Understanding the Spanish Idiom: "dar por concluido" - Meaning, Origins, and Usage

This idiom is often used in formal settings, such as business meetings or academic presentations, but can also be heard in everyday conversations. Understanding its meaning and usage can help non-native speakers communicate more effectively with Spanish-speaking individuals.

Origins and Historical Context of the Spanish Idiom “dar por concluido”

The Spanish language is rich in idiomatic expressions that reflect its cultural and historical heritage. One such expression is dar por concluido, which translates to “to consider concluded” or “to deem finished.” This idiom has a long history and can be traced back to the medieval period when Spain was under Moorish rule.

The Medieval Period

During this time, the Moors introduced many Arabic words into the Spanish language, including the verb concluir, which means to conclude or finish. The phrase “dar por” was also commonly used in Arabic, meaning to give or grant something. Over time, these two phrases merged together to form the idiom we know today as “dar por concluido.”

The Modern Era

In modern times, this idiom has become an integral part of everyday speech in Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries. It is often used in formal settings such as business meetings or legal proceedings when discussing agreements or contracts. However, it is also used informally among friends and family members when talking about completing a task or finishing a project.

English	Spanish
To consider concluded	Dar por concluido/a/o/s/as
To deem finished	Dar por terminado/a/o/s/as
To complete a task/project	Dar fin a una tarea/proyecto
To finalize an agreement	Dar por cerrado un acuerdo

Usage and Variations of the Spanish Idiom “dar por concluido”

When it comes to expressing the idea of ending something in Spanish, one common idiom that is frequently used is “dar por concluido.” This phrase can be translated as “to consider something concluded” or “to declare something finished,” and it is often used in a variety of contexts.

One common usage of this idiom is in the context of business or legal agreements. For example, if two parties have been negotiating a contract and they finally come to an agreement, one party might say damos por concluidas las negociaciones (we consider the negotiations concluded). Similarly, if a court case has reached its conclusion, someone might say “el juez ha dado por concluida la causa” (the judge has declared the case finished).

However, this idiom can also be used in more informal settings. For example, if you’re having a conversation with a friend and you want to wrap things up, you could say bueno, yo doy por concluida esta charla (well, I consider this chat finished). Or if you’ve been working on a project with colleagues and you’ve completed all your tasks, someone might say “vamos a dar por concluido este proyecto y celebrar nuestro éxito juntos” (let’s declare this project finished and celebrate our success together).

It’s worth noting that there are some variations on this idiom depending on the specific context. For example, instead of using the verb dar (to give), some people might use other verbs like declarar (to declare) or considerar (to consider). Additionally, while most uses of this phrase involve declaring something concluded after it has already happened or been agreed upon by multiple parties, there are some cases where it can be used proactively – for example, someone might say doy por concluido este asunto (I’m declaring this matter finished) in order to try and end a discussion or argument.

Synonyms, Antonyms, and Cultural Insights for the Spanish Idiom “dar por concluido”

Synonyms

Some synonyms for dar por concluido include:

• Terminar – to finish
• Cerrar – to close
• Finalizar – to end
• Concluir – to conclude
• Dar fin a – to put an end to

Each of these words carries slightly different connotations, but they can all be used interchangeably with dar por concluido in many cases.

Antonyms

On the other hand, some antonyms for dar por concluido might include:

• Iniciar – to begin/start
• Abrir – to open (something)
• Continuar – to continue/onward with something
• Mantener abierto – keep open

These words represent actions that are opposite or contrary in meaning from dar por concluido. Understanding these antonyms can help clarify when it is appropriate or inappropriate to use this particular idiom.

Cultural Insights

In Spanish-speaking cultures, there is often an emphasis on politeness and indirectness in communication. As such, using idioms like dar por concluido can soften the blow of delivering bad news or ending a conversation abruptly. It also shows respect for others’ time and energy by acknowledging that their input has been heard and considered before making a final decision. However, it’s important not to rely too heavily on idioms like this, as they can sometimes be misinterpreted or misunderstood by non-native speakers.

Practical Exercises for the Spanish Idiom “dar por concluido”

In order to fully understand and master the Spanish idiom dar por concluido, it is important to practice using it in various contexts. Below are some practical exercises that can help you improve your understanding and usage of this common expression.

Exercise 1: Conversation Practice

Find a language partner or tutor who can help you practice using dar por concluido in conversation. Come up with different scenarios where the idiom might be used, such as ending a meeting, concluding an argument, or finishing a project. Practice using the phrase naturally and confidently in each situation.

Exercise 2: Writing Practice

Write short paragraphs or essays using dar por concluido in different ways. For example, write about how you gave up on a difficult task and decided to end it (“Di por concluida la tarea después de varios intentos fallidos”). Or write about how you concluded an investigation into a problem at work (“Damos por concluida la investigación y encontramos la solución al problema”). This will help you become more comfortable with using the idiom in written communication.

Note: Remember that dar por concluido is often used in formal settings, so make sure to use appropriate language and tone when practicing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using the Spanish Idiom “dar por concluido”

Mistake #1: Using It Too Early

One mistake that learners often make is using dar por concluido too early in a conversation or situation. This phrase translates to “to consider something finished,” so it’s typically used after an event or task has been completed. If you use it too early, you may come across as impatient or rude.

Mistake #2: Using It Inappropriately

Another mistake to avoid is using dar por concluido in inappropriate situations. For example, if you’re having a heated argument with someone and abruptly say “doy por concluida esta conversación,” it may escalate the situation further instead of resolving it peacefully. Make sure to use this phrase only when appropriate and in a respectful manner.