é muito pesada para eu carregar. Você pode me dar uma mão?
Translation:
Marta: This box is too heavy for me to carry. Can you give me a hand?
Example 2:
Luciana: Eu estava sem ideias para escrever este exemplo. Por sorte, Carl me deu uma mãozinha.
Translation:
Luciana: I was out of ideas to write this example. Luckily, Carl gave me a hand.
By familiarizing yourself with these expressions, you’ll be able to enrich your conversations and convey your thoughts more naturally in Brazilian Portuguese.
Ready to practice? Let’s integrate these into your daily language use and watch your fluency soar!
Learn even more expressions with DAR, FAZER, and QUERER 🚀
Build your Brazilian Portuguese with flashcards that use the verbs dar, fazer, and querer in full sentences.
Not just any sentences. You’ll grow your vocabulary and your ability to express yourself with Brazilian expressions that come up all the time in conversation, but don’t translate word for word.
Learn how to say more and say it naturally in Brazilian Portuguese.
How these flashcards help you grow your Portuguese:
✅ Absorb dozens of Brazilian expressions you can’t translate literally
✅ Learn practical vocabulary you’ll actually use in real-life conversations
✅ Practice the verbs dar, fazer, and querer in the present and past tense through full sentences
✅ Expand your ability to say more, and to say it clearly, naturally, and in context
✅ Feel more confident putting sentences together with better structure and flow
Go much further with DAR, FAZER, and QUERER 🇧🇷
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