What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb dar (to give) and the noun retroalimentación (feedback/re-feeding).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
You can use more formal options such as Brindar comentarios or Proporcionar retroalimentación in professional settings. In many professional and tech-oriented environments, it is common to use the English loanword in the phrase dar feedback. In less formal settings, English speakers might say dar retroalimentación when a native speaker would more naturally say dar comentarios (to give comments). If you are seeking feedback informally, you might use Echar un vistazo y decirme qué piensas (take a look and tell me what you think) or Decirme qué te parece (tell me what you think).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, dar retroalimentación is commonly used instead of proporcionar retroalimentación.
How does it change in a sentence?
When specifying the recipient of the feedback, you must use the preposition a before the person, such as in dar retroalimentación a alguien. The noun retroalimentación is feminine, so any accompanying adjectives must be in the feminine form, for example una retroalimentación constructiva (constructive feedback).
How do you pronounce it?
/daɾ ɾetɾoalimentaθjon/
Did you know?
- Spanish uses the verb dar (to give) for feedback, but for more formal professional interactions, they often switch to brindar. While brindar can mean 'to give', it is also the specific verb used for 'making a toast' with glasses.
- While retroalimentación is used for professional feedback, the root word alimentación refers to the biological process of eating and nutrition. Literally, giving feedback in Spanish is described as 're-feeding' someone.
- The word retroalimentación is actually a linguistic mirror of the English word 'feedback', created by combining the prefix 'retro-' with 'alimentación' to translate the concept directly.
Examples in context
- Envié el informe y estaré encantado de brindar comentarios adicionales si es necesario.I have sent the report, and I would be delighted to provide additional feedback if needed.
- Acabo de terminar mi proyecto. ¿Podrías echarle un vistazo y decirme qué piensas?I just finished my project. Could you take a look and tell me what you think?
- El jefe debe dar retroalimentación a su equipo.The boss must give feedback to his team.
- ¿Puedes dar retroalimentación sobre mi presentación?Can you give feedback on my presentation?
- Es importante dar retroalimentación para mejorar el proceso.It is important to give feedback to improve the process.
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are discussing a project at the office.
- JavierSofía, ¿puedes dar retroalimentación sobre mi reporte?Sofía, can you give feedback on my report?
- SofíaClaro, Javier, lo leeré esta tarde.Of course, Javier, I will read it this afternoon.
- JavierGracias, necesito saber si hay errores.Thanks, I need to know if there are errors.
- SofíaNo te preocupes, te ayudaré a mejorarlo.Don't worry, I will help you improve it.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dar, retroalimentación, CC BY-SA 4.0.
