Inklingo

How to Say "to give" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to give” is “dar” — use 'dar' when you are transferring a physical object from one person to another, or when referring to holding an event like a party.

dar🔊A1/A2

Use 'dar' when you are transferring a physical object from one person to another, or when referring to holding an event like a party.

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ofrecer🔊A1

Use 'ofrecer' when making a formal offer of something, like a service or a product, typically in a service or business context.

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donar🔊A2

Use 'donar' when you are donating something, especially in a philanthropic or charitable context, like giving to a cause or organization.

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dictar🔊B1

Use 'dictar' specifically when a professor, teacher, or expert is delivering a lecture, class, or talk.

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administrar🔊C1

Use 'administrar' when referring to the act of officially giving or applying a dose of medicine or a treatment.

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suministrar🔊B2

Use 'suministrar' in a medical context when providing a specific quantity or dose of something, like medication.

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echarle🔊B2

Use 'echarle' with a direct object when you mean to 'give' something quick attention, like a look or a hand, or to add an ingredient.

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conferir🔊C1

Use 'conferir' when one thing gives or bestows a quality, characteristic, or honor upon another.

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English → Spanish

dar

dar'daɾ

verbA1/A2General
Use 'dar' when you are transferring a physical object from one person to another, or when referring to holding an event like a party.
A child handing a brightly colored apple to another child, illustrating the action of giving or transferring an object.

Examples

Mi abuela siempre me da veinte euros por mi cumpleaños.

My grandmother always gives me twenty euros for my birthday.

¿Me das la sal, por favor?

Can you give me the salt, please?

Le di las llaves al recepcionista.

I gave the keys to the receptionist.

Vamos a dar una fiesta el sábado.

We're going to throw a party on Saturday.

Who gets what?

When you give something (like a book) to someone (like Maria), you use little words like 'me', 'te', 'le' to show who is receiving it. Example: 'Le doy el libro a Maria' (I give the book to Maria).

A Very Irregular Verb

'Dar' is a rule-breaker! Notice how 'yo' in the present is 'doy', not 'do'. The past tense (preterite) is also completely unique ('di', 'diste', 'dio'...). It's best to memorize these common forms.

'Dar' vs. 'Regalar'

Mistake: “Quiero darte este suéter para tu cumpleaños.”

Correction: Quiero regalarte este suéter para tu cumpleaños. Use 'regalar' when you mean 'to give as a gift'. 'Dar' is more general and can mean just handing something over.

ofrecer

o-fre-séro.fɾeˈseɾ

verbA1Formal
Use 'ofrecer' when making a formal offer of something, like a service or a product, typically in a service or business context.
A cheerful cartoon character offers a brightly colored, wrapped gift box with both hands to another unseen character.

Examples

El camarero nos ofreció café y postre.

The waiter offered us coffee and dessert.

Le ofrecí mi ayuda para mover los muebles.

I offered him my help to move the furniture.

La empresa ofrece un servicio de atención al cliente excelente.

The company provides excellent customer service.

The 'Yo' Form Irregularity (c > zc)

In the present tense, the 'yo' form changes from 'ofreco' to 'ofrezco'. This 'zc' pattern is required for all verbs ending in '-ecer' and '-ucir' (like 'conocer' or 'traducir').

Forgetting the 'zc'

Mistake: “Yo ofreco”

Correction: Yo ofrezco. The 'zc' sound is needed to connect the verb stem to the 'o' ending.

donar

doh-nahrdoˈnaɾ

verbA2Formal/Philanthropic
Use 'donar' when you are donating something, especially in a philanthropic or charitable context, like giving to a cause or organization.
A friendly person dropping a gold coin into a wooden box with a heart symbol on it.

Examples

Yo quiero donar mi ropa vieja a la iglesia.

I want to donate my old clothes to the church.

Muchos jóvenes deciden donar sangre por primera vez en la universidad.

Many young people decide to donate blood for the first time at the university.

La familia decidió donar una gran suma de dinero para el nuevo hospital.

