Inklingo

How to Say "they produce" in Spanish

English → Spanish

dan

/dahn//dan/

verbA1
Use 'dan' when 'they produce' refers to the act of giving or yielding something, like a farm animal producing milk or a person giving a gift.
Three cartoon characters are simultaneously handing colorful wrapped presents to a fourth, happy character, illustrating the concept of 'they give.'

Examples

Las gallinas dan huevos frescos cada mañana.

The hens produce fresh eggs every morning.

Mis padres me dan regalos en mi cumpleaños.

My parents give me gifts on my birthday.

Ustedes siempre dan buenos consejos.

You all always give good advice.

Los árboles dan sombra en el parque.

The trees provide shade in the park.

Who is 'dan' for?

'Dan' is the form of 'dar' (to give) used for two groups: 'ellos/ellas' (they) and 'ustedes' (you all, formal). The situation will tell you which one it is.

Forgetting 'Ustedes'

Mistake: “Thinking 'dan' only means 'they give'.”

Correction: Remember to use 'dan' when speaking formally to a group of people. For instance, a waiter might ask a table, '¿Qué les dan de beber?' (What can I get you all to drink?).

sacan

/SAH-kahn//ˈsakan/

verbA2
Use 'sacan' when 'they produce' means to bring something new into existence or to achieve a result, such as students achieving good grades or a company producing a new product.
Two happy students holding up a paper with a large gold star on it.

Examples

Los estudiantes sacan buenas calificaciones en el examen final.

The students produce good grades on the final exam.

Mis alumnos siempre sacan buenas notas.

My students always get good grades.

Ellos sacan muchas fotos durante el viaje.

They take a lot of photos during the trip.

Obtaining Results

In Spanish, you don't 'have' or 'make' a grade; you 'take it out' (sacar) of the exam process.

Dan vs. Sacan: Giving vs. Achieving

Learners often confuse 'dan' and 'sacan' because both can imply a result. Remember that 'dan' is closer to 'give' or 'yield' (like an animal producing offspring or a tree producing fruit), while 'sacan' implies bringing something forth or achieving a result (like producing good work or a positive outcome).

Related Translations

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