En 15 secondes
- Used to describe scolding or reprimanding someone for a mistake.
- Commonly used by parents, teachers, or frustrated friends.
- Pair it with 'em' to specify who is getting the scolding.
Signification
This phrase is what you use when someone needs a good talking-to. It describes the act of reprimanding or telling someone off because they did something wrong or annoying.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6A mother talking about her son
Minha mãe deu uma bronca no meu irmão porque ele não limpou o quarto.
My mom scolded my brother because he didn't clean his room.
At the office with a coworker
O chefe deu uma bronca geral na equipe pelo atraso no projeto.
The boss gave the whole team a scolding for the project delay.
Texting a friend about a late arrival
Se você chegar atrasado de novo, eu vou te dar uma bronca!
If you arrive late again, I'm going to give you a talking-to!
Contexte culturel
In Brazilian culture, 'dar uma bronca' is a common part of social navigation, especially within families. It reflects a culture where emotional expression is open; if someone is upset with your behavior, they will likely let you know. Interestingly, in some regions, 'bronca' can also mean a 'problem' or a 'grudge' you have against someone.
The Passive Flip
If you want to say you were the victim of the scolding, use 'levar uma bronca'. It's much more common than using the passive voice.
Don't overdo it
Calling a boss's feedback a 'bronca' to their face might seem disrespectful. Keep it for describing the event to others.
En 15 secondes
- Used to describe scolding or reprimanding someone for a mistake.
- Commonly used by parents, teachers, or frustrated friends.
- Pair it with 'em' to specify who is getting the scolding.
What It Means
Dar bronca is your go-to expression for scolding someone. It is more than just a polite correction. It implies a bit of heat or frustration. Imagine a parent catching a kid drawing on the walls. That parent is about to dar uma bronca. It is about expressing disapproval clearly and firmly.
How To Use It
The grammar is simple. You use the verb dar (to give) followed by bronca. Usually, you use the preposition em to show who is being scolded. For example: Eu dei uma bronca nele. You can also use it without an object if the context is clear. It works in past, present, and future tenses easily.
When To Use It
Use it when there is a clear hierarchy or a mistake. Parents dão bronca on children. Teachers dão bronca on students who talk too much. You might even dar uma bronca on a friend who is late for the fifth time this week. It fits perfectly in everyday life when someone crosses a line. Even at work, a boss might dar uma bronca on the team for missing a deadline.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this in very formal, high-stakes professional settings. If a CEO is firing someone, they probably won't call it a bronca. That sounds a bit too domestic or casual. Also, don't use it for a light, friendly suggestion. If you are just giving advice, use dar um conselho. A bronca implies the other person messed up and you are not happy about it.
Cultural Background
Brazilians are generally warm, but they can be very direct when it comes to discipline. The word bronca actually has roots in old Portuguese referring to something rough or unpolished. In Brazil, it evolved into this specific type of verbal discipline. It is a staple of childhood memories for almost every Brazilian. Everyone remembers the first time their mom deu uma bronca in public!
Common Variations
You will often hear levar uma bronca. This is the passive version. It means "to get scolded." If you are the one in trouble, you leva a bronca. You might also hear dar um esporro, which is a much stronger, more vulgar version. Stick to bronca to stay safe and polite while still being firm.
Notes d'usage
The phrase is neutral-to-informal. It is perfect for family, friends, and casual workplace talk, but use 'repreender' in legal or highly formal documents.
The Passive Flip
If you want to say you were the victim of the scolding, use 'levar uma bronca'. It's much more common than using the passive voice.
Don't overdo it
Calling a boss's feedback a 'bronca' to their face might seem disrespectful. Keep it for describing the event to others.
The 'Big' Bronca
Brazilians often add 'aquela' (that) to emphasize it: 'Levei aquela bronca!' means you got a really serious scolding.
Exemples
6Minha mãe deu uma bronca no meu irmão porque ele não limpou o quarto.
My mom scolded my brother because he didn't clean his room.
Classic use of parental discipline.
O chefe deu uma bronca geral na equipe pelo atraso no projeto.
The boss gave the whole team a scolding for the project delay.
Used here to show professional dissatisfaction.
Se você chegar atrasado de novo, eu vou te dar uma bronca!
If you arrive late again, I'm going to give you a talking-to!
Playful but firm warning between friends.
Tive que dar uma bronca no cachorro; ele comeu meu sapato.
I had to scold the dog; he ate my shoe.
Yes, you can even give a 'bronca' to pets!
Não me dê uma bronca agora, eu já estou me sentindo mal.
Don't scold me right now, I already feel bad.
Used to ask for empathy instead of criticism.
O professor deu uma bronca nos alunos que estavam conversando.
The teacher scolded the students who were talking.
Standard educational context.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct preposition to complete the phrase.
Eu dei uma bronca ___ meu amigo.
In Portuguese, you give a scolding 'in' someone (dar bronca em + o = no).
Choose the verb that means 'to receive' the scolding.
Eu cheguei tarde e ___ uma bronca do meu pai.
'Levar uma bronca' is the standard way to say you were the one who got scolded.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of 'Dar Bronca'
Dar um esporro
O cara me deu um esporro!
Dar uma bronca
Vou dar uma bronca nele.
Repreender
O gerente repreendeu o funcionário.
Where to use 'Dar Bronca'
At Home
Kids making a mess
School
Student not paying attention
With Friends
Friend forgot your birthday
Pet Training
Dog barking at night
Banque d exercices
2 exercicesEu dei uma bronca ___ meu amigo.
In Portuguese, you give a scolding 'in' someone (dar bronca em + o = no).
Eu cheguei tarde e ___ uma bronca do meu pai.
'Levar uma bronca' is the standard way to say you were the one who got scolded.
🎉 Score : /2
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot necessarily rude, but it is direct. It describes a situation where someone is being corrected firmly, like O pai deu uma bronca no filho.
Yes, but usually when talking *about* a situation. You might say Meu chefe me deu uma bronca to a colleague.
Repreender is the formal dictionary word. Dar bronca is what people actually say in daily life.
Use the verb levar. Example: Eu levei uma bronca do meu chefe.
Yes, you can say dar várias broncas if someone is constantly scolding another person.
In some contexts, it can mean a problem or a difficult task, like Essa tarefa é uma bronca.
Yes, if they did something annoying, you might say Vou te dar uma bronca se você esquecer de novo.
Yes, but in Portugal, bronca can also mean a 'scandal' or a 'messy situation' more frequently than in Brazil.
Use em. For example: Dar uma bronca em alguém.
Absolutely! It's a very common, high-frequency expression that will make you sound much more natural.
Expressions liées
levar um pito
an older/regional way to say 'to get scolded'
passar um carão
to embarrass someone by scolding them (regional/informal)
chamar a atenção
to call someone's attention (a softer way to scold)
dar um esporro
to scold very harshly/vulgarly
