Inklingo

How to Say "i gave" in Spanish

English → Spanish

di

/dee//di/

verbA1general
Use 'di' when you are referring to the past action of physically handing or giving something to someone.
A single cartoon character with an outstretched hand, holding a brightly wrapped gift box, representing the completed action of giving something.

Examples

Ayer le di el libro a María.

Yesterday I gave the book to María.

Di un paseo por el parque esta mañana.

I took a walk through the park this morning.

Di mi opinión en la reunión, pero no escucharon.

I gave my opinion in the meeting, but they didn't listen.

Talking About Finished Past Actions

'Di' is how you say 'I gave' for something that happened once and is finished. This past tense is called the 'preterite'. Use it for specific moments, like 'Ayer di un regalo' (Yesterday I gave a gift).

Confusing 'Di' (I gave) and 'Doy' (I give)

Mistake: “Ayer doy el dinero.”

Correction: Use 'Ayer di el dinero.' 'Doy' is for the present ('I give'), while 'di' is for the past ('I gave'). A good trick is to think 'di' = 'I *did* give'.

puse

POO-seh/ˈpu.se/

verbB1general
Use 'puse' when you mean 'I set', 'I put', or 'I assigned' something, such as a deadline, a grade, or a rule.
A hand placing a small, stylized red and white striped barrier onto a path, visually representing the establishment of a condition or limit.

Examples

Puse una fecha límite estricta para el proyecto.

I set a strict deadline for the project.

El banco me puso muchas condiciones para el préstamo.

The bank gave me many conditions for the loan.

Meaning Shift (Assignment)

This meaning is an extension of 'placing' something—you are 'placing' a rule or a number (grade) onto a situation or person.

Confusing Giving with Setting

Learners often confuse 'di' (gave) with 'puse' (set/put). Remember that 'di' is for transferring possession, like giving a gift. 'Puse' is used when establishing or placing something, like setting a rule or putting an item in a location.

Related Translations

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