Meaning
To create a certain feeling or idea in someone's mind.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, 'dar a impressão' is often used to avoid 'climão' (awkward tension). Brazilians value social harmony and might use this phrase to soften a negative observation. In Portugal, the phrase is common in formal settings to maintain a level of 'distanciamento' (distance) and respect, especially when talking to superiors. In Angolan Portuguese, formal address is very important. 'Dar a impressão' is used to show that one is being observant and respectful of the 'status' of a situation. In Mozambican literature, the phrase is often used to describe the 'spirit' or 'atmosphere' of a place, blending physical description with emotional perception.
The 'Que' Rule
Always remember the 'de' before 'que'. 'Dá a impressão que' is a common mistake for learners. Make it a habit: 'Impressão DE que'.
Avoid 'Fazer'
Never use 'fazer impressão' to mean 'it seems'. You will accidentally tell people that something is making you nauseous!
Meaning
To create a certain feeling or idea in someone's mind.
The 'Que' Rule
Always remember the 'de' before 'que'. 'Dá a impressão que' is a common mistake for learners. Make it a habit: 'Impressão DE que'.
Avoid 'Fazer'
Never use 'fazer impressão' to mean 'it seems'. You will accidentally tell people that something is making you nauseous!
Softening Criticism
Use this phrase in business meetings to disagree politely. 'Isso dá a impressão de ser arriscado' sounds much better than 'Isso é perigoso'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'dar a impressão de' and the necessary preposition/article.
As nuvens escuras no céu ________ que vai cair um temporal.
The subject is 'As nuvens' (plural), so the verb must be 'dão'. The preposition 'de' is required before 'que'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct and natural?
How would you say 'He seems to be a good person' using our phrase?
'Dar' is the correct verb, 'a' is the correct feminine article for 'impressão', and 'de' is the correct preposition.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
Ana: 'Você viu o novo escritório?' Pedro: 'Sim, ele ________ profissionalismo e modernidade.'
Pedro is describing the vibe/impression the office projects.
Match the sentence to the most likely context.
Sentence: 'O silêncio do CEO deu a impressão de que as demissões são inevitáveis.'
The mention of 'CEO' and 'demissões' (layoffs) points to a business context.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Dar vs. Fazer
Practice Bank
4 exercisesAs nuvens escuras no céu ________ que vai cair um temporal.
The subject is 'As nuvens' (plural), so the verb must be 'dão'. The preposition 'de' is required before 'que'.
How would you say 'He seems to be a good person' using our phrase?
'Dar' is the correct verb, 'a' is the correct feminine article for 'impressão', and 'de' is the correct preposition.
Ana: 'Você viu o novo escritório?' Pedro: 'Sim, ele ________ profissionalismo e modernidade.'
Pedro is describing the vibe/impression the office projects.
Sentence: 'O silêncio do CEO deu a impressão de que as demissões são inevitáveis.'
The mention of 'CEO' and 'demissões' (layoffs) points to a business context.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes! You can say 'Ele dá a impressão de ser muito inteligente.' It's neutral and depends on the adjective you use.
Both are used. 'A impressão' (the impression) is more common for general vibes, while 'uma impressão' (an impression) is often used when adding an adjective, like 'uma impressão ruim'.
Use 'Eu tinha a impressão de que...' or 'Eu estava com a impressão de que...'.
Absolutely. It is standard across all Portuguese-speaking countries.
'Parecer' is more direct (It seems). 'Dar a impressão' is more about the 'mark' or 'vibe' something leaves on you.
Yes. 'Este carro dá a impressão de ser rápido.'
It's neutral. It works in a bar with friends and in a boardroom with a CEO.
Because the noun 'impressão' requires the preposition 'de'. In grammar, this is called 'regência nominal'.
Yes, in Brazil it's very common to start with the pronoun. In formal writing or in Portugal, use 'Dá-me a impressão'.
No, it also means 'printing' (like a document) and 'fingerprint' (impressão digital).
Related Phrases
Parecer
similarTo seem
Passar a ideia de
synonymTo convey the idea of
Fazer impressão
contrastTo cause disgust or shock
Causar boa impressão
builds onTo make a good impression
Ter a impressão de que
similarTo have the impression that
