In 15 Seconds
- Used to express the ability to handle or manage tasks.
- Commonly followed by the preposition 'de' plus the object.
- Can be used for both physical chores and mental responsibilities.
Meaning
This phrase describes having the capacity or energy to handle a situation or task. It is like saying you are 'up to the task' or can 'cope' with everything on your plate.
Key Examples
3 of 6At the office with a heavy workload
Eu tenho muito trabalho, mas acho que dou conta de tudo.
I have a lot of work, but I think I can handle it all.
A friend offering to help with grocery bags
Pode deixar, eu dou conta dessas sacolas!
Don't worry, I can manage these bags!
Discussing a difficult university course
O curso é difícil, mas ela está dando conta das matérias.
The course is hard, but she is managing the subjects.
Cultural Background
The expression 'dar conta' likely stems from old accounting practices where one had to 'render accounts' or explain finances. Over time, it evolved from a literal financial report to a general metaphor for managing any responsibility. In Brazil, it is often associated with the 'batalhador' (hard worker) spirit.
The 'De' Rule
Always remember the 'de'. If you just say 'Eu dou conta', it's fine if the context is known. But if you name the task, it must be 'Eu dou conta DE algo'.
Don't confuse with 'Dar uma conta'
Adding an article changes it completely. 'Dar uma conta' isn't a standard phrase, and 'Pedir a conta' means asking for the bill at a restaurant!
In 15 Seconds
- Used to express the ability to handle or manage tasks.
- Commonly followed by the preposition 'de' plus the object.
- Can be used for both physical chores and mental responsibilities.
What It Means
Dar conta is the core engine here. It means to manage, handle, or finish something successfully. When you add bastante, you are emphasizing that there is plenty of capacity. It is about being capable. It is about not being overwhelmed by your to-do list. Think of it as having your life under control. Or at least pretending you do for others.
How To Use It
You usually pair this with the preposition de. You say you dar conta de something. The verb dar changes based on who is doing the managing. I dou conta. You dá conta. We damos conta. It works perfectly for physical tasks or mental loads. You can use it for laundry or a big project. It is a very flexible workhorse in your vocabulary.
When To Use It
Use it when someone asks if you need help. It is the perfect way to say "I've got this." Use it at work to show you are reliable. Use it with friends when discussing a busy week. It sounds confident and capable. If you are juggling three kids and a job, you are definitely dando conta. It is a badge of honor in busy modern life.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for simple physical reaching. If you can't reach a shelf, do not use dar conta. Use alcançar instead. Also, avoid it in very tragic situations. It might sound too clinical or detached. If someone is grieving, don't ask if they are dando conta of the funeral. It feels a bit like checking a business metric. Stick to more emotional phrases there.
Cultural Background
Brazilians and Portuguese people value the 'jeitinho' or finding a way. Dar conta is the linguistic result of that effort. It implies a sense of responsibility and resilience. There is a certain pride in 'giving account' of your duties. It reflects a culture that values hard work and results. Even if the process was chaotic, dar conta means you crossed the finish line.
Common Variations
You will often hear não dar conta. This is the universal cry of the overwhelmed. Não dou conta de tanto trabalho! is a common office lament. You might also hear dar conta do recado. This is a more idiomatic way to say you handled a specific challenge. It literally means 'handling the message' but translates to 'delivering the goods.'
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly versatile and fits into almost any social situation. Just ensure you conjugate the verb `dar` correctly based on the subject.
The 'De' Rule
Always remember the 'de'. If you just say 'Eu dou conta', it's fine if the context is known. But if you name the task, it must be 'Eu dou conta DE algo'.
Don't confuse with 'Dar uma conta'
Adding an article changes it completely. 'Dar uma conta' isn't a standard phrase, and 'Pedir a conta' means asking for the bill at a restaurant!
The 'Recado' variation
If you want to sound like a local pro, say 'dar conta do recado'. It's a very common idiomatic way to say you handled a challenge perfectly.
Examples
6Eu tenho muito trabalho, mas acho que dou conta de tudo.
I have a lot of work, but I think I can handle it all.
Shows professional confidence and reliability.
Pode deixar, eu dou conta dessas sacolas!
Don't worry, I can manage these bags!
A common way to decline help politely.
O curso é difícil, mas ela está dando conta das matérias.
The course is hard, but she is managing the subjects.
Describes someone's ongoing success in a challenge.
Não se preocupa com a janta, eu dou conta hoje.
Don't worry about dinner, I'll handle it today.
Short and efficient for daily coordination.
É tanta confusão que eu nem dou conta de entender!
It's so much confusion that I can't even manage to understand!
Uses the negative to show being overwhelmed.
Às vezes é exaustivo, mas a gente sempre dá conta.
Sometimes it's exhausting, but we always manage.
Expresses resilience in a personal context.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct form of the verb 'dar' to complete the sentence.
Nós ___ conta de terminar o projeto até amanhã.
Since the subject is 'Nós' (We), the verb 'dar' must be conjugated as 'damos'.
Select the correct preposition to follow 'dar conta'.
Você dá conta ___ limpar a casa sozinha?
The expression 'dar conta' almost always requires the preposition 'de' when followed by an object.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Dar Conta'
Used with friends and family for chores.
Dou conta da louça.
Standard workplace or social interaction.
Eu dou conta do projeto.
Slightly too casual for very stiff legal settings.
O funcionário deu conta das metas.
When to say 'Dar Conta'
Work
Managing deadlines
Home
Handling housework
Social
Organizing a party
Personal
Emotional resilience
Practice Bank
2 exercisesNós ___ conta de terminar o projeto até amanhã.
Since the subject is 'Nós' (We), the verb 'dar' must be conjugated as 'damos'.
Você dá conta ___ limpar a casa sozinha?
The expression 'dar conta' almost always requires the preposition 'de' when followed by an object.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIt means to manage or handle a task. For example, Eu dou conta means 'I can handle it'.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend without any issues.
Yes, but it implies managing them. Não dou conta desse menino means 'I can't handle this boy'.
Conseguir is 'to be able to' or 'to succeed'. Dar conta implies a sustained effort or managing a responsibility.
Simply add 'não' before the verb: Eu não dou conta.
No, bastante just adds emphasis. You can use dar conta on its own.
Yes! Eu dei conta de tudo means 'I managed everything'.
It is understood everywhere in the Lusophone world, though Brazilians use it very frequently in daily speech.
Yes, but only in the reflexive form: dar-se conta de. Without the se, it means to manage.
Yes, it's very common to discuss if a team can dar conta of a new project.
Forgetting the de. Don't say Eu dou conta o trabalho; say Eu dou conta DO trabalho.
Originally yes, but today it is used for any kind of task or situation.
Related Phrases
dar conta do recado
dar um jeito
se virar
dar-se conta de
dar conta de si
