The verb Dar is extremely useful because we use it in so many colloquial expressions in Brazilian Portuguese.

Today you will learn how to use the expression Dar-se bem with two different meanings: to get along well with someone and to do well in something. You will likely find yourself using these expressions quite often once you become familiar with them.

Notice that the verb is used with the reflexive pronoun in these expressions. Check out this other lesson in which I teach you about reflexive verbs.

1. Dar-se bem = to get along well

Here are examples of the expression in use:

1. A gente se dá bem. = We get along well.

2. Paco e Luca se dão super bem. = Paco and Cuca get along really well.

3. Ângelo e João não se dão muito bem. = Ângelo and João don’t get along very well.

Where to place the pronoun?

You might be wondering why I am placing the reflexive pronoun in front of the verb. This is the preferred form in Brazil. Learn more about the pronoun placement here.

What preposition to use?

The sentences above don’t need a preposition but, depending on how you build your sentence, you will need the preposition com. Here are examples:

1. Paco se dá super bem com Luca. = Paco gets along really well with Cuca.

2. Eu me dou bem com todo mundo no trabalho. = I get along well with everyone at work.

2. Dar-se bem = to do well

You can also use the expression Dar-se bem to say that someone did well or was successful in a certain situation.

Example:

1. João se deu bem: ele vendeu o negócio dele por uma fortuna.

= João did well: He sold his business for a fortune.

What preposition to use?

Depending on how you build your sentence, you will need the preposition em or one of its contractions (na, no, nas, nos).

Here are examples:

1) Me dei bem na entrevista. = I did well in the interview.

2) Você acha que se deu bem nas provas? = Do you think that you did well in the exams?

Avoid this common mistake

A literal translation of “to do well” will not work well here. Avoid saying “fiz bem na entrevista”. It’s incorrect. Say it like a Brazilian using Dar-se bem.

The Opposite of Dar-se bem: Dar-se mal

Here are examples:

1. Milena se deu mal na entrevista. = Milena did poorly in the interview.
2. Acho que me dei mal na prova. = I think I did poorly on the test.

The Verb Dar

Dar is an irregular verb. In fact, it has a pretty strange conjugation and most learners find it challenging. I encourage you to learn the conjugation of Dar because we use this verb in a great number of everyday, colloquial expressions. I have a flashcard app for Android devices that will help you practice the present and past tenses of irregular verbs Dar and Fazer. Get the app here.

Practice is the Key to Fluency

Don’t let verb conjugations or colloquial expressions intimidate you. All we need to speak a foreign language with ease is practice. Street Smart Brazil offers one-on-one Brazilian Portuguese lessons via Skype. You can learn from anywhere. Book a Trial Lesson to practice with our amazing instructors.

This article was originally posted in May 2013 and has been revamped to include additional examples and the video lesson.