Verb DAR (to give)

Grammatically, dar is an irregular verb. This means it does not follow the standard rules for -ar verbs. You cannot just drop the ending and add the usual bits. It has its own unique personality. In the present tense, the forms change quite a bit. Think of it like a grammar traffic light. It tells you when to stop and pay attention. The good news is that the forms are short. They are easy to say and easy to hear. You will mostly use it in the present tense at first. This allows you to talk about current actions and habits. It also helps you express desires and requests. Even though it is irregular, the patterns are consistent. Once you memorize the four main forms, you are set. It is like learning to ride a bike. It feels wobbly at first, then it becomes automatic.

1. 1To form the present tense of dar, follow these steps:
2. 2Forget the standard -ar conjugation rules for a moment.
3. 3For "I" (Eu), use the form dou. It rhymes with "go" but starts with a "d".
4. 4For "You/He/She" (Você/Ele/Ela), use the short form dá. Do not forget the accent mark.
5. 5For "We" (Nós), use the form damos. This one actually looks quite regular.
6. 6For "They/You all" (Eles/Elas/Vocês), use the form dão. This has a nasal sound.
7. 7Here is the breakdown:
8. 8Eu dou (I give)
9. 9Você dá (You give)
10. 10Ele/Ela dá (He/She gives)
11. 11Nós damos (We give)
12. 12Vocês dão (You all give)
13. 13Eles/Elas dão (They give)
14. 14Yes, even native speakers sometimes pause on the nasal dão sound. Just imagine you are saying "down" but through your nose. It takes a little practice, but you will get it.

Use dar when you are handing something to someone. This is the most basic use. Imagine you are at a cafe. You can say, "Eu dou o dinheiro" (I give the money). It is perfect for transactions. Use it when giving gifts or presents.

But dar goes much further than physical objects. Use it for physical actions. In Portuguese, you don't "take" a walk; you "give" a walk (dar uma volta). You don't "take" a look; you "give" a look (dar uma olhada). It is also used for feelings. You can dar um abraço (give a hug) or dar atenção (give attention).

In real-world scenarios, dar is everywhere. In a job interview, you might say "Eu dou o meu melhor" (I give my best). When ordering food, you might ask "Dá para fazer sem cebola?" (Is it possible to make it without onions?). This "dar para" structure is a secret weapon. It means "is it possible" or "can it be done." It makes you sound like a local instantly. Even when asking directions, you might hear "Essa rua dá na praça" (This street leads to the square). It literally "gives" into the square.

Do not use dar for everything that uses "give" in English. For example, do not use it for "giving a speech." In Portuguese, we usually "make" a speech (fazer um discurso). Also, avoid using it for "giving back" an item. The specific verb devolver is much better for that.

Be careful with "giving up." In English, we use "give" for quitting. In Portuguese, we use desistir. If you say "Eu dou" when you want to quit, people might just wait for you to hand them something! Also, do not use it to mean "to provide" in very formal documents. In those cases, fornecer or proporcionar are more professional. Think of dar as your everyday, reliable friend. Use more formal verbs for your lawyer or a government contract.

One big mistake is spelling dou as do. The "u" at the end is vital. Another common slip is forgetting the accent on dá. Without the accent, it looks like the preposition da (of the). This changes the meaning entirely.

Many learners try to use dar for "to give a ride." While you can say dar uma carona, beginners often mix up the word order. Another mistake is the nasal sound in dão. If you don't make it nasal, it sounds like dan, which isn't a word.

Don't worry if you mix up damos and dão. Even native speakers mess this up when they are tired. Just remember that damos is for "us" and dão is for "them." If you get stuck, just point and say the noun. People are very helpful!

Contrast dar with entregar. Dar is general. You can give love, a gift, or a look. Entregar is specific. It means to deliver or hand over. A mailman entrega a letter. You dá a present to your mom.

Compare it also with oferecer (to offer). Oferecer is more polite or tentative. You offer a seat on the bus. You dar a command or a direct gift.

Finally, look at passar. Sometimes passar is used for "passing" something at the table. "Passa o sal, por favor" (Pass the salt, please). You could use me dá o sal, but passa is more common for things within reach. Think of dar as the transfer of ownership or a complete action.