Hacer is more than just a verb in Spanish. If you are learning Spanish (online), you might want to know that ‘hacer’ is actually a versatile powerhouse that can express a wide range of expressions, idioms, and nuances in Spanish. Let’s delve into the various ways hacer can be used in Spanish, explore some common (and less common) expressions, idioms, and even test your understanding with a quiz! Let’s explore the Spanish Verb “Hacer”
The standard translation of the Spanish verb ‘hacer’ is: to do or to make.
But there is much more.
Expressions with Hacer:
- Hacer la cama:
- Translation: To make the bed.
- Example: María siempre hace la cama por la mañana.
- Hacer la compra:
- Translation: To do the grocery shopping.
- Example: Necesitamos hacer la compra para la semana.
- Hacer ejercicio:
- Translation: To exercise.
- Example: Es importante hacer ejercicio regularmente.
- Hacer una pregunta:
- Translation: To ask a question.
- Example: No dudes en hacerme una pregunta si no entiendes.
- Hacer una fiesta:
- Translation: To throw a party.
- Example: Vamos a hacer una fiesta sorpresa para su cumpleaños.
- Hacer el bien/mal:
- Translation: To do good/bad.
- Example: Siempre intento hacer el bien a los demás.
- Hacer la comida:
- Translation: To prepare a meal.
- Example: Hoy voy a hacer la comida favorita de mi abuela.
- Hacer frente a:
- Translation: To face/deal with.
- Example: Debemos hacer frente a los desafíos con valentía.
- Hacer daño:
- Translation: To harm.
- Example: Las mentiras pueden hacer mucho daño a una relación.
- Hacer tiempo:
- Translation: To kill time.
- Example: Mientras esperábamos, decidimos hacer tiempo en el parque.
More Idiomatic Expressions with the verb Hacer:
- Hacer la vista gorda:
- Translation: To turn a blind eye.
- Example: A veces es más fácil hacer la vista gorda que confrontar la verdad.
- Hacer oídos sordos:
- Translation: To turn a deaf ear.
- Example: Juan siempre hace oídos sordos cuando le piden ayuda.
- Hacer la vista cansada:
- Translation: To have tired eyes.
- Example: Después de horas frente a la pantalla, hago la vista cansada.
- Hacerse el/la loco/a:
- Translation: To play dumb.
- Example: Siempre hace el loco cuando le preguntamos sobre el asunto.
- Hacer el agosto
- Translation: To make a killing
- Explanation: This expression refers to making a significant profit or having a great financial success, often in a short period.
- Hacer el primo
- Translation: To be taken for a ride
- Explanation: This phrase is used when someone is being deceived or taken advantage of, especially in a gullible or naive manner.
- Hacer agua
- Translation: To spring a leak
- Explanation: It is commonly used when a plan or situation is failing or not going well.
- Hacer gracia
- Translation: To find something amusing or funny
- Explanation: When something makes you laugh or amuses you.
- Hacer carrera
- Translation:To pursue a career
- Explanation: It means to engage in a professional career or to have a successful career.
- Hacer ascos
- Translation: To turn up one’s nose
- Explanation: This expression is used when someone expresses disdain or aversion to something.
- Hacer sudar
- Translation: To make someone sweat
- Explanation: It means to make someone work hard or endure a challenging situation.
- Hacer la calle a medio hacer
- Translation: To leave something half-done
- Explanation: This phrase is used when something is not completed or finished properly.
- Hacer bulto
- Translation: To take up space
- Explanation: It refers to someone or something that occupies space without contributing much.
- Hacer alguna
- Translation: To make a pass at someone
- Explanation: It means to make a romantic or flirtatious advance towards someone.
- Hacer caso
- Translation: To pay attention
- Explanation: This phrase is used when someone is advised to pay attention or take notice of something.
- Hacer piernas
- Translation: To stretch one’s legs
- Explanation: It means to go for a walk or stretch one’s legs after sitting for a long time.
- Hacer cosquillas
- Translation: To tickle
- Explanation: Refers to the act of tickling someone.
- Hacer dedo
- Translation: To hitchhike
- Explanation: It means to travel by soliciting rides from strangers along the road.
- Hacer de las suyas
- Translation: To misbehave
- Explanation: This expression is used when someone is behaving badly or engaging in mischievous activities.
- Hace el ridículo
- Translation: To make a fool of oneself
- Explanation: It means to behave or perform in a way that makes one look foolish or ridiculous.
- Hacer sitio
- Translation: To make room
- Explanation: It means to create space or accommodate someone or something.
- Hacer historia
- Translation: To make history
- Explanation: It refers to achieving something noteworthy or significant that will be remembered in history.
Quiz Time: Spanish exercise about the verb ‘hacer’!
Let’s get started and test your knowledge of this Spanish verb with our quiz questions related to the verb “hacer.”
Quiz Questions:
Conjugations of the Spanish verb “Hacer” across Various Tenses:
Present Indicative:
- Yo hago
- Tú haces
- Él/Ella/Usted hace
- Nosotros/Nosotras hacemos
- Vosotros/Vosotras hacéis
- Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes hacen
Present Subjunctive:
- (Que) yo haga
- (Que) tú hagas
- (Que) él/ella/usted haga
- (Que) nosotros/nosotras hagamos
- (Que) vosotros/vosotras hagáis
- (Que) ellos/ellas/ustedes hagan
Imperfect Indicative:
- Yo hacía
- Tú hacías
- Él/Ella/Usted hacía
- Nosotros/Nosotras hacíamos
- Vosotros/Vosotras hacíais
- Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes hacían
Pretérito Indefinido:
- Yo hice
- Tú hiciste
- Él/Ella/Usted hizo
- Nosotros/Nosotras hicimos
- Vosotros/Vosotras hicisteis
- Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes hicieron
Past Participle: hecho
Future Indicative:
- Yo haré
- Tú harás
- Él/Ella/Usted hará
- Nosotros/Nosotras haremos
- Vosotros/Vosotras haréis
- Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes harán
Conditional:
- Yo haría
- Tú harías
- Él/Ella/Usted haría
- Nosotros/Nosotras haríamos
- Vosotros/Vosotras haríais
- Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes harían
Note: “Hacer” is irregular in various forms across different tenses, including the first person (yo) singular form of the present indicative where the -c- changes to -g-. Its irregularity adds a touch of unpredictability to its conjugations.
