At its core, por descontado means something that is taken for granted or assumed as true without question. It can also refer to something that is guaranteed or certain to happen. For example, if someone says “lo doy por descontado”, they mean that they take it as a given or assume it without any doubt.
Usage Examples
The usage of por descontado can vary depending on the context. Here are some examples:
– Siempre llega tarde por descontado – He always arrives late without fail.
– Tomo por descontado que vendrás con nosotros – I assume you’ll come with us.
– No lo dije porque lo daba por descontado – I didn’t say it because I thought it was obvious.
Origins and Historical Context of the Spanish Idiom “por descontado”
The Spanish language is known for its rich idiomatic expressions that add color and depth to everyday conversations. One such idiom is por descontado, which is commonly used in Spain and Latin America. To understand this phrase better, it’s essential to explore its origins and historical context.
The Meaning of “Por Descontado”
Por descontado can be translated as “for granted” or “without a doubt.” It’s often used to express something that is taken as a given or assumed without further explanation. For example, if someone says, “Por descontado que vamos al cine esta noche,” they mean that going to the cinema tonight is a given, without needing any more discussion.
The Origin of the Phrase
The origin of the phrase dates back to ancient commercial practices in Spain. In those days, merchants would sell their goods on credit with an agreement to pay later. However, some customers would try to renegotiate the terms after receiving their products, leading sellers to lose money.
To avoid these situations, merchants started using a system called descuento, where they would offer discounts for upfront payments. This practice became so common that eventually “descontar” (to discount) became synonymous with paying upfront.
Over time, people started using por descontado figuratively instead of literally when referring to things that were taken for granted or assumed without question.
Usage and Variations of the Spanish Idiom “por descontado”
When it comes to understanding a foreign language, idioms can be one of the most challenging aspects. The Spanish idiom por descontado is no exception. While its literal translation may be “for granted,” this phrase has several different meanings depending on the context in which it is used.
One common usage of por descontado is to express something that is considered obvious or expected. For example, if someone says “Por descontado que voy a la fiesta,” they mean that it’s obvious they will attend the party. In this case, the phrase could be translated as “of course.”
Another variation of this idiom is to indicate certainty or assurance. If someone says Lo sé por descontado, they are expressing absolute confidence in their knowledge about something. In English, this could be translated as “I know for sure.”
Additionally, there are times when por descontado can imply an assumption made without proper consideration or investigation. For instance, if someone says “No puedes darlo por descontado sin antes investigar más a fondo,” they mean that you cannot assume something without first doing more research.
Synonyms, Antonyms, and Cultural Insights for the Spanish Idiom “por descontado”
Firstly, let’s take a look at some synonyms for por descontado. This expression can be translated as “without a doubt”, “certainly”, or “definitely”. These words convey similar meanings to the original phrase and can be used interchangeably in many contexts.
On the other hand, some antonyms for por descontado include expressions like “doubtfully”, “uncertainly”, or “questionably”. These words imply that there is some level of uncertainty or doubt involved in a situation. Using these terms instead of the original phrase can change the tone of a conversation drastically.
Now let’s dive into some cultural insights related to using this idiom. In Spanish-speaking countries, people tend to use more idiomatic expressions than literal ones when communicating informally. Therefore, mastering common phrases like por descontado is essential if you want to sound natural in your conversations.
Additionally, this expression is often used when expressing confidence or certainty about something. For example: If someone asks you if you’re going to attend their party tonight and you reply with Por supuesto que sí, por descontado, it means that you have no doubts about your attendance.
Practical Exercises for the Spanish Idiom “por descontado”
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blank
Read each sentence and choose the correct word or phrase that best completes it.
1. Yo __________ que siempre llegas tarde.
a) sé
b) por descontado
c) ambos
2. ¿Vas a venir a la fiesta? Por supuesto, __________.
a) no lo sé
b) por descontado
c) tal vez
3. No necesitas explicarme todo el proceso, lo entiendo __________.
a) por descontado
b) nunca
c) difícilmente
4. Siempre me pide prestado dinero y yo se lo doy __________.
a) sin duda alguna
b) por descontado
c) raramente
5. Sabía que iban a ganar el partido __________.
a) sin duda alguna
b) por descontado
c)nunca
Exercise 2: Conversation Practice
Practice having conversations with a partner using por descontado in different contexts such as making plans, expressing opinions, and giving instructions.
Example:
Person A: ¿Quieres ir al cine esta noche?
Person B: ¡Por supuesto! Por descontado que quiero ir al cine contigo.
Exercise 3: Writing Practice
Write short paragraphs using por descontado in various scenarios such as describing personal habits or expressing certainty about future events.
Example:
Por descontando que siempre me gusta tomar un café por la mañana antes de empezar mi día. Es una rutina que he mantenido durante años y me ayuda a despertarme y concentrarme en mis tareas diarias.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using the Spanish Idiom “por descontado”
When speaking Spanish, it’s important to use idioms correctly in order to effectively communicate with native speakers. One commonly used idiom is por descontado, which can be translated as “taken for granted” or “of course.” However, there are some common mistakes that non-native speakers make when using this phrase.
Mistake #1: Using it too frequently
While por descontado is a useful phrase, it should not be overused in conversation. Native speakers may find it repetitive and even annoying if someone uses this idiom excessively. It’s important to vary your vocabulary and use other phrases to express similar ideas.
Mistake #2: Misusing the phrase
Another mistake that non-native speakers make is misusing the phrase por descontado. This can happen when someone uses the idiom in an inappropriate context or incorrectly conjugates the verb. In order to avoid confusion or misunderstandings, it’s important to learn how and when to use this phrase properly.
| Correct Usage: | “Por supuesto que voy a la fiesta, eso está por descontado.” |
| Incorrect Usage: | “No tengo tiempo para ir al cine hoy por descontado.” |