What does it mean word for word?
The phrase date un gusto is composed of the imperative verb date (give yourself) and the noun phrase un gusto (a pleasure/taste).
Which one should you use?
While date un gusto is a common way to express this, other forms focus on different nuances: Permítase un capricho suggests allowing yourself a whim, Déjese consentir suggests letting yourself be pampered and Dése un capricho means giving yourself a treat.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Date un gusto is common in Mexico. Regálate algo is a universal expression, while Hazte un regalito is used in some Latin American countries.
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form date un gusto uses the informal singular "tú" imperative, making it suitable for friends or peers. To address a single person in a formal or polite context, use the formal dése un gusto instead of date un gusto.
How do you pronounce it?
/date un ɡusto/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the concept of 'treating yourself' often overlaps with the word consentir, which literally means 'to consent' but is used to mean 'to pamper' or 'to spoil'.
- The use of the diminutive regalito in hazte un regalito is not about the size of the treat but is often used to soften the act of spending money on oneself.
- The noun gusto is a learned borrowing from the Latin 'gustus', which replaced the original Old Spanish word 'gosto' to provide a more abstract meaning.
Examples in context
- Cuando esté en el hotel, permítase un capricho y disfrute de un masaje relajante.When you are at the hotel, treat yourself and enjoy a relaxing massage.
- Después de un largo día de trabajo, déjate consentir y sal a disfrutar de una buena cena.After a long day of work, spoil yourself and go out for a nice dinner.
- Te mereces un descanso, date un gusto y ve al cine.You deserve a break, treat yourself and go to the cinema.
- Hoy es tu cumpleaños, date un gusto.Today is your birthday, treat yourself.
- Después de tanto trabajo, date un gusto.After so much work, treat yourself.
- Date un gusto y compra ese vestido.Treat yourself and buy that dress.
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are at a shopping mall.
- SofíaEse reloj es muy bonito, Alejandro.That watch is very pretty, Alejandro.
- AlejandroEs lindo, pero es un poco caro.It's nice, but it's a bit expensive.
- SofíaDate un gusto, te lo mereces.Treat yourself, you deserve it.
- AlejandroTienes razón, lo voy a comprar.You're right, I'm going to buy it.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gusto, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
