Significado
Provide something that requires serious consideration, reflection, or analysis.
Contexto cultural
In Portugal, 'dar que pensar' is often linked to the concept of 'ponderação'. It is seen as a virtue to not react immediately but to let things 'dar que pensar' before forming an opinion. Brazilians often add the article 'o' (dar o que pensar). It is frequently used in political satire and social commentary to point out contradictions in public life. In Angolan literature, the phrase is used to reflect on the complexities of post-colonial identity and the social changes in Luanda. Authors like Mia Couto use similar structures to play with the boundary between reality and dream, where events 'give' the characters a new way of thinking.
Use with Pronouns
To sound more native, use indirect object pronouns: 'Isso me deu que pensar' (BR) or 'Isso deu-me que pensar' (PT).
Avoid Triviality
Don't use it for small things like what to eat for lunch, or you'll sound overly dramatic.
Significado
Provide something that requires serious consideration, reflection, or analysis.
Use with Pronouns
To sound more native, use indirect object pronouns: 'Isso me deu que pensar' (BR) or 'Isso deu-me que pensar' (PT).
Avoid Triviality
Don't use it for small things like what to eat for lunch, or you'll sound overly dramatic.
The Brazilian 'O'
If you are in Brazil, adding the 'o' (dar o que pensar) will make you sound much more natural and integrated.
Ponte a prueba
Complete a frase com a forma correta do verbo 'dar'.
Aquelas palavras do filósofo ______ que pensar a todos os alunos ontem.
The context 'ontem' (yesterday) requires the preterite perfect tense.
Qual frase expressa suspeita?
Escolha a opção correta:
'Dar que pensar' is used here to imply that something is suspicious or requires analysis.
Complete o diálogo de forma natural.
A: Você viu que o CEO renunciou de repente? B: Vi sim. Isso ______.
In this context of a sudden resignation, 'dar que pensar' is the most appropriate idiomatic expression for reflection/suspicion.
🎉 Puntuación: /3
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
3 ejerciciosAquelas palavras do filósofo ______ que pensar a todos os alunos ontem.
The context 'ontem' (yesterday) requires the preterite perfect tense.
Escolha a opção correta:
'Dar que pensar' is used here to imply that something is suspicious or requires analysis.
A: Você viu que o CEO renunciou de repente? B: Vi sim. Isso ______.
In this context of a sudden resignation, 'dar que pensar' is the most appropriate idiomatic expression for reflection/suspicion.
🎉 Puntuación: /3
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt is neutral to formal. It's perfect for essays and professional meetings, but also used in serious personal conversations.
Yes, but it usually implies a 'heavy' or 'complex' kind of positive, like a deep philosophical insight, rather than just 'fun'.
The meaning is identical. 'Dar o que pensar' is more common in Brazil, while 'dar que pensar' is the standard in Portugal.
Yes, it's correct, but 'isso me dá que pensar' is more idiomatic and sophisticated for a C1 learner.
No, the phrase is fixed as 'dar que pensar'. You don't say 'dar que pensares'.
Not always. It can just mean something is intellectually stimulating. Context is key.
'Dar que pensar' is the best equivalent. You can also say 'algo para refletir'.
Yes: 'Isso ainda vai dar muito que pensar.' (This will still give us a lot to think about).
Very common. Journalists use it to highlight controversial or complex issues.
Yes, 'Ele me dá que pensar' means his character or behavior is puzzling or suspicious.
Frases relacionadas
Dar o que falar
similarTo cause gossip or scandal.
Pôr a pensar
synonymTo make someone think.
Dar azo a
specialized formTo give rise to.
Ficar a pensar
builds onTo be left thinking.
