Inklingo

darles

dar-lessˈdaɾles

darles means to give them in Spanish (as in, to give something to a group of people).

to give them, to give (something) to you all

Also: to hand over to them
ContractionA2irregular ar
Spain (Peninsular Spanish)
A friendly adult figure standing and handing a bright red apple to the outstretched hands of one of three eagerly waiting, smiling children.
infinitivedar
gerunddando
past Participledado

📝 In Action

Necesitamos comprarles un regalo para darles mañana.

A2

We need to buy them a gift to give them tomorrow.

Antes de salir, quiero darles las gracias por venir.

B1

Before leaving, I want to thank you all for coming. (Literally: I want to give you all thanks.)

No es fácil darles una respuesta ahora mismo.

B1

It is not easy to give them an answer right now.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • entregarles (to hand over to them)
  • ofrecerles (to offer them)

Antonyms

  • quitarles (to take away from them)
  • recibir (to receive)

Common Collocations

  • poder darlesto be able to give them
  • querer darlesto want to give them

Idioms & Expressions

  • darles un sustoto give them a fright

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: darles

Question 1 of 2

Which of the following sentences correctly uses 'darles'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
🎵 Rhymes
hablarlespedirles
📚 Etymology

The word is a combination of the highly common Spanish verb 'dar' (to give), which comes directly from the Latin 'dare,' and the indirect object pronoun 'les,' which comes from the Latin 'illis' (to them).

First recorded: The verb 'dar' has been in use since the earliest forms of Spanish (Old Castilian), and the attachment of pronouns like 'les' to infinitives is a standard structure dating back centuries.

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: dar-lhesItalian: dare loro

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is 'darles' written as one word?

Spanish grammar requires that pronouns attach directly to the end of the infinitive form of the verb (the basic 'to do' form, like 'dar'). This combining of the verb and the pronoun creates a single word.

If I am giving one thing to one person, what do I use instead of 'darles'?

You would use 'darle' (verb 'dar' + pronoun 'le'). 'Le' means 'to him,' 'to her,' or 'to you (formal singular),' whereas 'les' means 'to them' or 'to you all (plural).'