In 15 Seconds
- To give someone a firm, serious scolding or reprimand.
- Used when someone needs to be set straight or corrected.
- Common in friendships, families, and casual workplace venting.
Meaning
This phrase is used when someone gets a serious talking-to or a stern reprimand. It's that moment when a boss, parent, or friend drops the jokes and tells you exactly what you did wrong.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking about a lazy roommate
Tive que dar uma dura no meu colega de quarto por causa da louça.
I had to give my roommate a talking-to because of the dishes.
A boss reacting to a late employee
O chefe deu uma dura na equipe porque ninguém bateu a meta.
The boss gave the team a scolding because nobody hit the goal.
Texting a friend about a parent
Minha mãe me deu uma dura ontem por chegar tarde.
My mom gave me a hard time yesterday for arriving late.
Cultural Background
The expression likely stems from police jargon or military discipline where a 'dura' was a rigorous interrogation or physical search. Over time, it softened into everyday slang for any stern lecture or reprimand given by someone in a position of temporary authority.
The 'Levar' Secret
If you are the one getting in trouble, always use the verb `levar`. Saying `levei uma dura` makes you sound like a native speaker immediately.
Watch the Tone
While common, this phrase implies you are being quite stern. Don't use it if you just want to say you had a 'small chat' with someone.
In 15 Seconds
- To give someone a firm, serious scolding or reprimand.
- Used when someone needs to be set straight or corrected.
- Common in friendships, families, and casual workplace venting.
What It Means
Dar uma dura is all about setting someone straight. It implies a firm, non-negotiable scolding. It isn't just a light comment. It is a moment of authority or serious concern. Think of it as 'laying down the law.'
How To Use It
You use it like a standard verb phrase. You can say dei uma dura nele (I gave him a scold). Or you can say levei uma dura (I received a scold). It usually involves a direct object—the person getting the lecture.
When To Use It
Use it when a situation gets serious. Maybe your roommate hasn't paid rent in months. Perhaps a teammate keeps missing deadlines. It works perfectly for parenting moments too. It’s great for venting to friends about a tough conversation.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this in very formal legal documents. Don't use it for a polite suggestion. If you are just giving 'feedback,' this is too strong. It implies a level of intensity that might feel aggressive in a first-time business meeting. Use chamar a atenção for something softer.
Cultural Background
Brazilians are generally very warm and indirect. However, when things cross a line, the 'dura' is the social correction. The word dura (hard/tough) reflects the shift from a flexible, friendly vibe to a rigid, serious one. It’s a necessary social 'reset' button in Brazilian culture.
Common Variations
You might hear dar um esporro, which is much more vulgar and aggressive. There is also dar um pito, which feels a bit old-fashioned, like something a grandfather would do. Dar uma dura sits right in the middle—common, effective, and clear.
Usage Notes
The phrase is informal but very widely used across all social classes in Brazil. It requires the preposition 'em' for the person being scolded.
The 'Levar' Secret
If you are the one getting in trouble, always use the verb `levar`. Saying `levei uma dura` makes you sound like a native speaker immediately.
Watch the Tone
While common, this phrase implies you are being quite stern. Don't use it if you just want to say you had a 'small chat' with someone.
Police Context
In Brazil, if someone says they 'levaram uma dura' from the police, it often means they were stopped and searched quite aggressively.
Examples
6Tive que dar uma dura no meu colega de quarto por causa da louça.
I had to give my roommate a talking-to because of the dishes.
Shows the phrase used for domestic accountability.
O chefe deu uma dura na equipe porque ninguém bateu a meta.
The boss gave the team a scolding because nobody hit the goal.
Common in professional but informal Brazilian offices.
Minha mãe me deu uma dura ontem por chegar tarde.
My mom gave me a hard time yesterday for arriving late.
Classic use for parental discipline.
Dei uma dura no Totó, mas ele continuou comendo meu sapato.
I gave Totó a lecture, but he kept eating my shoe.
Humorous because you can't really 'scold' a dog seriously.
O treinador deu uma dura no atacante após o jogo.
The coach gave the striker a piece of his mind after the game.
Used in sports to show intense correction.
A polícia deu uma dura nos caras que estavam correndo demais.
The police gave a hard time to the guys who were speeding.
Closer to the original, more literal meaning of the phrase.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct verb to complete the phrase meaning 'I received a scolding'.
Eu ___ uma dura do meu pai ontem.
In Portuguese, you 'give' (dar) a scold or 'carry/take' (levar) a scold.
Complete the sentence to say 'He gave a scold to the brother'.
Ele deu uma dura ___ irmão.
The preposition 'em' (em + o = no) is used after 'dar uma dura' to indicate the recipient.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of Scolding
Chamar a atenção
O gerente chamou a atenção do funcionário.
Dar uma dura
Dei uma dura nele.
Dar um esporro
Ele levou um esporro gigante.
When to 'Dar uma Dura'
Parent to Child
For messy rooms
Boss to Staff
For missed deadlines
Friend to Friend
For bad dating choices
Police to Driver
For traffic violations
Practice Bank
2 exercisesEu ___ uma dura do meu pai ontem.
In Portuguese, you 'give' (dar) a scold or 'carry/take' (levar) a scold.
Ele deu uma dura ___ irmão.
The preposition 'em' (em + o = no) is used after 'dar uma dura' to indicate the recipient.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt’s not necessarily rude, but it describes a stern situation. It’s a very common way to describe a serious reprimand among friends.
You can use it *about* your boss (e.g., Meu chefe me deu uma dura), but don't say it *to* your boss while they are scolding you.
Dar um pito is much gentler and sounds like something an older person would say. Dar uma dura is more modern and forceful.
Not always. You can dar uma dura in a very quiet, cold, and serious voice. The 'hardness' is in the authority, not the volume.
It is understood, but it is much more common in Brazilian Portuguese. In Portugal, they might use dar um raspanete.
Yes, if they did something wrong and you had to be firm with them, you can say dei uma dura no meu namorado.
It is the feminine form of duro, meaning 'hard' or 'tough'. In this context, it's a noun meaning 'a hard time'.
Absolutely! It shows you understand the nuances of Brazilian social interactions beyond basic textbook verbs.
There isn't a direct opposite idiom, but passar a mão na cabeça means to excuse someone's bad behavior instead of scolding them.
Yes, it's very common in WhatsApp chats when complaining about someone. For example: Vou dar uma dura nele agora!
Related Phrases
chamar a atenção
dar um esporro
dar um pito
levar um sabão
passar um sermão
