Which one should you use?
While me dá is the common way to say 'give me' in casual speech, more formal or traditional versions exist. For example, dá-me is used in formal written Portuguese or when strictly following traditional grammar rules by placing the pronoun after the verb. Poderia me dar translates to 'could you give me'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
me dá is an informal and common way to express this in colloquial, everyday Brazilian Portuguese. For more polite or formal situations, you can use me dê or Dê-me. If you want to ask a favor more indirectly, use Poderia me dar (could you give me).
How does it change in a sentence?
In colloquial Brazilian Portuguese, it is standard to place the pronoun at the beginning of the sentence as me dá. To change the subject to 'they', the verb becomes me dão (they give me). If you are speaking in the past tense, use me deu (gave me).
Did you know?
- The word dá is so versatile that it appears in the expression isso não dá, which means 'that is impossible' or 'that won't work'.
- While me dá is natural in Brazil, starting a sentence with a pronoun like me is considered a grammatical error in standard European Portuguese.
- In a romantic context, me dá um beijo (give me a kiss) is often shortened to just me dá aqui while gesturing toward the cheek.
Examples in context
- Me dá a bola!Give me the ball!This example shows how to use me dá to ask for an object.Tatoeba #5918855 by Ricardo14, translation #1636954 by shekitten
- Me dá uma dica.Give me a hint.This example shows how to use me dá to ask for information.Tatoeba #1336438 by alexmarcelo, translation #1336430 by Eldad
- Me dá um tempo!Give me a break!This example shows how to use me dá to express a need for a break.Tatoeba #2119461 by MarlonX19, translation #2116338 by freddy1
- Dê-me um momento, por favor.Give me a moment, please.
- Dê-me um copo d'água, por gentileza.Give me a glass of water, please.
- Poderia me dar uma informação?Could you give me some information?
- Me dá um pedaço de bolo?Give me a piece of cake?
- Me dá uma carona até a escola?Give me a ride to school?
- Me dá um abraço forte!Give me a tight hug!
- Me dá um beijo de despedida.Give me a goodbye kiss.
- Me passa o sal, por favor.Pass me the salt, please.
- Me passa o controle remoto.Pass me the remote control.
- Me passa o celular, por gentileza?Pass me the cellphone, please?
- Poderia me dar uma caneta?Could you give me a pen?
- 30 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mariana and Felipe are sharing snacks at home.
- MarianaFelipe, me dá um pouco desse suco?Felipe, give me a little bit of this juice?
- FelipeClaro, Mariana. Aqui está.Sure, Mariana. Here it is.
- MarianaObrigada! Você é muito gentil.Thanks! You are very kind.
- FelipeDe nada. Pode pegar mais se quiser.You're welcome. You can have more if you want.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
