Significado
To make an effort to do something, often implying it's not strictly necessary.
Contexto cultural
In Brazil, 'dar-se ao trabalho' is often used with 'nem' to express a sense of social slight. Brazilians value 'calor humano' (human warmth), so failing to 'bother' with someone is seen as being cold or 'metido' (snobbish). In Portugal, the phrase is frequently used in its more formal variant 'dar-se ao incómodo'. It reflects the Portuguese 'cerimónia' (etiquette), where acknowledging the inconvenience caused to others is a sign of good education. In Angolan Portuguese, the expression is used similarly to Portugal but often carries a more rhythmic, emphatic tone in spoken discourse. It is common in formal administrative contexts. In Mozambique, the phrase is often found in literary and journalistic writing to criticize government or institutional inefficiency.
The 'Nem' Power-Up
Always use 'nem' before the phrase to sound like a native when complaining. 'Ele nem se deu ao trabalho...' is 10x more common in casual speech than the positive version.
Reflexive Agreement
Don't forget to change 'se' to 'me' if you are talking about yourself. 'Eu se dei' is a very common beginner mistake.
Significado
To make an effort to do something, often implying it's not strictly necessary.
The 'Nem' Power-Up
Always use 'nem' before the phrase to sound like a native when complaining. 'Ele nem se deu ao trabalho...' is 10x more common in casual speech than the positive version.
Reflexive Agreement
Don't forget to change 'se' to 'me' if you are talking about yourself. 'Eu se dei' is a very common beginner mistake.
Politeness in Portugal
In Portugal, use 'dar-se ao incómodo' with elders or superiors to show extra respect.
Teste-se
Fill in the blanks with the correct reflexive pronoun and verb form.
Eu ______ (dar-se) ao trabalho de preparar tudo, mas ninguém veio.
The subject is 'Eu', so the reflexive pronoun must be 'me' and the verb 'dar' in the past tense is 'dei'.
Choose the most natural sentence to thank someone for a favor.
Como você agradeceria a um amigo que trouxe um livro para você?
Option B is the polite and correct way to acknowledge the effort. Option A and D imply the person was a nuisance.
Match the sentence to the correct context.
Sentence: 'Ele nem se deu ao trabalho de ler o meu currículo.'
The use of 'nem' indicates a negative criticism of someone's lack of effort.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of the phrase.
Ana: 'Você quer que eu te ajude com as malas?' Pedro: 'Não, obrigado. Não ______.'
Pedro is telling Ana (you) not to bother, so he uses the imperative 'se dê'.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosEu ______ (dar-se) ao trabalho de preparar tudo, mas ninguém veio.
The subject is 'Eu', so the reflexive pronoun must be 'me' and the verb 'dar' in the past tense is 'dei'.
Como você agradeceria a um amigo que trouxe um livro para você?
Option B is the polite and correct way to acknowledge the effort. Option A and D imply the person was a nuisance.
Sentence: 'Ele nem se deu ao trabalho de ler o meu currículo.'
The use of 'nem' indicates a negative criticism of someone's lack of effort.
Ana: 'Você quer que eu te ajude com as malas?' Pedro: 'Não, obrigado. Não ______.'
Pedro is telling Ana (you) not to bother, so he uses the imperative 'se dê'.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasIt is neutral to formal. You can use it with your boss or your friends, but it sounds more 'educated' than simpler verbs.
Only if the action is implied. 'Obrigado por se dar ao trabalho.' (Thank you for taking the trouble.)
'Dar trabalho' means something is hard (e.g., 'This car gives me trouble'). 'Dar-se ao trabalho' is about a person's effort.
Yes, it is universal in the Portuguese-speaking world, though pronoun placement varies.
Yes. 'Eu me darei ao trabalho de verificar isso amanhã.'
No. It can be very positive when thanking someone for their kindness.
Forgetting the reflexive pronoun 'se' or 'me'.
It's grammatically possible but sounds unnatural. Stick to 'trabalho' or 'incômodo'.
Say 'Não se dê ao trabalho, por favor.'
Yes, 'nem se coçar' is a common Brazilian slang for not bothering to help.
Frases relacionadas
Dar trabalho
similarTo be difficult or cause trouble.
Ter o trabalho de
synonymTo have the trouble of doing something.
Dar-se ao incômodo de
specialized formTo take the trouble (very polite).
Fazer questão de
builds onTo insist on doing something.