The family decided to donate a large sum of money for the new hospital.

Using 'a' with the recipient

When you mention the person or group receiving the donation, always place the little word 'a' before them (e.g., 'donar a la Cruz Roja').

A Regular Pattern

This verb follows the standard rules for verbs ending in -ar, so it doesn't have any hidden surprises or spelling changes in its forms.

Donar vs. Regalar

Mistake: “Yo dono un juguete a mi hermano por su cumpleaños.”

Correction: Yo le regalo un juguete a mi hermano. Use 'donar' for charities or institutions, and 'regalar' for friends and family.

dictar

deek-TARdikˈtaɾ

verbB1Academic/Formal
Use 'dictar' specifically when a professor, teacher, or expert is delivering a lecture, class, or talk.
A teacher standing in front of a group of students, gesturing towards a blackboard.

Examples

El Dr. García va a dictar una charla hoy.

Dr. García is going to give a talk today.

Ella dicta clases de español en la universidad.

She teaches Spanish classes at the university.

administrar

ad-mee-nees-TRARadminisˈtɾaɾ

verbC1Medical/Formal
Use 'administrar' when referring to the act of officially giving or applying a dose of medicine or a treatment.
A person using a small spoon to give liquid medicine to a child.

Examples

La enfermera le administró la vacuna.

The nurse administered the vaccine to him.

El juez debe administrar justicia de manera imparcial.

The judge must administer justice in an impartial way.

Medical context

When giving medicine, you often use 'le' or 'me' to show who is receiving the action.

Confusing with 'dar'

Mistake: “El doctor dio la medicina.”

Correction: El doctor administró la medicina. While 'dar' is correct, 'administrar' is the precise term used in medical reports.

suministrar

soo-mee-nees-trarsuminisˈtɾaɾ

verbB2Medical/Formal
Use 'suministrar' in a medical context when providing a specific quantity or dose of something, like medication.
A person gently placing a small bandage on another person's arm.

Examples

La enfermera suministró la dosis correcta de insulina.

The nurse administered the correct dose of insulin.

Es peligroso suministrar medicamentos sin receta.

It is dangerous to administer medications without a prescription.

Medical Accuracy

This word is preferred in medical reports over 'dar' because it implies following a specific protocol or dosage.

Suministrar vs. Soportar

Mistake: “Me suministraron el dolor.”

Correction: Suministrar means to give or provide, not to endure. To say you endured pain, use 'soportar' or 'aguantar'.

echarle

eh-CHAR-leheˈtʃaɾle

verbB2Informal
Use 'echarle' with a direct object when you mean to 'give' something quick attention, like a look or a hand, or to add an ingredient.
A cartoon character with wide, curious eyes quickly peeking their head around a bright yellow door frame to look at something unseen.

Examples

Échale un ojo a los niños mientras hago la cena.

Keep an eye on the children while I make dinner.

Si necesitas ayuda, con gusto le echo una mano.

If you need help, I'll gladly lend a hand (to you).

conferir

kon-fe-reerkonfeˈɾiɾ

verbC1Formal
Use 'conferir' when one thing gives or bestows a quality, characteristic, or honor upon another.
A chef sprinkling green herbs into a large pot of soup.

Examples

Las especias le confieren un sabor único al plato.

The spices impart a unique flavor to the dish.

Sus anteojos le confieren un aire de intelectual.

His glasses give him an air of an intellectual.

La luz de la tarde confiere una atmósfera mágica al bosque.

The evening light lends a magical atmosphere to the forest.

Abstract Giving

This use of the word is for abstract things. You aren't physically handing someone a flavor or a look; the object or situation naturally provides that quality.

Choosing Between 'Dar' and Other Verbs

The most common mistake is using the general verb 'dar' when a more specific verb is required. For instance, don't use 'dar' for medical doses; use 'administrar' or 'suministrar' instead. Similarly, for formal offers, 'ofrecer' is often better than 'dar'.

Related Translations

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