When it comes to expressing the phrase “took for granted” in Spanish, there are several options available to convey this meaning adequately. This guide will provide you with various formal and informal ways to translate this English phrase, focusing primarily on universally understood terms rather than regional variations.
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Formal Expressions:
When expressing “took for granted” in a more formal setting or in writing, you can consider the following options:
Dar por sentado:
This is the most common formal way to convey the idea of taking something for granted in Spanish. It translates directly as “to take for granted.” Let’s see some examples:
- Damian dio por sentado que siempre tendría un trabajo estable. (Damian took for granted that he would always have a stable job.)
- La riqueza natural de la región no debe ser dada por sentada. (The natural wealth of the region should not be taken for granted.)
No valorar lo que se tiene:
This expression can also be used in formal contexts to convey the idea of not appreciating or valuing what one possesses. Here are a few examples:
- No debemos dejar de valorar lo que tenemos. (We must not stop appreciating what we have.)
- Ella nunca supo valorar lo que tenía hasta que lo perdió. (She never knew how to appreciate what she had until she lost it.)
Informal Expressions:
In more casual conversations or informal settings, you can use these expressions to convey the concept of taking something for granted:
Dar por hecho:
This informal expression is similar to “dar por sentado” but is more colloquial. Here are some examples:
- Pensé que siempre estaríamos juntos, pero él dio por hecho nuestro amor. (I thought we would always be together, but he took our love for granted.)
- No des por hecho que siempre estaré aquí para ti. (Don’t assume that I will always be here for you.)
No dar importancia:
This informal expression conveys the idea of not giving importance to something or someone. Take a look at the following examples:
- No le des importancia a lo que dijo, solo estaba molesto. (Don’t take what he said seriously, he was just upset.)
- Siempre le dio poca importancia a los logros de los demás. (He always disregarded other people’s achievements.)
Additional Tips and Regional Variations:
It’s worth noting that the formal expressions mentioned earlier, such as “dar por sentado” and “no valorar lo que se tiene,” are widely understood and used across different Spanish-speaking regions. However, there may be some variations in informal expressions based on the country or region. Here are a few examples of those regional variations:
Tomar por sentado:
This expression, commonly used in some Latin American countries, is an alternative to “dar por sentado.” The meaning remains the same, as seen in these examples:
- Juan tiende a tomar por sentado el esfuerzo de sus compañeros. (Juan tends to take his colleagues’ effort for granted.)
- No deberías tomar por sentado el apoyo de tus amigos más cercanos. (You shouldn’t take the support of your closest friends for granted.)
Pasar por alto:
This expression, widely used in Spain, conveys the idea of overlooking or disregarding something without giving it the attention it deserves. Take a look at these examples:
- No puedes pasar por alto los sacrificios que hizo por ti. (You can’t overlook the sacrifices he made for you.)
- Ella pasó por alto las señales de advertencia y cometió un grave error. (She overlooked the warning signs and made a serious mistake.)
Remember that while regional variations exist, using the more universal expressions like “dar por sentado” or “no valorar lo que se tiene” will ensure your message is widely understood by Spanish speakers from different regions.
In Conclusion:
To express the concept of “taking something for granted” in Spanish, you have several options at your disposal. In formal contexts, “dar por sentado” and “no valorar lo que se tiene” are commonly used. In informal conversations, “dar por hecho” and “no dar importancia” serve the purpose well. Additionally, regional variations such as “tomar por sentado” and “pasar por alto” can be used in specific contexts or specific Spanish-speaking regions. Remember to choose the expression that best fits the context and level of formality you are aiming for.
