Inklingo

How to Say "i made" in Spanish

English → Spanish

hice

/ee-seh//ˈiθe/

VerbA1General
Use 'hice' when you created, built, or prepared something in a general sense, like homework, a project, or a plan.
A happy child proudly holding up a freshly baked and decorated cake.

Examples

Hice mi tarea anoche.

I did my homework last night.

Hice un pastel de chocolate para la fiesta.

I made a chocolate cake for the party.

Ayer hice ejercicio en el parque.

Yesterday I exercised in the park.

A Specific Past Action

Use 'hice' to talk about a single, completed action in the past. Think of it like a snapshot: the action started and finished. For example, 'Ayer hice un pastel' (Yesterday I made a cake) - the cake-making is done!

Watch out for 'hizo'!

The form for 'he/she/you (formal) did' is 'hizo'. The 'c' changes to a 'z' to keep the 's' sound. You'll see this pattern in other verbs, so it's a good one to remember.

Mixing up 'hice' and 'hacía'

Mistake:Cuando era niño, hice mi tarea todos los días.

Correction: Cuando era niño, hacía mi tarea todos los días. Use 'hacía' for repeated or ongoing actions in the past (what you 'used to do'). Use 'hice' for a specific, finished action (what you 'did' once).

Forgetting the 'c' to 'z' change

Mistake:Mi hermano hico la cena.

Correction: Mi hermano hizo la cena. Remember, for 'él/ella/usted', the verb 'hacer' changes to 'hizo' in this past tense to keep the pronunciation right.

preparé

VerbA1General
Choose 'preparé' specifically when you made or prepared food or drinks.

Examples

Preparé una ensalada deliciosa para el almuerzo.

I made a delicious salad for lunch.

cometí

VerbA2General
Use 'cometí' when referring to making a mistake, an error, or a fault.

Examples

Cometí un error grave al olvidar mi pasaporte.

I made a serious mistake by forgetting my passport.

gané

VerbA2General
Employ 'gané' when talking about earning or winning money.

Examples

Ganó un buen salario en su primer trabajo.

I earned a good salary in my first job.

Confusing 'hice' with specific actions

Learners often use the general verb 'hice' when a more specific verb like 'preparé' (for food) or 'cometí' (for mistakes) is required. Always consider the specific context before choosing 'hice'.

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