The Subjunctive Mood of Darse is used to express wishes, desires, or hypothetical situations, for example: Ojalá se den cuenta de lo importante que es el reciclaje. (I hope they realize how important recycling is.)

Darse is an irregular verb, meaning its conjugation follows a unique pattern that must be memorized. Its conjugations in the Present Subjunctive do not follow the regular rules.

Conjugations

Conjugations of Darse (to give oneself) in the Subjunctive Mood tense (Latin American Spanish):

The present subjunctive of darse is used to express wishes, desires, doubts, or hypothetical situations involving the verb “darse” (to give oneself, to occur, to happen).

To occur or happen: For example, es posible que se den cambios climáticos extremos (it’s possible that extreme climate changes may occur). This meaning conveys that something might take place or come about.

To give oneself (a chance, an opportunity, etc.): For example, debes darte la oportunidad de viajar más (you should give yourself the opportunity to travel more). This usage suggests allowing oneself to experience or do something.

To happen to someone (informal): For example, ¡no te des pena! (don’t be embarrassed/ashamed, lit. “don’t give yourself shame!”). This colloquial expression implies that a feeling or emotion befalls someone.

To hit or punch oneself (slang): For example, si no me pagas, me voy a dar en la madre (if you don’t pay me, I’m going to punch myself in the face, implying frustration). This rude, idiomatic usage suggests self-harm out of anger or desperation.

Examples

Examples of Darse in the Subjunctive Mood

Es importante que te des cuenta de tus fortalezas. (It’s important that you realize your strengths.)

Ojalá que tu amigo se dé prisa y llegue a tiempo. (Hopefully your friend hurries up and arrives on time.)

Para aprobar el examen, es necesario que te des tiempo para estudiar. (To pass the exam, it’s necessary that you give yourself time to study.)

Aunque no lo creas, me gustaría que te dieras una oportunidad con esa persona. (Even if you don’t believe it, I’d like you to give that person a chance.)

Sería bueno que te dieras un descanso de vez en cuando. (It would be good if you took a break every now and then.)

Es una lástima que no se dé cuenta de lo talentoso que es. (It’s a shame that he doesn’t realize how talented he is.)

Espero que la fiesta se dé bien y que todos la pasen genial. (I hope the party goes well and everyone has a great time.)

Aunque cueste trabajo, es importante que te des tiempo para relajarte. (Even though it’s difficult, it’s important that you take time to relax.)

Ojalá que tu jefe se dé cuenta de lo mucho que trabajas. (Hopefully your boss realizes how hard you work.)

Para tener éxito, es fundamental que te des cuenta de tus debilidades. (To be successful, it’s essential that you realize your weaknesses.)

Me alegro de que te dieras la oportunidad de viajar al extranjero. (I’m glad you gave yourself the opportunity to travel abroad.)

Tal vez sería mejor que se diera un tiempo para pensar las cosas. (Maybe it would be better if he took some time to think things over.)

Ojalá que tu hermana se dé cuenta de lo afortunada que es. (Hopefully your sister realizes how fortunate she is.)

Para mejorar tu salud, es recomendable que te des un descanso de vez en cuando. (To improve your health, it’s advisable that you take a break every now and then.)

Sería genial que te dieras la oportunidad de aprender un nuevo idioma. (It would be great if you gave yourself the opportunity to learn a new language.)

Conjugations with English Translations

Conjugations of Darse (to give oneself) in the Subjunctive Mood tense (Latin American Spanish) with English Translations:

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

Synonyms

The Subjunctive mood is also known as the Simple Subjunctive, Subjunctive Present, or Present Subjunctive Mood in English, and as Presente de Subjuntivo, Subjuntivo Presente, Presente del Modo Subjuntivo, or Tiempo Presente del Subjuntivo in Spanish.