vs
QUICK ANSWER
"Darse cuenta de" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to realize", and "de qué" is a phrase which is often translated as "what". Learn more about the difference between "darse cuenta de" and "de qué" below.
darse cuenta de(
dahr
-
seh
kwehn
-
tah
deh
)A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
1. (general)
a. to realize
¿No te das cuenta de que estás malcriando a tus hijos?Don't you realize you're spoiling your children?
b. to realise (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Cuando se sentó al volante, Rosario se dio cuenta de que había perdido sus lentes.When she sat behind the wheel Rosario realised she had lost her glasses.
c. to notice
En ese momento me di cuenta de que el hombre llevaba una pistola en el bolsillo.At that moment I noticed the man had a gun in his pocket.
de qué(
deh
keh
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
