The Present Tense of Darse is used to express actions or states that are currently happening or that occur habitually. For example, Me doy cuenta de que tengo que estudiar más. (I realize that I have to study more.)

Darse is an irregular verb, meaning its conjugations do not follow a set pattern in the present tense. You’ll need to memorize each form individually.

Conjugations

Conjugations of Darse (to give oneself) in the Present Tense tense (Castilian Spanish):

Darse generally means “to give oneself” or “to occur”, but has several different meanings in the Present Tense, some of which might surprise you.

To happen or occur: for example, Se da el caso de que no tenemos suficiente dinero. (It so happens that we don’t have enough money.)

To give oneself (a treat): for example, Me doy un capricho y me compro estos zapatos. (I’m treating myself and buying these shoes.)

To hit or bump into something: for example, Me doy un golpe en la cabeza contra la puerta. (I hit my head against the door.)

To realize or become aware: for example, No me doy cuenta de lo que está pasando. (I don’t realize what’s going on.)

To surrender or give up: for example, Ya me doy, no puedo más. (I give up, I can’t do any more.) Colloquial usage: ¡Vosotros os dais por vencidos muy pronto! (You guys give up way too soon!)

To apply oneself or dedicate time: for example, Me doy a la tarea de aprender español. (I dedicate myself to the task of learning Spanish.)

Examples

Examples of Darse in the Present Tense

Cuando me doy cuenta de que es tarde, salgo corriendo. (When I realize it’s late, I rush out.)

¿Por qué te das tanta prisa? Relájate un poco. (Why are you rushing so much? Relax a little.)

El concierto se da cada año en el parque central. (The concert happens every year in the central park.)

Nos damos cuenta de que necesitamos cambiar nuestros hábitos. (We realize we need to change our habits.)

En esta oficina, os dais cuenta de que el trabajo en equipo es clave. (In this office, you realize that teamwork is key.)

Los rumores se dan a menudo sin fundamento. (Rumors often spread without basis.)

Cuando me doy un masaje, me relajo por completo. (When I get a massage, I completely relax.)

¿Por qué te das por vencido tan fácilmente? Sigue intentándolo. (Why do you give up so easily? Keep trying.)

La fiesta se da en el patio trasero de la casa. (The party is happening in the backyard.)

Nos damos cuenta de lo afortunados que somos. (We realize how fortunate we are.)

En esta empresa, os dais cuenta de la importancia del servicio al cliente. (In this company, you realize the importance of customer service.)

Los accidentes se dan con más frecuencia en las carreteras concurridas. (Accidents happen more often on busy roads.)

Cuando me doy un baño caliente, me siento renovado. (When I take a hot bath, I feel renewed.)

¿Por qué te das tantas vueltas? Ve directo al grano. (Why do you beat around the bush? Get to the point.)

El espectáculo se da una vez al mes en el teatro local. (The show happens once a month at the local theater.)

Conjugations with English Translations

Conjugations of Darse (to give oneself) in the Present Tense tense (Castilian Spanish) with English Translations:

This post covers Castilian Spanish. For Latin American Spanish, click here

Synonyms

The Present tense is also known as the Simple Present, Present Simple, Present Tense, or Present Indicative in English, and as Presente de Indicativo, Presente Simple, Tiempo Presente, or Indicativo Presente in Spanish.