Darse cuenta
Example: Me di cuenta de que olvidé las llaves en casa.
Definition
"Darse cuenta" is a Spanish phrasal verb meaning to become aware of or to realize something, often suddenly or after some thought. For example, in the phrase 'Me di cuenta de que olvidé las llaves en casa,' it means 'I realized that I forgot the keys at home.'
Etymology
The phrase "darse cuenta" combines the reflexive verb 'darse,' meaning 'to give oneself,' with 'cuenta,' which means 'account' or 'reckoning.' Together, it literally means 'to give oneself an account,' which evolved into the figurative meaning of 'becoming aware' or 'realizing.' Did you know it's like giving yourself a mental tally?
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"Darse cuenta" appears in the Vocaplus list "Spanish - General - Modismos y refranes - (A2) - parte 1", containing 106 commonly used expressions.
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