Me dá um tempo
Give me a break / Give me some time.
Literally: Me (to me) dá (give) um (a) tempo (time)
In 15 Seconds
- Used to ask for personal space or a mental break.
- Can mean 'stop bothering me' if said with frustration.
- Common in casual conversations, movies, and daily life.
- Best avoided in formal settings or with superiors.
Meaning
This phrase is used when you need a break, some space, or for someone to stop bothering you for a moment. It is the perfect way to say 'give me a break' or 'give me some time' depending on your tone.
Key Examples
3 of 6Feeling overwhelmed at work
Gente, me dá um tempo para terminar esse relatório?
Guys, give me some time to finish this report?
A friend is teasing you about a crush
Ah, me dá um tempo! Eu nem gosto dele.
Oh, give me a break! I don't even like him.
Texting a persistent salesperson
Me dá um tempo, por favor. Eu aviso se quiser comprar.
Give me some space, please. I'll let you know if I want to buy.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, 'dar um tempo' is often the 'polite' way to break up. Many people say they are 'giving it time' when they actually have no intention of returning, to avoid the immediate drama of a final breakup. Portuguese people are generally more direct. While they use 'dar um tempo', it is less common as an exclamation of annoyance; they might prefer 'deixa-me em paz' (leave me in peace). In Angolan Portuguese, you might hear 'me dá mambo' or other local slang, but 'me dá um tempo' remains universally understood as a standard expression. On Twitter/X, 'dar um tempo' is frequently used when someone is 'canceling' a celebrity or a brand, or simply announcing a hiatus from the platform.
The 'Aí' Trick
Add 'aí' at the end ('Me dá um tempo aí') to sound 100% like a local. It softens the command and makes it more conversational.
Intonation Matters
If you say it with a rising intonation, it's a polite request. If you say it with a flat, loud tone, it's a shut-up command.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to ask for personal space or a mental break.
- Can mean 'stop bothering me' if said with frustration.
- Common in casual conversations, movies, and daily life.
- Best avoided in formal settings or with superiors.
What It Means
Me dá um tempo is a versatile expression. At its core, it is a request for space. Sometimes you need five minutes to think. Other times, you are annoyed and want someone to back off. It translates roughly to 'Give me a break' or 'Give me some time.' It is direct and very common in Brazil.
How To Use It
You can use it literally or figuratively. Literally, use it when you are overwhelmed with tasks. You are asking for a pause. Figuratively, use it when someone is being annoying. It acts as a verbal 'eye-roll.' It is a great way to set boundaries quickly. Just watch your tone of voice!
When To Use It
Use it when your boss gives you a third deadline today. Use it when your friend is teasing you too much. It works well when you are making a big decision. Text it to a group chat that is blowing up. It is perfect for those 'I can't even' moments in life.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this with your grandmother or a judge. It can sound quite dismissive if used upward in a hierarchy. Avoid it in very formal business proposals. If a waiter asks for your order, do not say this. Instead, use só um minutinho. Me dá um tempo carries a bit of emotional weight.
Cultural Background
Brazilians are generally very social and patient people. However, the pace of life in cities like São Paulo is intense. This phrase became a staple of 90s pop culture and soap operas. It captures that universal feeling of being 'done' with a situation. It reflects the Brazilian trait of being direct about feelings.
Common Variations
You might hear Dá um tempo!. This version is shorter and usually more aggressive. Another variation is Me dá um segundinho for a polite pause. In Rio, you might hear Dá um tempo, cara. Adding cara (man/dude) makes it feel more like a casual plea. If you are really frustrated, you might just shout Dá um tempo!.
Usage Notes
The phrase sits firmly in the informal register. The inclusion of the pronoun 'me' at the start of the sentence is grammatically incorrect in formal written Portuguese (which prefers 'Dá-me'), but it is how 99% of Brazilians speak naturally.
The 'Aí' Trick
Add 'aí' at the end ('Me dá um tempo aí') to sound 100% like a local. It softens the command and makes it more conversational.
Intonation Matters
If you say it with a rising intonation, it's a polite request. If you say it with a flat, loud tone, it's a shut-up command.
The Relationship 'Break'
If a Brazilian partner says 'precisamos dar um tempo', be prepared—it's often the beginning of the end.
Examples
6Gente, me dá um tempo para terminar esse relatório?
Guys, give me some time to finish this report?
A literal request for time to focus.
Ah, me dá um tempo! Eu nem gosto dele.
Oh, give me a break! I don't even like him.
Used here to dismiss a silly comment.
Me dá um tempo, por favor. Eu aviso se quiser comprar.
Give me some space, please. I'll let you know if I want to buy.
Setting a boundary with someone being pushy.
Eu só preciso que você me dê um tempo para pensar.
I just need you to give me some time to think.
A serious, emotional request for space.
Dá um tempo, cara! Eu acabei de te emprestar dez reais.
Give it a rest, man! I just lent you ten reais.
Expressing annoyance at a repetitive request.
Me dá um tempo para olhar o cardápio?
Can you give me a moment to look at the menu?
A polite way to ask for a decision-making pause.
Test Yourself
Which sentence is most appropriate for a couple who wants to stop dating for a while?
Eles decidiram...
'Dar um tempo' is the standard idiom for a relationship break.
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'dar' in the imperative (informal).
Ah, ___ um tempo! Eu não aguento mais suas reclamações.
The informal imperative for 'you' (tu/você) in this context is 'dá'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
1. 'Me dá um tempo para pensar.' | 2. 'Ah, me dá um tempo!' | 3. 'Vou dar um tempo do café.'
Sense 3 is for thinking, Sense 2 for annoyance, and Sense 1 (with 'do/da') for habits.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
The Three Faces of 'Me Dá Um Tempo'
The Pause
- • Need to think
- • Busy at work
- • Processing info
The Breakup
- • Relationship space
- • Trial separation
- • Re-evaluating
The 'Shut Up'
- • Annoyance
- • Stop teasing
- • Pushy sales
Practice Bank
3 exercisesEles decidiram...
'Dar um tempo' is the standard idiom for a relationship break.
Ah, ___ um tempo! Eu não aguento mais suas reclamações.
The informal imperative for 'you' (tu/você) in this context is 'dá'.
1. 'Me dá um tempo para pensar.' | 2. 'Ah, me dá um tempo!' | 3. 'Vou dar um tempo do café.'
Sense 3 is for thinking, Sense 2 for annoyance, and Sense 1 (with 'do/da') for habits.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt depends on the tone. It can be a polite request for time or a rude way to say 'shut up'.
Better not. Use 'Pode me dar um momento?' to be safe.
'Fazer uma pausa' is usually for a scheduled break (like a coffee break), while 'dar um tempo' is more about emotional or social space.
You can use 'Me dá um tempo!' exactly for that, usually with a sarcastic tone.
In Brazil, 'Me dá' is used 99% of the time in speech. In Portugal, use 'Dá-me'.
Yes! It means you are taking a temporary break from eating meat.
It's just a more informal, colloquial version of the same phrase.
Yes, 'Conceda-me um instante' or 'Poderia me dar um momento?'.
No. For 'Wait for me', use 'Me espera'.
No, it is too informal. Use 'Agradeço a compreensão e o tempo para análise'.
Related Phrases
Dar um tempo ao tempo
builds onTo let things take their natural course.
Me deixa em paz
synonymLeave me alone.
Dar um pulo
similarTo drop by somewhere quickly.
Dar uma folga
synonymTo give someone a break.
