Question 1

Why does the verb dar (to give) mean "it is not possible" here?

Accepted Answer

While dar literally means "to give", the fixed expression dar para followed by an infinitive (like pendurar) is an impersonal structure used to say that something is possible or doable. By making it negative (Não dá para), it translates naturally to "It is not possible to" or "You can't".

Question 2

If we were hanging multiple coats, would dá change to the plural dão?

Accepted Answer

No, it stays exactly the same. Because this is an impersonal expression, it doesn't have a specific subject doing the action. Therefore, the verb dar is locked into the third-person singular (dá). Even if the sentence were "Não dá para pendurar os casacos", the verb would not change.

Question 3

Could I just say "Não é possível pendurar" instead of "Não dá para pendurar"?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you absolutely could. Não é possível is grammatically correct and means the exact same thing. However, não dá para is highly idiomatic and is what you will hear native Portuguese speakers use most often in everyday conversation.

Question 4

Why is "on the hanger" translated as no cabide instead of using a word for "on top of"?

Accepted Answer

In Portuguese, the preposition em (which merges with the article o to form no) is the standard way to express hanging something on an object like a hanger, a hook, or a wall. You don't need a more specific spatial preposition like sobre (over/on) for this everyday action.

Não dá para pendurar o casaco no cabide.

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