At this point in your language learning, it is important to add some idiomatic expressions that will help you sound more “native.” These expressions do not necessarily follow subjunctive clauses, but they may. The important thing to learn is that this particular verb dar (to give) is very versatile in the Portuguese language.

Expression: dar (to be sufficient)

Example: O dinheiro não dá para sair de ferias. (The money is not enough for vacation.)

Expression: Assim não dá! (That's unacceptable!)

Example: Mais que vinte dólares? Assim não dá! (More than 20 bucks? That's not right!)

Expression: dar certo (to work out [well])

Example: Faça assim que dá certo. (Do it this way and it will work out.)

Expression: dar em nada (to fall through)

Example: Tentei, mas não deu em nada. (I tried, but it fell through.)

Expression: dar um jeito/jeitinho (to find a way)

Example: Dá um jeitinho pra mim? (Can you help me out/find a way for me?)

Expression: dar em [person] (to hit someone)

Example: Ela deu no irmão dela. (She hit her brother.)

Expression: dar um passeio (to go for a stroll/on an outing)

Example: Vamos dar um passeio? (Do you want to go out for a stroll?)

Expression: dar um pulo (to stop by)

Example: Vou dar um pulo na casa dela. (I'll make a quick stop my her house.)

Expression: dá para/pra [verb] (It's possible to/can [verb])

Example: Dá pra entender isso? (Can you understand that?)

Using the Verb Dar

Now see if you can finish the next set of activities that test your comprehension on these new expressions. Determine the best translation for the following sentences in English. Check your answers in Appendix C.

• I made breakfast, but it didn't turn out well.

  ________________________________________________________________________________________

• This is just not right!

  ________________________________________________________________________________________

  I'll call a friend, and we'll find a solution.

  ________________________________________________________________________________________

• The new venture fell through.

  ________________________________________________________________________________________