Voices en Español

If there were a Spanish grammar “Hall of Fame”, the verb “dar” would deserve a special place. It’s only three letters long (d-a-r) but it is one of the most versatile and useful verbs in the entire language. The primary definition of dar is to give, but when paired with Spanish prepositions or other key words, the meaning of dar goes far beyond the simple acting of giving. There’s a mogollón of different idiomatic Spanish expressions that contain dar.  Today let’s just focus on two specific phrases, both of which have meanings that may be initially confusing, especially if you try to translate them literally.

Spanish doesn’t have anywhere near the same number of phrasal verbs as English but “dar de alta” and “dar de baja” are as good examples as any.

Dar de alta has at least three different meanings. The first meaning is to sign-up or register for a service. For example, you would dar de alta with the phone company, an insurance company or a health club.

Dar de alta and dar el alta mean to be released or discharged from a hospital. (El médico le dio el alta al paciente. The doctor discharged the patient from the hospital.)

In the context of computers and business, dar de alta may refer to activating a client’s account or uploading/adding information to a computer database.

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Dar de baja also has multiple meanings, depending on context.

If you are referring to a service or membership, dar de baja means to cancel or unsubscribe. (“Ayer les pedí que me dieran de baja porque no quiero seguir pagando.” Yesterday I asked them to cancel my membership because I didn’t want to continue paying.)

If you are referring to military personnel, dar de baja means to discharge from the military.

If you are talking about a person, dar de baja and dar la baja refers to medical leave. Estar de baja is also another option. (“El médico me dio la baja porque me hice daño en el cuello. Estoy de baja por seis meses.” The doctor approved my medical leave because I injured my neck. I’m on sick leave for six months.)

Special thanks to blogger Erik R. for suggesting this topic.

Photo of doctor and patient from iStockPhoto.com