dame una oportunidad
/dame una opoɾtunidad/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "give me a chance" is said as dame una oportunidad.
This phrase is used to request that someone allow you to try something or to prove your abilities. While dame una oportunidad is the most common way to express this, you can sometimes substitute oportunidad with ocasión to mean "an occasion" or "an opportunity".
What does it mean word for word?
The word dame is a combination of the imperative verb da (give) and the indirect object pronoun me (me).
Is it said differently in some regions?
Dame una oportunidad is used in Spain and most Spanish-speaking countries. However, in some Latin American regions, you may hear Dame una chance.
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form dame uses the informal tú command, which is used with friends, family or people your age.
How do you pronounce it?
/dame una opoɾtunidad/
Did you know?
- The word oportunidad has its roots in ancient seafaring. It derives from the Latin word for a ship arriving at a harbor with a favorable wind, perfectly positioned for travel.
- While dame una oportunidad can be a professional request, in a romantic context it often functions as a plea for reconciliation after a breakup.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, dame una chance is used so frequently that speakers often do not perceive chance as an English loanword.
Examples in context
- ¡Vamos! Dame una oportunidad.Come on! Give me a chance.This sentence shows how to use dame una oportunidad to encourage someone.Tatoeba #603939 by Shishir, translation #64704 by CK
- Dame una oportunidad para hacerte sentir orgullosa de mí.Give me a chance to make you proud of me.This sentence uses dame una oportunidad to express a desire to make someone proud.Tatoeba #643546 by Shishir, translation #643268 by darinmex
- ¡Dame una oportunidad!Give me a chance!This sentence shows an emphatic use of dame una oportunidad.Tatoeba #1454338 by raghebaraby, translation #1397755 by alanood
- Dame una oportunidad para demostrarte que puedo hacerlo.Give me a chance to show you that I can do it.
Example conversation
Mateo is asking María for a chance to prove himself at a new job.
- MateoMaría, dame una oportunidad para demostrar mi talento.María, give me a chance to prove my talent.
- MaríaNo estoy segura de si puedes hacerlo.I am not sure if you can do it.
- MateoPor favor, confía en mí esta vez.Please, trust me this time.
- MaríaEstá bien, te daré una oportunidad.Alright, I will give you a chance.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries oportunidad, una, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
