da
“da” means “he/she gives” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
he/she gives, it gives, you give
Also: he/she provides, it overlooks, it produces
📝 In Action
Ella siempre me da buenos consejos.
A1She always gives me good advice.
Mi ventana da a la calle principal.
B1My window overlooks the main street.
El sol da luz y calor.
A2The sun gives light and heat.
¿Usted da clases los sábados?
A2Do you (formal) teach classes on Saturdays?
give
Also: hand over
📝 In Action
¡Da un paso adelante!
A2Take one step forward!
Por favor, da de comer al perro.
B1Please, feed the dog.
¡Dámelo!
A2Give it to me!
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: da
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence is a command telling a friend to do something?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes directly from the Latin word 'dat', the third-person singular present form of the verb 'dare', which means 'to give'. It's a very old word that has kept its form and meaning for thousands of years.
First recorded: Before the 10th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'da' and 'dé'?
'Da' is the informal command you use with 'tú' (a friend, family member). '¡Da!' means 'Give!'. 'Dé' (with an accent) is the formal command you use with 'usted' (a stranger, a boss). It's also a special form used for wishes and doubts, like in 'Espero que me dé el libro' (I hope he gives me the book).
Why is 'da' used in 'me da miedo'?
In Spanish, many feelings and sensations are expressed as something that 'gives' you that feeling. So, 'it gives me fear' (me da miedo) is the natural way to say 'it scares me'. You'll see this with other words too, like 'me da hambre' (it makes me hungry) or 'me da pena' (it makes me sad/embarrassed).