Significado
To allow oneself to have or do something pleasant, even if it's extravagant.
Contexto cultural
In Brazil, the phrase is often linked to the 'ostentação' culture in Funk music, where 'dar-se ao luxo' is a sign of having 'made it' from the favela to success. In Portugal, the phrase is frequently used in political discourse regarding the national budget and the European Union, often in a cautionary tone. In Luanda, where the cost of living is very high, 'dar-se ao luxo' is often used when talking about imported goods or basic services that are expensive. Used similarly to other Lusophone countries, but often appears in the context of 'tempo' (time) in more rural or traditional settings.
Use it in the negative
Native speakers use this phrase in the negative ('Não me dou ao luxo') 60% of the time to explain constraints.
The 'ao' is key
Forgetting the 'ao' is the most common sign of a non-native speaker. Practice 'dar-se AO luxo'.
Significado
To allow oneself to have or do something pleasant, even if it's extravagant.
Use it in the negative
Native speakers use this phrase in the negative ('Não me dou ao luxo') 60% of the time to explain constraints.
The 'ao' is key
Forgetting the 'ao' is the most common sign of a non-native speaker. Practice 'dar-se AO luxo'.
Self-care context
In modern PT-BR, use it to talk about mental health breaks to sound very current.
Ponte a prueba
Preencha a lacuna com a forma correta da expressão (lembre-se do pronome reflexivo).
Nós não __________ perder esta oportunidade única.
The subject is 'Nós', so the reflexive pronoun must be 'nos'. The standard expression uses 'ao'.
Qual frase usa a expressão de forma mais natural para um contexto de 'autocuidado'?
Escolha a opção correta:
A long bath is an indulgence/treat, whereas breathing or brushing teeth are basic necessities.
Complete o diálogo com a opção que faz mais sentido.
A: 'Você vai comprar aquele relógio de ouro?' B: 'Não, eu não __________.'
This completes the thought logically in a financial context.
Combine a situação com a frase correta.
Situação: Um cirurgião operando um paciente.
In high-stakes situations, the negative form is used to show there is no margin for error.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Brazil vs Portugal Pronouns
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosNós não __________ perder esta oportunidade única.
The subject is 'Nós', so the reflexive pronoun must be 'nos'. The standard expression uses 'ao'.
Escolha a opção correta:
A long bath is an indulgence/treat, whereas breathing or brushing teeth are basic necessities.
A: 'Você vai comprar aquele relógio de ouro?' B: 'Não, eu não __________.'
This completes the thought logically in a financial context.
Situação: Um cirurgião operando um paciente.
In high-stakes situations, the negative form is used to show there is no margin for error.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasYes! You can say 'Ele se dá ao luxo de ser rude' (He allows himself the luxury of being rude), implying he feels he is above the rules of politeness.
Both are used, but 'ao luxo' is considered more grammatically correct in standard Portuguese. 'O luxo' is common in informal Brazilian speech.
No, it's very often about time, mistakes, or emotional energy.
Eu me dei ao luxo, você se deu ao luxo, nós nos demos ao luxo.
Yes, but you change the pronoun: 'Eu não lhe dou ao luxo de...' (I don't give you the luxury of...). However, this is very rare and sounds quite aggressive.
There isn't a single phrase, but 'viver na miséria' or 'não ter escolha' are conceptual opposites.
Extremely. It's used to talk about budgets, risks, and strategic choices.
It can, if you use it to brag. But it often sounds like a justified reward or a necessary caution.
Yes: 'Não posso me dar ao luxo de...' is one of the most common ways to use it.
Yes, 'o luxo' is always masculine, so it's always 'ao luxo'.
Frases relacionadas
Permitir-se
similarTo allow oneself something.
Dar-se o direito de
similarTo give oneself the right to.
Viver nababescamente
specialized formTo live like a 'nababo' (very wealthy person).
Pisar em ovos
contrastTo walk on eggshells.
Estar com a corda no pescoço
contrastTo be in a very tight spot (financially).
