What does it mean word for word?
The phrase darme escalofríos literally means 'to give me chills'. It is composed of the verb dar (to give), the indirect object pronoun me (to me) and the noun escalofríos (chills).
Which one should you use?
While darme escalofríos is the default infinitive form, you will often use conjugated versions to describe specific subjects. Use me da escalofríos when a single thing or person creeps you out, and use me dan escalofríos if the things causing the feeling are plural. The base infinitive dar escalofríos is used to express the general action of causing a creepy sensation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase incorporates the indirect object pronoun me to indicate who is receiving the chills. The verb dar must agree with the subject: use the third-person singular me da escalofríos for singular subjects and the third-person plural me dan escalofríos for plural subjects.
How do you pronounce it?
/daɾme eskalofɾios/
Did you know?
- In Spain, you can describe a person or place that gives you 'the creeps' by saying they give you mal rollo, using the word rollo which can also mean a 'boring situation' or a 'roll of film'.
- While escalofríos describes the chills of fear, it is also the standard medical term for the shivering that accompanies a high fever.
- Unlike English, where 'to creep out' is a single phrasal verb, Spanish often requires you to use the verb dar, meaning 'to give', to connect the feeling to the subject.
Examples in context
- La forma en que me mira me causa inquietud.The way he/she looks at me creeps me out
- Sus palabras me dan escalofríos.His/her words creep me out
- La película de terror me pone los pelos de punta.The horror movie creeps me out
- El comportamiento de esa persona me resulta inquietante.That person's behavior creeps me out
- Esa araña gigante me da repelús.That giant spider creeps me out
- Su actitud me da mal rollo.His/her attitude creeps me out
- Esa casa abandonada me pone nervioso/a.That abandoned house creeps me out
- Ver esa película me da cosa.Watching that movie creeps me out
- Esa película suele darme escalofríos.That movie usually creeps me out.
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are visiting an old, abandoned house.
- LucíaMira esas sombras, me empiezan a darme escalofríos.Look at those shadows, they're starting to creep me out.
- MateoSolo es el viento, Lucía, no tengas miedo.It's just the wind, Lucía, don't be afraid.
- LucíaIgual prefiero salir, esto me sigue a darme escalofríos.I'd still prefer to leave, this continues to creep me out.
- MateoEstá bien, Mateo te acompaña a salir ya mismo.Alright, Mateo will accompany you out right now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
