hacer (expressions)

Idiomatic Expressions with the Verb Hacer

The verb hacer is one of the most versatile verbs in Spanish. While its literal meaning is "to do" or "to make," it is frequently used in idiomatic expressions where the meaning goes beyond these basic definitions. These phrases are fixed combinations, so it is best to memorize them as chunks.

1. Describing Weather Conditions

In Spanish, we use hacer to describe the weather. In these constructions, the verb functions impersonally (it is always conjugated in the third person singular, usually as hace) and is followed by a noun.

• Hace calor. (It is hot.)
• Hace frío. (It is cold.)
• Hace viento. (It is windy.)
• Hace buen/mal tiempo. (The weather is good/bad.)

Note: Because hacer implies an external condition, we do not use it to say a person feels hot or cold (for that, we use the verb tener).

2. Common Everyday Expressions

There are many set phrases where hacer replaces verbs like "to take," "to pay," or "to cause" in English.

Hacer un viaje (To take a trip)
Used when traveling or going on a journey.

Mañana vamos a hacer un viaje al sur de España.
(Tomorrow we are going to take a trip to the south of Spain.)

Hacer una visita (To pay a visit)
A slightly more formal way to say "to visit."

Voy a hacer una visita a mis abuelos.
(I am going to pay a visit to my grandparents.)

Hacer daño (To harm / To hurt)
This can refer to physical pain or emotional harm.

Cuidado con ese cuchillo, te va a hacer daño.
(Careful with that knife, it is going to hurt you.)

Hacer caso a (To pay attention to / To listen to)
Used when you want someone to heed advice or acknowledge someone.

Nunca haces caso a lo que te digo.
(You never pay attention to what I tell you.)

3. Acting and Roles

Hacer el papel de (To play the role of)
This is used in the context of theater, film, or figurative roles in life.

Penélope Cruz hace el papel de una madre valiente en la película.
(Penélope Cruz plays the role of a brave mother in the movie.)