A1 Idiom Informal

Dar um tempo.

To give a time.

Significado

To take a break from a relationship or a demanding situation.

🌍

Contexto cultural

In Brazil, 'dar um tempo' is often a euphemism for a breakup that neither person wants to admit is final yet. It's part of the 'jeitinho'—avoiding direct 'no's. Portuguese people tend to be more literal. If they say they are 'dando um tempo', they usually mean a specific, finite period of reflection. In Luanda, you might hear 'dar um mambo' or 'dar uma mambada' as slang variations for taking a break or doing something else. The phrase is used similarly to Portugal but often mixed with local expressions like 'estamos juntos' to signify that even during a break, the bond remains.

🎯

The 'Um' Rule

Always include 'um'. 'Dar tempo' is for patience; 'Dar um tempo' is for a break. This small word changes everything!

⚠️

Relationship Danger

Be careful! In Brazil, 'dar um tempo' is often seen as the first step to a breakup. Use it wisely with your partner.

Significado

To take a break from a relationship or a demanding situation.

🎯

The 'Um' Rule

Always include 'um'. 'Dar tempo' is for patience; 'Dar um tempo' is for a break. This small word changes everything!

⚠️

Relationship Danger

Be careful! In Brazil, 'dar um tempo' is often seen as the first step to a breakup. Use it wisely with your partner.

Ponte a prueba

Fill in the correct form of the verb 'dar'.

Eu estou muito cansado. Eu vou ___ um tempo agora.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: dar

After 'vou' (future with ir), we use the infinitive 'dar'.

Which sentence is correct for a relationship break?

How do you say 'They took a break' in the past?

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Eles deram um tempo.

'Deram' is the past tense (pretérito perfeito) of 'dar'.

Match the phrase to the situation.

You are arguing with a friend and want to stop.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Dar um tempo na conversa.

Pausing a conversation is the best way to de-escalate an argument.

🎉 Puntuación: /3

Ayudas visuales

Banco de ejercicios

3 ejercicios
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'dar'. Fill Blank A1

Eu estou muito cansado. Eu vou ___ um tempo agora.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: dar

After 'vou' (future with ir), we use the infinitive 'dar'.

Which sentence is correct for a relationship break? Choose A2

How do you say 'They took a break' in the past?

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Eles deram um tempo.

'Deram' is the past tense (pretérito perfeito) of 'dar'.

Match the phrase to the situation. situation_matching B1

You are arguing with a friend and want to stop.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Dar um tempo na conversa.

Pausing a conversation is the best way to de-escalate an argument.

🎉 Puntuación: /3

Preguntas frecuentes

2 preguntas

Yes, it's generally a polite way to ask for space, especially compared to 'me deixa em paz' (leave me alone).

Yes, but 'horário de almoço' or 'pausa para o almoço' is more specific. 'Dar um tempo para almoçar' is perfectly fine though.

Frases relacionadas

🔗

Dar uma folga

similar

To give someone a break / stop bothering someone.

🔗

Dar tempo ao tempo

builds on

To let time take its course.

🔗

Passar o tempo

contrast

To kill time / pass the time.

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