How to Use (TO DO) “HACER” in Spanish

✅ Introduction

The verb «hacer» is one of the most versatile and commonly used verbs in Spanish. While its most basic translation is “to do” or “to make,” it goes far beyond that. In fact, depending on the context, hacer can express everything from weather conditions to emotional states, gradual changes, favors, and even assumptions or indirect opinions.

In this guide, we’ll explore 10 essential uses of «hacer», each explained clearly with examples from different topics, so you can truly understand how and when to use it like a native speaker. Whether you’re a beginner trying to master the basics or an intermediate learner aiming to sound more natural, this article is for you!

🔹 Use 1: To Do / To Make

This is the most basic and direct use of hacer. It usually translates as “to do” or “to make.”

Hago ejercicio en las mañanas.
I work out in the mornings.
Mi papá hizo una mesa de madera.
My dad made a wooden table.
Estamos haciendo un proyecto para la escuela.
We’re doing a project for school.

🔹 Use 2: To Talk About the Weather

In Spanish, we use hacer to describe certain weather conditions.

Hace mucho calor en verano.
It’s very hot in summer.
Hoy hace viento, no olvides tu abrigo.
It’s windy today — don’t forget your coat.
¿Hace frío en Canadá en diciembre?
Is it cold in Canada in December?

👉 Note:
To ask about the weather, use:
🟢 ¿Cómo está el clima? or ¿Cómo es el clima en tu ciudad?
🔴 Don’t say: ¿Cómo hace el clima? — that’s incorrect.

🔹 Use 3: Hacer + Indirect Object Pronoun (Hacerle algo a alguien)

This structure is used in expressions like hacerle caso (to pay attention), hacerle un favor (to do someone a favor), and more. It can also be used when you’re doing something for someone.

Hazme caso.
Pay attention to me.
Martha le hizo un pastel a su novio.
Martha made a cake for her boyfriend.
¿Me puedes hacer un favor?
Can you do me a favor?

👉 Always use indirect object pronouns: me, te, le, nos, les.

🔹 Reflexive Uses of «Hacer»

When hacer is used reflexively, it means the subject is performing the action on themselves or for themselves. To form reflexive constructions in Spanish, we use reflexive pronouns. These pronouns are: me, te, se, nos, os.

We’ll now explore some of the most common reflexive uses of hacer.

🔹 Use 4: Hacerse = To Become

This reflexive use of hacer indicates gradual change, often through effort, evolution, or life events.

Mi hermana se hizo doctora.
My sister became a doctor.
Se están haciendo famosos por sus videos.
They’re becoming famous because of their videos.
Me hice vegetariana hace dos años.
I became vegetarian two years ago.

🔹 Use 5: Hacerse + Time = How Long Something Takes

Used especially in Mexico to talk about how long it takes someone to get somewhere.

¿Cuánto te haces de tu casa al aeropuerto?
How long does it take you to get from your house to the airport?
Me hago 30 minutos de aquí al centro.
It takes me 30 minutes from here to downtown.
¿Cuánto se hacen tus papás de la oficina a casa?
How long do your parents take to get from the office to home?

🔹 Use 6: Hacerse Ideas = To Imagine Things (Not Always Real)

This use is about overthinking or imagining scenarios, especially when you don’t have all the facts.

No te hagas ideas, no es nada serio.
Don’t get ideas, it’s nothing serious.
Vio a su novio con otra chica y se hizo muchas ideas.
She saw her boyfriend with another girl and started imagining things.

🔹 Use 7: Hacerse a la idea = To Get Used to an Unpleasant Reality

This phrase expresses mental or emotional adaptation to a situation.

Me cuesta hacerme a la idea de que ya no está con nosotros.
It’s hard for me to accept that he’s no longer with us.
Hazte a la idea de que vas a trabajar los fines de semana.
Get used to the idea that you’ll be working weekends.
Todavía no me hago a la idea de vivir sola.
I still haven’t gotten used to living alone.

🔹 Use 8: Hacerse pato / tonto / menso = To Pretend Not to Know

Very common in Mexico and informal — this means to act like you don’t know what’s going on.

Te estás haciendo pato para no lavar los trastes.
You’re pretending not to know you have to wash the dishes.
Mi hermano se hace el menso cuando le pido ayuda.
My brother plays dumb when I ask for help.
No te hagas tonto, sabes bien lo que hiciste.
Don’t play dumb — you know exactly what you did.

🔹 Use 9: Se Me Hace Que… = I Think That…

Used to express an assumption or gut feeling. Very common in spoken Mexican Spanish.

Se me hace que no va a venir.
I think he’s not coming.
Se me hace que ya están saliendo.
I think they’re already dating.
Se me hace que va a llover pronto.
I think it’s going to rain soon.

🔹 Use 10: Hacerse (Reflexive) for Personal Actions (Especially Food or Grooming)

This use emphasizes that the action is done for yourself.

Me estoy haciendo de desayunar.
I’m making myself breakfast.
Se hizo un té de manzanilla.
He made himself some chamomile tea.
¿Qué te estás haciendo en el pelo?
What are you doing to your hair?

✅ Conclusion

As you can see, hacer is much more than just “to do” or “to make.” It’s a powerful verb that adapts to all kinds of everyday situations—talking about the weather, your routines, your emotions, your assumptions, and even your excuses!

The key is to focus on the context and memorize the set phrases and expressions that are most common. Try to notice how native speakers use hacer in conversations, movies, and podcasts, and don’t be afraid to imitate them. With a bit of practice, you’ll start to hacer magia with your Spanish in no time. 😉