Meaning
To reveal, announce, or inform others about something.
Cultural Background
In Spain, 'dar a conocer' is the standard language for official state bulletins (BOE). It carries a heavy sense of 'legal reality'—if it hasn't been 'dado a conocer', it doesn't officially exist. In Mexican media, this phrase is often used with a sense of 'breaking news' (primicia). It's very common in entertainment news (espectáculos) when revealing celebrity secrets. Argentines often use 'dar a conocer' in political activism. It's used to 'denunciar' or bring hidden corruption to light, emphasizing the 'reveal' aspect. In the pan-Hispanic business world, 'dar a conocer' is the preferred term for 'branding' or 'market entry.' It sounds more professional than 'publicitar.'
The Passive Power
Use 'Se dio a conocer...' to sound like a professional journalist or a high-level executive.
Don't forget the 'A'
Saying 'Dar conocer' is a very common mistake for English speakers. Always keep the 'a'!
Meaning
To reveal, announce, or inform others about something.
The Passive Power
Use 'Se dio a conocer...' to sound like a professional journalist or a high-level executive.
Don't forget the 'A'
Saying 'Dar conocer' is a very common mistake for English speakers. Always keep the 'a'!
Modesty Matters
In some Spanish-speaking cultures, 'darse a conocer' (making yourself known) can sound boastful if not used carefully. Use it to talk about professional achievements, not just personal ego.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'dar' in the preterite (past) tense.
Ayer, el director ___ a conocer los cambios en la empresa.
We need the preterite (past) tense for an action that happened 'ayer' (yesterday).
Which sentence is the most natural for a news report?
How would a news anchor say the results are out?
The passive 'se dio a conocer' is the standard journalistic form.
Match the Spanish phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are the distinct meanings of these related phrases.
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate phrase.
A: ¿Cuándo van a publicar el libro? B: Lo ___ a conocer el próximo mes.
The phrase is 'dar a conocer', so we conjugate 'dar' in the future tense.
In which situation would you NOT use 'dar a conocer'?
Select the inappropriate context:
For personal introductions, 'presentar' is the correct verb.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Dar a conocer vs. Presentar
Practice Bank
5 exercisesAyer, el director ___ a conocer los cambios en la empresa.
We need the preterite (past) tense for an action that happened 'ayer' (yesterday).
How would a news anchor say the results are out?
The passive 'se dio a conocer' is the standard journalistic form.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the distinct meanings of these related phrases.
A: ¿Cuándo van a publicar el libro? B: Lo ___ a conocer el próximo mes.
The phrase is 'dar a conocer', so we conjugate 'dar' in the future tense.
Select the inappropriate context:
For personal introductions, 'presentar' is the correct verb.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, you can use it for personal things too, like 'dar a conocer' your feelings, but it always sounds a bit more serious than just 'decir'.
Only if you are introducing them to the public (like a new artist). For social introductions, use 'presentar'.
'Publicar' usually implies a physical or digital medium (like a book or a post), while 'dar a conocer' is the act of making the information public, regardless of the medium.
It is always 'doy a conocer'. The 'a' is essential.
Yes, 'dio a conocer' (he/she/it made known) is actually the most common form you will see in newspapers.
'Hacer saber' is more like 'to inform someone' (direct), while 'dar a conocer' is 'to make public' (general).
Use the reflexive form: 'darse a conocer'. Example: 'Se dio a conocer con su primera película.'
Yes, it is formal/neutral. It's perfect for work, school, and news.
Yes, 'dar a conocer un secreto' is a common way to say the secret was revealed to a group.
Yes: 'Dieron a conocer que el evento se cancela.'
Related Phrases
hacer saber
similarTo let someone know
darse a conocer
builds onTo make oneself known
poner de manifiesto
specialized formTo highlight or reveal
sacar a la luz
similarTo bring to light
divulgar
synonymTo spread or circulate
