Meaning
To pay attention to advice, suggestions, or rumors, and consider them.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, 'dar ouvidos' is often linked to the concept of 'olho gordo' (evil eye). People are warned not to listen to those who might be envious of their success. Portuguese culture values 'fado' and a certain sense of destiny, but also 'juízo' (common sense). 'Dar ouvidos' to the wrong person is seen as a lack of 'juízo'. In Angolan music, especially Semba, lyrics often revolve around 'fofoca' in the 'musseques' (neighborhoods). 'Dar ouvidos' is a central theme in songs about protecting one's reputation. Similar to other Lusophone African countries, oral tradition is strong. 'Dar ouvidos' to the elders (mais-velhos) is a sign of deep respect and cultural alignment.
The 'Negative' Power
90% of the time you'll use this in the negative. 'Não dê ouvidos' is the most natural way to tell someone to ignore negativity.
Ouvido vs Orelha
Never say 'dar orelhas'. It sounds like you are physically handing over your earlobes.
Meaning
To pay attention to advice, suggestions, or rumors, and consider them.
The 'Negative' Power
90% of the time you'll use this in the negative. 'Não dê ouvidos' is the most natural way to tell someone to ignore negativity.
Ouvido vs Orelha
Never say 'dar orelhas'. It sounds like you are physically handing over your earlobes.
Brazilian 'Pra'
In Brazil, you'll hear 'dar ouvidos pra ele'. It's fine for speaking, but use 'a ele' for exams.
Test Yourself
Preencha a lacuna com a forma correta (a, ao, à, aos, às).
Não dê ouvidos ___ fofocas da vizinha.
'Fofocas' is feminine plural, so 'a' (preposition) + 'as' (article) = 'às'.
Qual frase usa a expressão corretamente para significar 'ignorar conselhos'?
Selecione a opção correta:
Option B correctly uses the idiom to show someone ignored warnings/advice.
Complete o diálogo com a forma correta do verbo 'dar'.
Ana: 'Você acha que eu devo acreditar no que o João disse?' Beto: 'Eu, no seu lugar, não ___ ouvidos a ele.'
The conditional 'daria' is used here for giving advice ('In your place, I wouldn't...').
Associe a frase ao contexto correto.
1. 'Dar ouvidos à intuição' 2. 'Dar ouvidos a boatos' 3. 'Dar ouvidos a especialistas'
1-B, 2-C, 3-A is the logical mapping of these contexts.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesNão dê ouvidos ___ fofocas da vizinha.
'Fofocas' is feminine plural, so 'a' (preposition) + 'as' (article) = 'às'.
Selecione a opção correta:
Option B correctly uses the idiom to show someone ignored warnings/advice.
Ana: 'Você acha que eu devo acreditar no que o João disse?' Beto: 'Eu, no seu lugar, não ___ ouvidos a ele.'
The conditional 'daria' is used here for giving advice ('In your place, I wouldn't...').
1. 'Dar ouvidos à intuição' 2. 'Dar ouvidos a boatos' 3. 'Dar ouvidos a especialistas'
1-B, 2-C, 3-A is the logical mapping of these contexts.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsIt's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
No, for music use 'ouvir música'. 'Dar ouvidos' implies a message or influence.
'Escutar' is the act of paying attention. 'Dar ouvidos' is the act of being influenced by what you hear.
It's 'eu dei', 'você deu', 'nós demos', 'eles deram'.
Yes, in informal Brazilian Portuguese. Formally, it's 'dar ouvidos a mim'.
Yes, 'dar ouvido' (singular) is almost never used.
Yes, when following good advice or your heart. 'Dei ouvidos ao meu mestre.'
It means 'don't listen to me' or 'I might be wrong/talking nonsense'.
Related Phrases
Dar trela
informal alternativeTo give someone attention or encourage them to keep talking.
Fazer ouvidos de mercador
contrastTo pretend not to hear or to ignore someone.
Entrar por um ouvido e sair pelo outro
similarTo hear something but immediately forget or ignore it.
Prestar atenção
synonymTo pay attention.
