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How to Say "become" in Spanish

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hazte

/ahs-teh/ (H is silent)/ˈaθte/ (Spain) or /ˈaste/ (Latin America)

Verb (Imperative Command)A2informal
Use 'hazte' when commanding someone to transform into a specific profession or role.
A brightly colored butterfly is shown emerging from a chrysalis, resting on a large green leaf, symbolizing transformation and the act of becoming.

Examples

Si quieres ayudar a la gente, ¡hazte médico!

If you want to help people, become a doctor!

Hazte a un lado, por favor, necesito pasar.

Move aside (make yourself to one side), please, I need to pass.

¡Hazte el valiente! No tengas miedo.

Be brave! (Make yourself the brave one!) Don't be afraid.

The 'Haz' Command

The base command 'haz' (do/make) is highly irregular. It comes from the verb 'hacer' (to do/make), but drops the 'ce' and adds nothing, making it one of the shortest commands.

Attached Pronouns

'Hazte' is the command 'haz' combined with the reflexive pronoun 'te' (you/yourself). In affirmative commands, this pronoun is always attached to the end of the verb.

Hacer vs. Hacerse

'Hacer' means 'to do' or 'to make'. 'Hacerse' means 'to make yourself' or, most commonly, 'to become' (often by a conscious effort or change).

Forgetting the Accent Mark

Mistake: “Hazte (when using it with another pronoun, such as 'házmelo')”

Correction: When adding pronouns to a command, if the original command is short like 'haz', you usually don't need an accent mark unless you add *two* pronouns (e.g., 'házmelo'). For 'hazte', stick to no accent.

ponte

POHN-teh/ˈpon.te/

VerbB1informal
Use 'ponte' to command a change in someone's attitude or emotional state, often in an informal context.
A simple illustration showing a figure changing their disposition, moving from a sad, slumped posture to an energetic, upright, happy posture.

Examples

¡Ponte serio! Esto no es una broma.

Get serious! This is not a joke.

Siéntate y ponte cómodo.

Sit down and make yourself comfortable.

Ya es tarde. Ponte a trabajar.

It's late now. Get to work (Start working).

Ponerse + Adjective

When 'ponerse' is followed by an adjective (like 'serio' or 'triste'), it means 'to become' or 'to get' that way. It usually describes a quick, temporary change.

Ponerse a + Infinitive

The phrase 'Ponte a + a second verb' is a common structure that means 'Start doing' or 'Get down to business'.

Confusing 'ser' and 'estar'

Mistake: “Ponte estar triste (Incorrect use of infinitive)”

Correction: Ponte triste (Correct). The verb 'ponerse' already captures the meaning of 'getting into a state' so you just follow it with the adjective.

póngase

POHN-gah-seh/ˈpoŋɡase/

VerbB1formal
Use 'póngase' as a formal command for someone to adopt a certain state or feeling, like comfort or composure.
A character's face changing expression from neutral to a wide, joyful smile, surrounded by bright yellow light, illustrating a change in state.

Examples

Póngase cómodo, la reunión empezará pronto.

Get comfortable, the meeting will start soon.

No se preocupe, póngase tranquilo y respire.

Don't worry, become calm (get calm) and breathe.

Si tiene fiebre, póngase una toalla fría en la frente.

If you have a fever, put a cold towel on your forehead (get a cold towel on yourself).

Temporary Changes

When used with adjectives (like 'cómodo' or 'tranquilo'), 'ponerse' describes a temporary change in feeling or state, often sudden.

Informal vs. Formal Commands

Learners often confuse 'ponte' and 'póngase'. Remember that 'ponte' is the informal 'tú' command for changes in attitude or state, while 'póngase' is the formal 'usted' command. 'Hazte' is specifically for becoming a type of person or profession.

Related Translations

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