A2 Collocation محايد 2 دقيقة للقراءة

não dar certo

to work out

حرفيًا: not to give right

في 15 ثانية

  • Used when plans, objects, or relationships fail to work out.
  • The opposite of 'deu certo' (it worked).
  • Extremely common in both Brazil and Portugal.

المعنى

This phrase is used when something fails to happen or doesn't go as planned. It covers everything from a broken toaster to a failed romantic relationship.

أمثلة رئيسية

3 من 6
1

Talking about a past relationship

Nós tentamos, mas não deu certo.

We tried, but it didn't work out.

2

Trying to fix a computer

Tentei reiniciar, mas não deu certo.

I tried to restart it, but it didn't work.

3

A business proposal that was rejected

Infelizmente, a parceria não deu certo.

Unfortunately, the partnership didn't work out.

🌍

خلفية ثقافية

Used constantly in dating to let someone down gently.

💡

Context is key

Always use 'dar' for events.

في 15 ثانية

  • Used when plans, objects, or relationships fail to work out.
  • The opposite of 'deu certo' (it worked).
  • Extremely common in both Brazil and Portugal.

What It Means

Não dar certo is your go-to phrase for any plan that flops. Think of it as the opposite of success. It implies that the pieces just didn't fit together. It is incredibly versatile and common in daily speech.

How To Use It

You use it like a regular verb phrase. The verb dar (to give) changes based on the tense. If a date was bad, you say it não deu certo. If a plan is currently failing, it não está dando certo. It is simple and punchy.

When To Use It

Use it for mechanical failures like a car not starting. Use it for social plans that get canceled. It is perfect for describing relationships that ended. You can even use it for a recipe that turned into a disaster. It is the ultimate 'oops' phrase.

When NOT To Use It

Avoid using it for serious moral failures or crimes. It sounds a bit too light for a tragedy. Don't use it if you simply forgot to do something. It implies an attempt was made but failed. It’s about the result, not the lack of effort.

Cultural Background

Brazilians and Portuguese people are generally optimistic but realistic. This phrase reflects a pragmatic view of life's little hiccups. There is a sense of 'it wasn't meant to be' when you use it. It takes the pressure off by blaming the situation, not necessarily the person. It's a very 'chill' way to acknowledge a failure.

Common Variations

You might hear dar errado which is a bit more blunt. Dar zebra is a funny slang version for an unexpected bad result. If things go well, you just remove the não and say deu certo. It’s a binary world of things working or not!

ملاحظات الاستخدام

The phrase is highly flexible across all levels of formality. The key is conjugating the verb 'dar' correctly to match the subject and tense.

💡

Context is key

Always use 'dar' for events.

أمثلة

6
#1 Talking about a past relationship

Nós tentamos, mas não deu certo.

We tried, but it didn't work out.

Very common way to explain a breakup without being too specific.

#2 Trying to fix a computer

Tentei reiniciar, mas não deu certo.

I tried to restart it, but it didn't work.

Refers to a technical solution that failed.

#3 A business proposal that was rejected

Infelizmente, a parceria não deu certo.

Unfortunately, the partnership didn't work out.

Professional yet direct way to report a failed deal.

#4 Texting a friend about meeting up

Acho que hoje não vai dar certo.

I don't think it's going to work out today.

A polite way to cancel plans last minute.

#5 Following a difficult recipe

O bolo não deu certo, ficou duro!

The cake didn't work out, it's hard!

Used for a failed attempt at cooking.

#6 Trying a new key in a lock

Essa chave não deu certo na porta.

This key didn't work in the door.

Physical incompatibility of two objects.

اختبر نفسك

Complete the sentence.

Tentei consertar a porta, mas ________.

✓ صحيح! ✗ ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة: não deu certo

The context is a failed attempt at fixing something.

🎉 النتيجة: /1

وسائل تعلم بصرية

بنك التمارين

1 تمارين
Complete the sentence. Fill Blank A2

Tentei consertar a porta, mas ________.

✓ صحيح! ✗ ليس تمامًا. الإجابة الصحيحة: não deu certo

The context is a failed attempt at fixing something.

🎉 النتيجة: /1

الأسئلة الشائعة

1 أسئلة

Yes, for relationships.

عبارات ذات صلة

🔗

dar errado

contrast

to go wrong

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