é dando que se recebe
Give and you shall receive
Literally: It is giving that one receives
In 15 Seconds
- The law of reciprocity in action.
- Be generous first to receive later.
- Rooted in spiritual tradition but used everywhere.
- A fixed idiom that never changes form.
Meaning
This phrase describes the universal law of reciprocity. It suggests that if you want to receive kindness, help, or favors, you should start by giving them first.
Key Examples
3 of 6Helping a friend move house
Não se preocupe com o pagamento, é dando que se recebe.
Don't worry about payment, give and you shall receive.
Explaining a business partnership
Vamos compartilhar nossos contatos; afinal, é dando que se recebe.
Let's share our contacts; after all, give and you shall receive.
Texting a sibling about a favor
Te ajudo com a lição hoje. É dando que se recebe, né? 😉
I'll help you with homework today. Give and you shall receive, right?
Cultural Background
In Brazil, the phrase is deeply linked to the 'Oração de São Francisco', which is often sung in schools and churches. It represents the 'cordial' nature of the Brazilian people, who value social bonds. In Portugal, the phrase is used with a bit more formality and is often associated with traditional charity organizations like the 'Santa Casa da Misericórdia'. In Angola, the concept of 'mutuê' (mutual aid) aligns with this phrase, emphasizing community survival through sharing. Similar to other Lusophone African countries, the phrase resonates with the philosophy of Ubuntu ('I am because we are').
Use for Networking
When someone thanks you for a professional favor, say 'É dando que se recebe' to show you value the relationship over the transaction.
Political Context
Be careful using this in Brazilian political discussions, as it can imply corruption (trading favors).
In 15 Seconds
- The law of reciprocity in action.
- Be generous first to receive later.
- Rooted in spiritual tradition but used everywhere.
- A fixed idiom that never changes form.
What It Means
Think of this as the Portuguese version of 'what goes around comes around.' It is a philosophy of life. It means that generosity creates a cycle. When you help someone, you are planting a seed. Eventually, that seed grows and comes back to you. It is about being proactive with your kindness.
How To Use It
You use this phrase to justify being generous. It works when you are helping a friend. It also works when you are explaining why you did a favor. You don't need to change the verb forms. The phrase is a fixed block. Just drop it into a conversation when discussing favors or kindness.
When To Use It
Use it when a friend asks why you are so helpful. Use it in a business meeting to suggest a partnership. It is great for networking events. Use it when volunteering your time. It sounds very wise and grounded. It is also perfect for a social media caption about charity.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using it if you sound like you are demanding a reward. Do not use it if someone just suffered a loss. In those cases, it might sound insensitive. It is not a phrase for transactional 'tit-for-tat' moments. Don't use it if you are actually being selfish. People will see through the irony quickly!
Cultural Background
This phrase has deep roots in Brazilian religious culture. It is famously associated with the 'Prayer of Saint Francis.' Because of this, it carries a sense of moral weight. Most Brazilians know it from childhood. It reflects the culture's emphasis on community and 'jeitinho' (finding a way). It suggests that being helpful is the best social currency.
Common Variations
You might hear people say é dando que se ganha. This swaps 'receive' for 'win' or 'earn.' Some people use it sarcastically in politics too. In political contexts, it refers to 'pork barrel' politics. This is the darker side of the phrase. But in 90% of daily life, it remains a positive, soulful expression.
Usage Notes
This phrase is incredibly versatile. It sits in the 'neutral' zone, meaning it is safe for the office, the dinner table, or a bar. Just be careful with the tone—keep it warm to avoid sounding like you're demanding a favor in return.
Use for Networking
When someone thanks you for a professional favor, say 'É dando que se recebe' to show you value the relationship over the transaction.
Political Context
Be careful using this in Brazilian political discussions, as it can imply corruption (trading favors).
The 'Pois' Prefix
Adding 'Pois' at the beginning ('Pois é dando...') makes it sound more like the original prayer and slightly more formal/poetic.
Examples
6Não se preocupe com o pagamento, é dando que se recebe.
Don't worry about payment, give and you shall receive.
Used here to show selfless friendship.
Vamos compartilhar nossos contatos; afinal, é dando que se recebe.
Let's share our contacts; after all, give and you shall receive.
Used to encourage mutual cooperation in a professional setting.
Te ajudo com a lição hoje. É dando que se recebe, né? 😉
I'll help you with homework today. Give and you shall receive, right?
A lighthearted way to remind them they owe you one later.
Sempre ajude o próximo, meu filho. É dando que se recebe.
Always help your neighbor, my son. It is in giving that we receive.
Classic moral guidance from an elder.
Me dá um pedaço desse bolo? É dando que se recebe!
Give me a piece of that cake? Give and you shall receive!
Using a deep moral phrase for a silly, selfish request.
O trabalho voluntário me faz bem. É dando que se recebe.
Volunteering makes me feel good. It is in giving that we receive.
Reflecting on personal growth through charity.
Test Yourself
Complete the idiom with the correct form of the verb 'dar'.
Não se esqueça: é _______ que se recebe.
The idiom requires the gerund form 'dando' to be grammatically and culturally correct.
Which situation best fits the use of 'é dando que se recebe'?
Choose the best scenario:
The idiom applies to altruistic acts or favors that build future goodwill.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: 'Por que você está doando tantas roupas?' B: 'Ah, eu não as uso mais e acredito que...'
This is the most appropriate idiom for a context of donation and charity.
Identify the correct grammatical structure for the emphatic version of this phrase.
Which one is correct?
While the others are grammatically possible, 'É dando que se recebe' is the fixed idiomatic form.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesNão se esqueça: é _______ que se recebe.
The idiom requires the gerund form 'dando' to be grammatically and culturally correct.
Choose the best scenario:
The idiom applies to altruistic acts or favors that build future goodwill.
A: 'Por que você está doando tantas roupas?' B: 'Ah, eu não as uso mais e acredito que...'
This is the most appropriate idiom for a context of donation and charity.
Which one is correct?
While the others are grammatically possible, 'É dando que se recebe' is the fixed idiomatic form.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNo, while it has religious origins, it is used by everyone in Brazil and Portugal as a general social rule.
No, 'É dando que se recebendo' is grammatically incorrect. The second verb must be conjugated.
'Gentileza' is specifically about being polite/kind, while 'dando' is broader, including money, time, and resources.
Both are correct, but 'se recebe' is much more common in spoken Brazilian Portuguese.
Related Phrases
Gentileza gera gentileza
similarKindness begets kindness.
Toma lá, dá cá
contrastGive and take / Tit for tat.
Mão aberta
builds onOpen-handed / Generous.
Quem dá aos pobres empresta a Deus
synonymHe who gives to the poor lends to God.
