Confusing 'Do' vs. 'Make'

In the present tense, the 'yo' (I) form of 'hacer' is irregular. Instead of 'haco,' it's 'hago.' This 'go' ending is a common pattern in other irregular verbs too, like 'pongo' (from poner) and 'salgo' (from salir).

The Irregular 'yo' Form: 'hago'

Watch out for the simple past tense (called the preterite). The 'c' changes to 'z' for 'él/ella/usted' to keep the sound right: 'hizo'. Also, the 'i' is used instead of the usual 'e': 'hice', 'hiciste', 'hizo'.

A Tricky Past Tense

When you're not sure which verb to use for an action, 'hacer' is often a good guess. It's like a multi-tool for actions, covering everything from chores to creating art.

Your Go-To Action Verb

Extremely common. This is one of the most essential and frequently used verbs in the entire Spanish language.

Using 'Ser' or 'Estar'

When talking about weather, you almost always use the 'él/ella/usted' form, like 'hace' (it is) or 'hizo' (it was). Think of the weather itself as the one 'doing' the action.

Always Use the 'It' Form

Memorize the key phrases: 'hace sol' (it's sunny), 'hace frío' (it's cold), 'hace calor' (it's hot), and 'hace viento' (it's windy). They're conversational essentials!

Your Weather Toolkit

Using the Wrong Verb Tense

To say 'ago', use: 'hace + time + que + verb in past' OR 'verb in past + hace + time'. To say 'for' (duration), use: 'hace + time + que + verb in present'.

Two Formulas for Time

For the 'ago' meaning, you can put the 'hace...' part at the beginning or end of the sentence without changing the meaning. 'Comí hace una hora' is the same as 'Hace una hora que comí'.

Flexible Sentence Order

Essential for talking about the past and duration.

Adding an Extra Word

To say you 'make' someone do something, use this simple recipe: 'hacer' (in the right form) + the second verb in its original '-ar, -er, -ir' form. For example, 'Me hace reír' (It makes me laugh).

The 'hacer + infinitive' Pattern

Pay attention to the little words like 'me', 'te', 'le'. They tell you who is being affected. 'Me hace feliz' (It makes ME happy). 'Te hace feliz' (It makes YOU happy).

Who Receives the Action?

Common in everyday conversation to describe cause and effect on people.

Learn the complete meaning of the Spanish verb 'hacer'. Master its uses for 'to do/make', weather, time expressions like 'ago', and how to say 'make someone do something'. Includes full conjugation charts, examples, and common mistakes.

hacer

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

preterite

imperfect

future

conditional

subjunctive

present

imperfect

imperative

affirmative

negative

Practice Conjugations