dar ao luxo
to afford
Wörtlich: to give oneself to the luxury
Use it to describe treating yourself to something special that isn't a daily necessity.
In 15 Sekunden
- To have the means or time for a treat.
- Used with reflexive pronouns like 'me' or 'se'.
- Works for money, time, or emotional energy.
Bedeutung
It means giving yourself the permission or the means to enjoy something special. It is about having the resources—time, money, or energy—to do something that feels like a treat.
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6Ordering a fancy dessert at a restaurant
Hoje eu vou me dar ao luxo de pedir a sobremesa mais cara.
Today I'm going to afford myself the luxury of ordering the most expensive dessert.
Discussing work pressure with a colleague
Neste projeto, não podemos nos dar ao luxo de cometer erros.
In this project, we cannot afford to make mistakes.
Texting a friend about a lazy morning
Me dei ao luxo de desligar o celular o domingo todo.
I afforded myself the luxury of turning off my phone all Sunday.
Kultureller Hintergrund
This phrase reflects the Mediterranean and Lusophone appreciation for 'o descanso' (rest) and quality of life. While 'luxo' sounds expensive, in Portuguese culture, the greatest luxury is often time spent with family or a long lunch. It became popular as a way to signal that one has reached a level of comfort where they can prioritize joy over survival.
The 'Time' Secret
In Brazil, using this for time (`me dar ao luxo de 10 minutos`) is often seen as more impressive than using it for money.
Don't forget the 'SE'
If you just say 'dar o luxo', it sounds like you are handing a physical luxury item to someone. Always use the reflexive 'se'!
In 15 Sekunden
- To have the means or time for a treat.
- Used with reflexive pronouns like 'me' or 'se'.
- Works for money, time, or emotional energy.
What It Means
Dar-se ao luxo is more than just buying things. It is about the freedom to choose something extra. It implies you have enough of something to spend it freely. Usually, we talk about money. However, you can also use it for time or even silence. It feels like a small victory over your daily routine.
How To Use It
You always use a reflexive pronoun with the verb dar. For example, eu me dou, você se dá, or nós nos damos. Follow it with ao luxo de and then an action. You can say: Eu me dou ao luxo de dormir até tarde. It sounds sophisticated but very relatable. It highlights that the action is a special exception for you.
When To Use It
Use it when discussing treats or rewards. Use it at a restaurant when ordering that expensive wine. Use it when talking to friends about a long vacation. It works perfectly when you finally buy that gadget you wanted. It is great for justifying a lazy Sunday afternoon. It adds a touch of self-care to your conversation.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for basic necessities. You don't dar-se ao luxo of eating bread or drinking water. Avoid it in very tragic or desperate situations. It carries a light, positive, or slightly indulgent tone. Using it for something mandatory sounds sarcastic or strange. If you are forced to do something, this is not your phrase.
Cultural Background
Portuguese culture values hard work but loves the 'sweet life'. There is a certain pride in being able to treat yourself. Historically, 'luxury' was for the elite. Today, this phrase democratizes that feeling. It reflects a shift toward valuing personal time and mental health. It is a very common way to express gratitude for one's current status.
Common Variations
The most common variation is the negative: não poder se dar ao luxo. You will hear this constantly in Brazil and Portugal. It means 'I can't afford to' or 'I don't have the time'. For example: Não posso me dar ao luxo de errar. This adds a layer of pressure or seriousness to the task. It is the 'work hard' side of the same coin.
Nutzungshinweise
The phrase is highly versatile. In the affirmative, it sounds indulgent and positive. In the negative, it sounds disciplined and serious. Always ensure the reflexive pronoun matches your subject.
The 'Time' Secret
In Brazil, using this for time (`me dar ao luxo de 10 minutos`) is often seen as more impressive than using it for money.
Don't forget the 'SE'
If you just say 'dar o luxo', it sounds like you are handing a physical luxury item to someone. Always use the reflexive 'se'!
The Sarcastic Twist
If someone is being lazy, a Brazilian mother might say 'Que luxo, hein?' sarcastically. This phrase is the polite version of that feeling.
Beispiele
6Hoje eu vou me dar ao luxo de pedir a sobremesa mais cara.
Today I'm going to afford myself the luxury of ordering the most expensive dessert.
Shows a conscious decision to indulge.
Neste projeto, não podemos nos dar ao luxo de cometer erros.
In this project, we cannot afford to make mistakes.
A common professional use meaning 'we don't have the margin for error'.
Me dei ao luxo de desligar o celular o domingo todo.
I afforded myself the luxury of turning off my phone all Sunday.
Refers to 'luxury' as peace and quiet.
Meu único luxo é me dar ao luxo de sonhar com as férias.
My only luxury is affording myself the luxury of dreaming about vacation.
Playing with the word 'luxo' for a joke.
Nós trabalhamos muito, merecemos nos dar a esse luxo.
We work hard, we deserve to treat ourselves to this luxury.
Used as a justification for spending.
Poucas empresas podem se dar ao luxo de ignorar a sustentabilidade.
Few companies can afford the luxury of ignoring sustainability.
High-level social or business commentary.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the correct reflexive pronoun for 'Nós'.
Nós não ___ damos ao luxo de chegar atrasados.
The phrase must match the subject. 'Nós' always pairs with 'nos'.
Complete the phrase with the correct preposition.
Ela se deu ___ luxo de viajar para a Europa.
The expression is fixed: 'dar-se AO luxo'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /2
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Formality of 'Dar-se ao luxo'
Used with friends about small treats.
Me dei ao luxo de um café extra.
Standard everyday use for most situations.
Ela se deu ao luxo de descansar.
Used in business to discuss margins or risks.
Não podemos nos dar ao luxo de falhar.
When to use 'Dar-se ao luxo'
Financial Indulgence
Buying a designer bag.
Time Management
Taking a 2-hour nap.
Risk Avoidance
Not making mistakes at work.
Self-Care
A day at the spa.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNo, it is very common to use it for time or opportunities. For example, Não me dou ao luxo de perder tempo means I can't afford to waste time.
Mostly yes, but it sounds slightly more descriptive. It literally implies that the thing you are doing is a 'luxury' for you.
Yes, especially in the negative. Saying Não me dou ao luxo de entregar um trabalho incompleto shows high standards.
It is dar-se ao luxo. The reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nos) is essential to show you are allowing *yourself* the luxury.
You can say Não posso me dar ao luxo de comprar isso, but if it's just about the price tag, Não tenho dinheiro para isso is more direct.
Ter condições is more factual about having the money. Dar-se ao luxo is more about the act of indulgence.
Yes, it is perfectly understood and used in both countries with the same meaning.
Yes, you can say Ele se dá ao luxo de viajar todo mês. It might sound a bit envious depending on your tone!
No, it is a standard collocation. It is safe to use in newspapers, books, and casual chat.
Forgetting the preposition de before the verb. Always say dar-se ao luxo DE fazer algo.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Mimar-se
To pamper oneself
Ter-se ao luxo
A rarer variation of the same phrase
Não ter onde cair morto
To be extremely broke (opposite context)
Jogar dinheiro fora
To throw money away
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