Darle a alguien por [hacer] algo = to take up something/to feel like doing something (perífrasis verbal)

The Spanish expression "darle a alguien por algo" or "por hacer algo" is often used when talking about starting to do something new.

How to use the Spanish expression dar a alguien por algo

The Spanish idiomatic expression "dar a alguien por algo" is often used to express a "sudden interest in something/doing something", when there was no apparent desire or inclination to do this before. It implies a sudden decision. 

Here are some examples:

A mi madre le ha dado por llamarme todas las noches. Me tiene controlada.My mum has suddenly started calling me every night. She keeps me under surveillance.

Ayer me dio por limpiar a fondo la cocina. Terminé cansadísima.Yesterday I decided to clean the kitchen thoroughly. I was really tired afterwards.

Ultimamente me ha dado por flirtear con mi jefe.Recently I've started flirting with my boss.

El año pasado nos dio por el golf y este año por el tenis.Last year we took up golf and this year [we've taken up] tennis.

Notice that the verb dar is always conjugated in the 3rd person singular and is followed by the preposition "por", followed by either an infinitive or a noun. 

It's important to pay attention to the indirect object pronoun. This indicates the person/people who has taken the new interest in something.(me ha dado por..., le dio por...)

This indirect object can be doubled by also using the form "a+ person", e.g. "A María le ha dado por..."

See also Repetition of indirect object pronouns with verbs in Spanish (general)

Want to make sure your Spanish sounds confident? We’ll map your knowledge and give you free lessons to focus on your gaps and mistakes. Start your Brainmap today »

Examples and resources

A mi madre le ha dado por llamarme todas las noches. Me tiene controlada.My mum has suddenly started calling me every night. She keeps me under surveillance.
Ayer me dio por limpiar a fondo la cocina. Terminé cansadísima.Yesterday I decided to clean the kitchen thoroughly. I was really tired afterwards.
Ultimamente me ha dado por flirtear con mi jefe.Recently I've started flirting with my boss.
El año pasado nos dio por el golf y este año por el tenis.Last year we took up golf and this year [we've taken up] tennis.
Clever stuff happening!