Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| dar | /ˈdaɾ/ |
| entregar | /entɾeˈɡaɾ/ |
| diñar | /diˈɲaɾ/ |
The primary way to express transferring the possession of something to someone else is by using dar. However, if you are specifically giving something as a gift or a present, Spanish speakers often use the verb regalar instead of dar.
Which one should you use?
While dar is the general word for 'give', entregar is used when the act of giving involves a formal hand-over or delivery, such as a package or a report. In more specific contexts, facilitar is an alternative formal expression meaning to provide and conceder is an alternative formal expression.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, obsequiar is frequently employed in formal contexts or when referring to giving gifts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The first-person singular present indicative of dar is doy, which is an irregular form. When giving something to a third person, you often attach the indirect object pronoun to the end of the infinitive, as in darle (to give to him/her).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈdaɾ/
Did you know?
- Spanish uses the verb dar in many idiomatic expressions to describe states of being, such as dar miedo to mean 'to be scary'.
- The Spanish verb dar shares a common ancestor with the English word 'donor', as both stem from the Proto-Indo-European root *deh₃.
- Spanish speakers use dar to talk about the weather, such as when the sun 'gives' heat (da calor).
Examples in context
- Te daré un libro.I'll give you a book.This sentence shows the future tense of dar.Tatoeba #722471 by Shishir, translation #515540 by CK
- Voy a darte algo.I'm going to give you something.This sentence shows how to use the infinitive with a pronoun attached.Tatoeba #2069375 by hayastan, translation #2064877 by CK
- Te daré mi carro.I'll give you my car.Tatoeba #5472512 by baudelaire, translation #5515484 by Mar1L
- Por favor, deme ese libro.Please, give me that book.
- Debo dar las gracias por su generosidad.I must give thanks for your generosity.
- La empresa da premios a sus mejores empleados.The company gives awards to its best employees.
- El cliente debe entregar la documentación necesaria.The customer must submit the necessary documentation.
- La organización busca facilitar recursos a los afectados.The organization seeks to provide resources to those affected.
- ¿Me podrían conceder un poco más de tiempo?Could you give me a bit more time?
- Amigo, dame un poco de tu tiempo.Friend, give me some of your time.
- ¿Nos damos un abrazo?Shall we give each other a hug?
- Pásame esa galleta, por favor.Pass me that cookie, please.
- Échame una mano con este paquete.Give me a hand with this package.
- Me han regalado una entrada para el concierto.They gave me a ticket for the concert.
- 438 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are at a cafe.
- Lucía¿Me puedes dar la cuenta, por favor?Can you give me the bill, please?
- MateoClaro, Lucía. Un momento.Sure, Lucía. One moment.
- LucíaGracias. Te voy a dar el dinero ahora.Thank you. I am going to give you the money now.
- MateoGracias. Qué amable eres.Thank you. You are very kind.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “give” translations and entries dar, entregar, diñar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dar, diñar, entregar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
