hacernos
/ah-SEHR-nos/
to make ourselves
The reflexive meaning of "hacernos" is "to make ourselves." These children are making themselves strong!
hacernos(Verb)
to make ourselves
?Reflexive action resulting in a state or identity
,to become
?Used for gradual or intentional change
to get (used to something)
?When used with 'a' (hacernos a)
📝 In Action
Queremos hacernos millonarios antes de los 40.
B1We want to make ourselves millionaires before 40 (or: We want to become millionaires).
Es difícil hacernos a la idea de que ya no está aquí.
B2It's difficult for us to get used to the idea that he is no longer here.
Vamos a hacernos responsables del proyecto.
A2We are going to make ourselves responsible for the project (or: We are going to take responsibility).
💡 Grammar Points
The 'nos' is part of the verb
When 'hacernos' is used, the 'nos' means 'ourselves.' It's like saying 'to make ourselves' or 'to become ourselves.' This is the reflexive form of the verb.
Placement of the Pronoun
When you have two verbs (like 'querer' + 'hacernos'), the pronoun 'nos' usually sticks to the end of the second verb (the infinitive), or it can be placed before the conjugated verb: 'Nos queremos hacer' or 'Queremos hacernos'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Hacer' and 'Hacerse'
Mistake: "Usar 'hacer' cuando significa 'to become' (e.g., 'Hacemos doctores')."
Correction: Use 'hacernos' (or 'hacerse' in general) for transformation or identity: 'Vamos a hacernos doctores' (We are going to become doctors).
⭐ Usage Tips
Becoming Something
Use 'hacerse' when the change is often intentional, gradual, or related to profession/identity. Think of it as 'making yourself' into something.
This meaning of "hacernos" translates to "to make for us," as when a chef makes a delicious meal for us.
hacernos(Verb)
to make for us
?Indirect object (e.g., making a meal for us)
,to do for us
?Indirect object (e.g., doing a favor for us)
to cause us
?When describing emotional effect (e.g., causing us to laugh)
📝 In Action
Necesitas venir a hacernos la comida hoy.
A1You need to come and make lunch for us today.
¿Puedes hacernos un favor muy grande?
A1Can you do a very big favor for us?
Sus chistes siempre logran hacernos reír.
B1His jokes always manage to make us laugh.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'nos' means 'to us'
In this case, the action of 'hacer' (to do/make) is directed 'to us.' The 'nos' is the indirect object, telling you who benefits from the action.
Indirect Object vs. Direct Object
The 'thing' being made (e.g., 'la cena') is the direct object, and 'nos' (us) is the indirect object, receiving the benefit of that action.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the 'to us'
Mistake: "Saying 'Necesitas hacer la cena' (You need to make dinner) when you mean 'You need to make dinner for us'."
Correction: Include the pronoun to show who the action is for: 'Necesitas hacernos la cena'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Asking for Favors
Whenever you ask someone to do something for your group, you'll likely use this form: '¿Podrías hacernos este trabajo?'
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: hacernos
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'hacernos' to mean 'to become' (Definition 1)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'hacer' change to 'hacernos'?
The word 'hacernos' is the base verb 'hacer' (to do/make) with the pronoun 'nos' (us/ourselves) physically attached to the end. This happens when the infinitive is used after another verb (like 'want' or 'need') or a preposition.
Is 'hacernos' always reflexive (meaning 'ourselves')?
No. 'Hacernos' can mean 'ourselves' (reflexive, like 'to become rich') OR it can mean 'to us' (indirect object, like 'to make a sandwich for us'). You have to look at the context to know which one it is.