What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "truly it gives me equal". In this context, the idiomatic expression da igual means "it is all the same".
Which one should you use?
While de verdad me da igual expresses indifference, using just me da igual is the standard way to say "I don't care" or "it doesn't matter to me" without the emphasis of "really".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Depending on the situation, you might choose different versions. For a polite or formal tone, you can use No me interesa en absoluto to mean "I'm not interested at all". For more colloquial or forceful ways to say you really don't care, you can use the informal No me importa un comino (I don't care a bit) or me importa un bledo (I don't care a bit).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, it is common to use the phrase No me importa un bledo to mean "I don't care a darn".
How does it change in a sentence?
In the expression me da igual, the verb dar (to give) is used in an impersonal construction. This means the subject of the sentence is the situation, not the person.
How do you pronounce it?
/de beɾdad me da iɡwal/
Did you know?
- To express indifference, Spanish speakers often reference tiny things, such as using comino for 'cumin' or bledo for a type of amaranth seed.
- The word verdad is a cognate of the English word 'verity', which refers to a true principle or belief.
- While me da igual is neutral, using it in response to a heartfelt apology can sound accidentally cold or dismissive because of the verb dar.
Examples in context
- ¿Quieres pizza o pasta? De verdad me da igual.Do you want pizza or pasta? I really don't care.
- De verdad me da igual el color de la pared.I really don't care about the color of the wall.
- Si quieres ir al cine, de verdad me da igual.If you want to go to the cinema, I really don't care.
- No elijas por mí, de verdad me da igual.Don't choose for me, I really don't care.
Example conversation
Two friends are deciding what to eat for dinner.
- Daniel¿Prefieres pizza o sushi para cenar?Do you prefer pizza or sushi for dinner?
- MaríaDe verdad me da igual, elige tú.I really don't care, you choose.
- DanielEstá bien, entonces pediremos pizza.Okay, then we will order pizza.
- MaríaPerfecto, me parece bien.Perfect, that sounds good to me.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, igual, me, verdad, CC BY-SA 4.0.
