B1 Idiom Neutral 2 min de lectura

dar nas vistas

To stand out

Literalmente: to give in the sights

Use this to describe anything or anyone that is impossible to ignore in a crowd.

En 15 segundos

  • To attract attention or stand out visually.
  • Used for people, fashion, or striking objects.
  • Can be a compliment or a mild observation.

Significado

It means to catch everyone's eye or draw attention to yourself. Imagine you walk into a room and your outfit is so bright that everyone stops talking to look at you—that is exactly it.

Ejemplos clave

3 de 6
1

Commenting on a friend's outfit

Com esse vestido vermelho, vais dar nas vistas na festa!

With that red dress, you're going to stand out at the party!

🤝
2

Discussing a new building in town

Aquele prédio moderno dá mesmo nas vistas no meio das casas antigas.

That modern building really stands out among the old houses.

😊
3

In a professional marketing meeting

Precisamos de uma campanha que dê nas vistas.

We need a campaign that stands out.

💼
🌍

Contexto cultural

This expression reflects the Mediterranean and Atlantic social fabric where 'seeing and being seen' is a part of daily life. Historically, Portuguese social circles were tight-knit, so anyone deviating from the norm would immediately 'hit the eyes' of the community. It captures that specific moment of social recognition or scrutiny.

💡

The 'Eye' Connection

Think of 'vistas' as 'views' or 'sights'. You are literally hitting the views of others. It helps you remember the plural form!

⚠️

Watch your tone

If you say it with a smirk, it might sound like you think the person is being 'too much' or 'showy'. Use a neutral tone for simple observations.

En 15 segundos

  • To attract attention or stand out visually.
  • Used for people, fashion, or striking objects.
  • Can be a compliment or a mild observation.

What It Means

Dar nas vistas is all about visibility. It describes someone or something that stands out from the crowd. It is not always about being loud. It can be about being beautiful, strange, or just different. Think of it as 'hitting' people's eyes. You are making an impression whether you intended to or not.

How To Use It

Use it like a regular verb starting with dar. You can say someone deu nas vistas (past tense) at a party. You can also use it for objects. A bright red car will definitely dar nas vistas in a gray parking lot. It is very flexible and works for people, fashion, and even behavior.

When To Use It

You use this when someone’s presence is impossible to ignore. Use it at a wedding to talk about a guest's amazing dress. Use it at work if a colleague’s presentation was exceptionally flashy. It is perfect for those moments when you are people-watching at a café with a friend. It feels natural and observant.

When NOT To Use It

Avoid using this in very solemn or tragic situations. If someone is drawing attention because they are upset, this phrase feels too lighthearted. Do not use it for subtle, hidden things. If you have to look twice to notice something, it did not dar nas vistas. It is for the obvious and the bold.

Cultural Background

Portuguese culture often values modesty and 'not making a scene.' Because of this, dar nas vistas can sometimes have a tiny edge of judgment. It depends on your tone of voice. It reflects a society that is very observant of social norms. If you break the mold, people will notice, and they will use this phrase to describe it.

Common Variations

You might hear dar na vista (singular), which means the same thing. In Brazil, people often say chamar a atenção instead. However, in Portugal, dar nas vistas remains a classic. Another variation is dar cana, which is much more slangy. Stick to dar nas vistas for a safe, natural middle ground.

Notas de uso

The phrase is neutral-informal. It is safe for almost all social situations in Portugal. Be careful with the verb conjugation of 'dar' as it is irregular.

💡

The 'Eye' Connection

Think of 'vistas' as 'views' or 'sights'. You are literally hitting the views of others. It helps you remember the plural form!

⚠️

Watch your tone

If you say it with a smirk, it might sound like you think the person is being 'too much' or 'showy'. Use a neutral tone for simple observations.

💬

The Brazilian Cousin

In Brazil, you'll more likely hear 'chamar a atenção'. If you use 'dar nas vistas' in Rio, they'll know you've been hanging out in Lisbon!

Ejemplos

6
#1 Commenting on a friend's outfit
🤝

Com esse vestido vermelho, vais dar nas vistas na festa!

With that red dress, you're going to stand out at the party!

A positive way to tell a friend they look striking.

#2 Discussing a new building in town
😊

Aquele prédio moderno dá mesmo nas vistas no meio das casas antigas.

That modern building really stands out among the old houses.

Used here for architecture that breaks the visual pattern.

#3 In a professional marketing meeting
💼

Precisamos de uma campanha que dê nas vistas.

We need a campaign that stands out.

Using the phrase to mean 'eye-catching' in a business sense.

#4 Texting about a flashy car
😊

Viste o carro do João? Ele gosta de dar nas vistas!

Did you see João's car? He likes to draw attention!

A bit of friendly gossip about someone's flashy taste.

#5 Humorous observation at a quiet library
😄

O teu telemóvel a tocar aqui deu mesmo nas vistas, parabéns.

Your phone ringing here really drew some looks, congrats.

Sarcastic use when someone accidentally makes a scene.

#6 Describing a talented performer
💭

Ela era apenas uma bailarina no coro, mas deu logo nas vistas.

She was just a dancer in the chorus, but she stood out immediately.

Focuses on natural talent or charisma.

Ponte a prueba

Choose the correct form of the verb 'dar' to complete the sentence.

Ontem, a Maria ___ nas vistas com aquele chapéu enorme.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: deu

Since the sentence starts with 'Ontem' (Yesterday), we need the past tense third-person singular 'deu'.

Complete the idiom with the correct body part.

O novo cartaz publicitário é tão brilhante que dá logo nas ___.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: vistas

The full idiom is 'dar nas vistas', referring to sight/vision.

🎉 Puntuación: /2

Ayudas visuales

Formality of 'Dar nas Vistas'

Slang

Dar cana

Ele deu cana com aquela conversa.

Informal/Neutral

Dar nas vistas

Ela gosta de dar nas vistas.

Formal

Primar pela diferença

A empresa prima pela diferença no mercado.

Where to use 'Dar nas Vistas'

Dar nas vistas
👗

Fashion

A bright neon jacket.

🎤

Talent

A singer with a unique voice.

📱

Objects

A gold-plated smartphone.

🤭

Social Blunders

Laughing too loud in a museum.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

No, it can apply to anything visually striking. You can say a house dá nas vistas if it's painted a bright color.

Not necessarily. It can be neutral or even slightly critical if someone is trying too hard to be noticed. Context is key.

Yes, it's perfectly fine in a professional setting to describe a product or a marketing strategy that needs to stand out.

Chamar a atenção is more general and common in Brazil, while dar nas vistas is a very idiomatic Portuguese way to say it.

Both are used, but the plural dar nas vistas is more common in Portugal. Both mean the same thing.

Usually no. It is specifically for things that are seen. For sounds, you would use dar nas orelhas in a different context or just fazer-se ouvir.

No, it's a standard idiom. You can use it with your boss or your grandmother without any problem.

You would say Não quero dar nas vistas. This is very common if you are feeling shy.

Only if the person is standing out for the wrong reasons, like being loud or wearing something inappropriate. Otherwise, it's neutral.

No, it's strictly visual. For a strong smell, you'd just say it's muito intenso or use other specific verbs.

Frases relacionadas

Chamar a atenção

To call/attract attention (more literal)

Dar cana

To be obvious or get caught (slang)

Saltar aos olhos

To be very obvious or evident

Passar despercebido

To go unnoticed (the opposite)

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