What does it mean word for word?
The word dame is a combination of the imperative form of the verb dar (to give) and the indirect object pronoun me (to me), literally meaning 'give me'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
dame is the standard way to say 'gimme' in an informal, direct manner. For highly polite situations, you can use the phrase Sería tan amable de darme, which translates to 'Would you be so kind as to give me'. Another informal option for requesting objects is Pásame, which means 'pass me'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions, particularly Colombia, the phrase Me regalas is used to ask someone to 'give' you something. It literally translates to 'will you gift me'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form dame is the informal singular imperative, used when speaking to one person whom you address as 'tú'.
How do you pronounce it?
/dame/
Did you know?
- In Colombia, you can use the phrase Me regalas to ask for something you intend to pay for, such as a coffee or a soda. While it literally translates to 'will you gift me', it is a common, polite way to request a purchase.
- In certain contexts, dame functions as a homonym for the English word 'dame' but has absolutely no linguistic connection to titles of nobility.
- Using dame with a stranger or an elder in many Spanish-speaking cultures can come across as unintentionally rude or aggressive because it is strictly reserved for those addressed as tú.
Examples in context
- Dame algo para escribir.Gimme something to write on.This sentence is useful for requesting something to write on.Tatoeba #994085 by hayastan, translation #413331 by blay_paul
- Dame un pedazo de esa cosa de ahí para que pueda probarla.Gimme a piece of that thingy over there so I can try it.This sentence is useful for requesting a piece of something to try.Tatoeba #9370752 by ignacio, translation #9370767 by DJ_Saidez
- Dame un minuto.Gimme a minute.This sentence is useful for requesting a minute of someone's time.Tatoeba #500501 by djmalaga, translation #1453442 by Spamster
- Dame un trozo de pastel, por favorGive me a piece of cake, please
- Pásame el control remotoPass me the remote control
- ¿Me regalas un poco de azúcar, por favor?Can you give me a bit of sugar, please?
Example conversation
At a cafe, Sofía is looking for her wallet.
- AlejandroSofía, ¿tienes mi cartera?Sofía, do you have my wallet?
- SofíaNo, pero dame un segundo para buscarla.No, but gimme a second to look for it.
- AlejandroEstá bien, búscala con calma.It's okay, look for it calmly.
- Sofía¡Aquí está, Alejandro!Here it is, Alejandro!
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
