dare
/ˈda.re/
The English verb "give" is translated into Italian as dare.
The verb dare is used to express the transfer of the possession of something to someone else. It is a transitive verb, meaning it typically requires both a direct object (the thing being given) and an indirect object (the person receiving the item).
Meaning: transfer the possession of something to someone else (verb)
Which one should you use?
While dare is the general term for transferring possession, it is distinct from regalare, which is used specifically when you are giving something as a gift. Additionally, you might use passare if you are informally passing something from one person to another.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using dare, you must use the preposition a before the indirect object (the person receiving the item), following the pattern dare qualcosa a qualcuno. The verb is irregular in many common tenses.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈda.re/. It has 2 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The expression dare i numeri literally means 'to give the numbers', but it is used idiomatically to describe someone who is going crazy or talking nonsense.
- Using dare in the phrase dare del tu refers to the act of using the informal 'you' pronoun, whereas dare del lei means addressing someone formally.
- In Italian, the verb dare is used to describe the act of slapping someone in the face with the phrase dare uno schiaffo.
Examples in context
- Ce lo può dare?Can you give that to us?This sentence is useful for practicing the use of dare.Tatoeba #6397986 by Guybrush88, translation #3905924 by CH
- Cosa mi può dare?What can you give me?Tatoeba #2037925 by Guybrush88, translation #1886800 by CK
- Non li dare a lei.Don't give them to her.Tatoeba #6027870 by Guybrush88, translation #3905902 by CH
- Mi può dare un momento del suo tempo?Can you give me a moment of your time?
- Puoi darmi un consiglio su questa questione?Can you give me advice on this matter?
- Può consegnare il documento al suo capo?Can you give/deliver the document to your boss?
- Dammi il tuo numero di telefono.Give me your phone number.
- Passi il sale, per favore?Can you pass me the salt, please?
- Mi puoi dare una mano con queste scatole?Can you give me a hand with these boxes?
- Ho regalato un libro a mio fratello.I gave a book to my brother.
- 650 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alessandro is asking Martina for a pen.
- AlessandroMi puoi dare una penna, per favore?Can you give me a pen, please?
- MartinaSì, certo. Eccola qui.Yes, of course. Here it is.
- AlessandroGrazie, Martina. Devo dare questo foglio al capo.Thanks, Martina. I have to give this paper to the boss.
- MartinaPrego, Alessandro. Buon lavoro!You're welcome, Alessandro. Have a good work session!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “give” translations and entries dare, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
