Meaning
To irritate or pester someone repeatedly.
Cultural Background
In Spain, 'dar la lata' is often associated with 'la murga' or 'la tabarra'. During Carnival in places like Cádiz, 'murgas' are groups that sing satirical songs to 'dar la lata' (in a fun way) to politicians. In Mexico, while 'dar la lata' is understood, you might also hear 'dar lata' (without the 'la'). It is very common in family settings. In Argentina, 'hinchar las pelotas' is a much more common (but vulgar) way to say the same thing. 'Dar la lata' sounds a bit old-fashioned or 'Spanish' (from Spain) to some Argentines.
Use it as an exclamation
If you don't want to conjugate the verb, just say '¡Qué lata!' when you're annoyed. It's 100% natural.
Watch your tone
Saying 'No me des la lata' can be playful or very rude depending on your voice. Use a smile if you're joking!
Meaning
To irritate or pester someone repeatedly.
Use it as an exclamation
If you don't want to conjugate the verb, just say '¡Qué lata!' when you're annoyed. It's 100% natural.
Watch your tone
Saying 'No me des la lata' can be playful or very rude depending on your voice. Use a smile if you're joking!
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing pronoun and verb form.
Mi hermana siempre ___ ___ la lata para que le preste ropa.
The sister (she) is the subject, so we use 'da'. 'Me' indicates she is bothering 'me'.
Which phrase means 'What a nuisance!'?
¡___ ___!
'Qué' + noun is the standard way to form exclamations in Spanish.
Match the response to the situation.
Your friend has been talking about his car for 2 hours.
This is the appropriate informal way to tell a friend they are being boring or annoying.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ¿Quieres ir a otra reunión? B: No, por favor, no quiero que el jefe nos ___ la lata otra vez.
We use the subjunctive 'dé' because 'querer que' triggers the subjunctive mood.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMi hermana siempre ___ ___ la lata para que le preste ropa.
The sister (she) is the subject, so we use 'da'. 'Me' indicates she is bothering 'me'.
¡___ ___!
'Qué' + noun is the standard way to form exclamations in Spanish.
Your friend has been talking about his car for 2 hours.
This is the appropriate informal way to tell a friend they are being boring or annoying.
A: ¿Quieres ir a otra reunión? B: No, por favor, no quiero que el jefe nos ___ la lata otra vez.
We use the subjunctive 'dé' because 'querer que' triggers the subjunctive mood.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsIt's informal. Between friends, it's fine. To a stranger or a boss, it's considered rude.
Yes! If your computer is slow or making noise, you can say 'El ordenador me está dando la lata'.
Yes, it is widely understood and used across most Spanish-speaking countries, though some regions prefer 'molestar'.
The phrase is fixed as 'la lata' (singular). You don't say 'dar las latas'.
Related Phrases
Ser un pesado
synonymTo be a 'heavy' person (annoying).
¡Qué lata!
builds onWhat a drag! / How annoying!
Dar la tabarra
synonymTo pester someone incessantly.
