hacerse
“hacerse” means “to become” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
to become, to turn into
Also: to make oneself
📝 In Action
Mi hermano se hizo arquitecto después de muchos años de estudio.
A2My brother became an architect after many years of study.
Ella se hizo vegetariana por razones de salud.
B1She became a vegetarian for health reasons.
Queremos hacernos amigos de los vecinos nuevos.
A2We want to become friends with the new neighbors.
to get, to turn
Also: to grow
📝 In Action
¡Vámonos, se está haciendo tarde!
A2Let's go, it's getting late!
Cuando me hice mayor, entendí a mis padres.
B1When I got older, I understood my parents.
Se hizo de noche rápidamente después de la tormenta.
A2It became night quickly after the storm.
to pretend, to act like
Also: to feign
📝 In Action
Cuando pregunté por la cena, él se hizo el tonto.
B2When I asked about dinner, he pretended to be clueless (the fool).
Para evitar el trabajo, se hizo el enfermo.
C1To avoid work, he pretended to be sick.
No te hagas el héroe, es peligroso.
B2Don't try to be the hero; it's dangerous.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
🔀 Commonly Confused With
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: hacerse
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'hacerse' to describe a process achieved through effort?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin verb *facere*, meaning 'to do' or 'to make.' When the reflexive pronoun *se* is added, the action of 'making' turns inward, resulting in 'making oneself' or 'becoming.'
First recorded: Old Spanish (derived from Latin roots present since antiquity)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'hacerse' and 'ser'?
'Hacerse' describes the journey or change over time (the 'becoming'): 'Se hizo profesor' (He became a teacher). 'Ser' describes the final, permanent state: 'Él es profesor' (He is a teacher).
How does 'hacerse' differ from 'ponerse'?
Both mean 'to become,' but 'ponerse' is used for temporary emotional or physical changes (e.g., 'Se puso triste' - He got sad). 'Hacerse' is for permanent or long-lasting changes (e.g., identity, profession, age).