Idiomatic Expressions with High-Frequency Verbs

In Spanish, certain irregular verbs—specifically dar (to give), haber (there to be / auxiliary), hacer (to do/make), and tener (to have)—are used in special combinations called idiomatic expressions. These phrases often carry meanings that are different from the literal translation of the individual words. Mastering these is essential because they are extremely common in everyday conversation.

1. Expressions with Dar (to give)

While dar literally means "to give," it is often used to describe actions or emotions.

• Dar un abrazo – To give a hug / to hug.
  Le doy un abrazo a mi madre. (I give my mother a hug.)
• Dar gritos – To shout / to scream.
  Los niños dan gritos en el parque. (The children shout in the park.)
• Dar la hora – To strike the hour (clock).
  El reloj da la una. (The clock strikes one.)
• Dar un paseo – To take a walk.
  Vamos a dar un paseo por la playa. (We are going to take a walk on the beach.)
• Dar ganas de + infinitive – To feel like doing something.
  Me dan ganas de llorar. (I feel like crying.)

2. Expressions with Haber (there is/are)

The verb haber is most commonly seen in the form hay (there is/there are). It is used for existence and weather, but also for general necessity.

Obligation (General)

Hay que + infinitive expresses a general necessity. It translates to "one must," "it is necessary to," or a general "you have to." It does not refer to a specific person.

• Hay que estudiar para aprender. (One must study to learn.)
• Hay que limpiar la casa. (It is necessary to clean the house.)

Weather and Existence

• Haber sol – To be sunny.
  Hoy hay mucho sol. (Today it is very sunny.)
• Haber neblina – To be foggy.
  Hay neblina esta mañana. (It is foggy this morning.)
• Haber polvo – To be dusty.
  Hay mucho polvo en el estante. (There is a lot of dust on the shelf.)

3. Expressions with Hacer (to do/make)

Hacer is frequently used to describe weather conditions and time duration.

• Hacer calor / frío – To be hot / cold (weather).
  Hace mucho calor en agosto. (It is very hot in August.)
• Hacer viento – To be windy.
  Hace viento hoy. (It is windy today.)
• Hacer buen/mal tiempo – To be good/bad weather.
  Si hace buen tiempo, saldremos. (If the weather is good, we will go out.)
• Hacer una pregunta – To ask a question.
  Quiero hacer una pregunta. (I want to ask a question.)

4. Expressions with Tener (to have)

Tener is used for many physical sensations (hunger, thirst, cold) and obligation.

Obligation (Personal)

Tener que + infinitive expresses a personal obligation. It translates to "to have to" do something. Unlike hay que, this refers to a specific subject.

• Tengo que trabajar mañana. (I have to work tomorrow.)
• Tienes que comer más verduras. (You have to eat more vegetables.)

Sensations and States

• Tener hambre / sed – To be hungry / thirsty.
  Los chicos tienen hambre. (The boys are hungry.)
• Tener calor / frío – To be hot / cold (body temperature).
  Tengo frío, voy a ponerme un jersey. (I am cold, I'm going to put on a sweater.)
• Tener prisa – To be in a hurry.
  No corras, no tenemos prisa. (Don't run, we aren't in a hurry.)
• Tener ganas de + infinitive – To feel like doing something / To look forward to.
  Tengo ganas de ver esa película. (I feel like seeing that movie.)