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How to Say "you give" in Spanish

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das

/dass//das/

VerbA1informal
Use 'das' when speaking to a single person informally, using the 'tú' form.
A storybook illustration of one person handing a brightly wrapped gift box to another person, clearly symbolizing the action of giving.

Examples

Tú siempre me das buenos consejos.

You always give me good advice.

¿Me das un vaso de agua, por favor?

Can you give me a glass of water, please?

Si me das tu número, te llamo más tarde.

If you give me your number, I'll call you later.

Who Are You Talking To? ('tú')

'Das' is the form of 'dar' (to give) you use when talking to one person you know well, like a friend or family member. This is the informal 'you' that's common in Spain and most of Latin America.

Forgetting the Special 'yo' Form

Mistake: “Yo do...”

Correction: The correct form is 'Yo doy'. The verb 'dar' is a bit tricky, and its form for 'I' is one you just have to memorize: 'Yo doy' (I give).

da

/da//da/

VerbA1formal
Use 'da' when speaking to a single person formally, using the 'usted' form.
A smiling woman handing a bright red apple to a child, illustrating the action of 'he/she gives'.

Examples

Ella siempre me da buenos consejos.

She always gives me good advice.

Mi ventana da a la calle principal.

My window overlooks the main street.

El sol da luz y calor.

The sun gives light and heat.

Who is 'da' for?

'Da' is the form of the verb 'dar' (to give) you use for a single person or thing: 'he', 'she', 'it', or the formal 'you' (usted). Example: 'El sol da calor' (The sun gives heat).

Mixing up 'da' and 'das'

Mistake: “Mi amigo das buenos consejos.”

Correction: Mi amigo da buenos consejos. Remember: 'das' with an 's' is for 'tú' (you, informal). 'Da' without an 's' is for he, she, it, or the formal you.

dan

/dahn//dan/

VerbA1formal
Use 'dan' when speaking to a group of people formally, using the 'ustedes' form.
Three cartoon characters are simultaneously handing colorful wrapped presents to a fourth, happy character, illustrating the concept of 'they give.'

Examples

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?).

Formality and Number Confusion

The most common mistake is confusing the singular formal 'usted' (da) with the plural formal 'ustedes' (dan). Remember that 'da' is for one person you address formally, while 'dan' is for more than one person, even if they are all addressed formally.

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