Significado
To assume something is true or will happen without questioning it.
Contexto cultural
The Portuguese often use 'dar por certo' with a touch of irony to criticize those who are overly confident, reflecting a national trait of modesty. In Brazil, the phrase is common in 'novelas' to describe characters who are about to be surprised by a plot twist because they took their situation for granted. In business contexts in Luanda, 'dar por certo' is used to emphasize the need for signed documents over verbal promises. The expression is often used in community discussions to remind people that collective efforts shouldn't be assumed without active participation.
Agreement is Key
At C1 level, always try to make 'certo' agree with the object (e.g., 'dar a vitória por certa'). It shows high-level grammatical control.
Don't over-use it
Using it for every small assumption can sound dramatic. Save it for significant expectations.
Significado
To assume something is true or will happen without questioning it.
Agreement is Key
At C1 level, always try to make 'certo' agree with the object (e.g., 'dar a vitória por certa'). It shows high-level grammatical control.
Don't over-use it
Using it for every small assumption can sound dramatic. Save it for significant expectations.
The 'Se Deus Quiser' rule
In many Portuguese-speaking countries, even if you 'dar por certo' something, adding 'se Deus quiser' is a polite way to acknowledge that nothing is truly certain.
Ponte a prueba
Preencha a lacuna com a forma correta da expressão.
Não podemos ___ por certo que o voo sairá no horário.
After the modal verb 'podemos', we use the infinitive 'dar'.
Qual frase usa a expressão corretamente?
Escolha a opção correta:
In option B, 'certa' correctly agrees with the feminine noun 'aprovação'.
Complete o diálogo.
A: 'Acho que vou ganhar a lotaria hoje!' B: 'Calma, não ___.'
In an informal warning, 'não dês por certo' (Tu form) is the most natural response.
Combine a situação com a frase apropriada.
Situação: Um político assume que será reeleito sem fazer campanha.
Option A correctly uses the expression with the object 'a eleição'.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosNão podemos ___ por certo que o voo sairá no horário.
After the modal verb 'podemos', we use the infinitive 'dar'.
Escolha a opção correta:
In option B, 'certa' correctly agrees with the feminine noun 'aprovação'.
A: 'Acho que vou ganhar a lotaria hoje!' B: 'Calma, não ___.'
In an informal warning, 'não dês por certo' (Tu form) is the most natural response.
Situação: Um político assume que será reeleito sem fazer campanha.
Option A correctly uses the expression with the object 'a eleição'.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasYes, but it usually means you are taking their presence or support for granted. 'Ele dá a esposa por certa' means he doesn't value her enough because he assumes she'll always be there.
Not necessarily. They are interchangeable in most contexts, though 'por certo' feels slightly more traditional in European Portuguese.
Absolutely. 'Eu dei por certo' is very common when explaining a past mistake or assumption.
Not always, but it often implies a lack of evidence. It can be neutral in news reporting.
You could say 'pôr em dúvida' (to put in doubt) or 'não contar com' (not to count on).
Yes, widely. Brazilians also use 'dar como certo' frequently in journalism.
It is understood but sounds like a literal translation from Spanish 'dar por seguro'. Stick to 'certo'.
Just add 'que' after 'certo': 'Dou por certo que eles vêm'.
Yes, to show you are analytical: 'Não quero dar por certo o sucesso da campanha antes de ver os dados'.
Yes, if the objects are plural: 'Dei os resultados por certos'.
Frases relacionadas
Dar como garantido
synonymTo take as guaranteed
Dar de barato
similarTo concede or assume something is obvious
Dar certo
contrastTo work out / to succeed
Pôr a mão no fogo
builds onTo vouch for someone completely
