dé
day
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Por favor, déme su pasaporte.
A1Please, give me your passport (formal 'usted').
No creo que me dé tiempo de terminar.
A2I don't think I'll have time (literally: 'that it gives me time') to finish.
Que Dios le dé mucha salud.
B1May God give you (formal) good health.
💡 Grammar Points
The Formal Command
Use 'dé' when giving a command or request to someone you address formally (Usted): 'Déme su atención' (Give me your attention).
Expressing Wishes
This verb form is used after words expressing hope or desire, particularly for 'él,' 'ella,' or 'usted.' For example: 'Espero que él nos dé la respuesta' (I hope he gives us the answer).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Missing the Accent
Mistake: "Using 'de' instead of 'dé' in commands or wishes."
Correction: The accent (tilde) is absolutely necessary! 'Dé' is the verb, 'de' is the preposition (of/from). Always write 'Dé' when it means 'give' or 'may give'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Remembering the Accent
If you can replace the word with 'gave' or 'may give' in English, you need the accent mark on 'dé'.
Pronoun Placement
When giving a positive command with 'dé,' the object pronouns stick to the end: 'Démelo' (Give it to me). If the command is negative, the pronouns go before: 'No me lo dé' (Don't give it to me).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: dé
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses the word 'dé' (the verb)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'dé' have an accent mark?
The accent is mandatory to distinguish it from the extremely common preposition 'de' (meaning 'of' or 'from'). This ensures clarity when reading, as they are pronounced identically but have completely different functions.
How do I know if I should use 'dé' or 'da'?
Use 'dé' for formal commands (addressing 'usted'), wishes, or possibilities. Use 'da' for informal commands (addressing 'tú'). Example: Informal command: 'Da la pelota.' Formal command: 'Dé la pelota.'