Inklingo

How to Say "make" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “make” is “haz” — use this informal command when telling one person (tú) to do or create something, like making your bed..

haz🔊A1

Use this informal command when telling one person (tú) to do or create something, like making your bed.

{ui.learnMore}
haga🔊A1

Use this formal command (usted) or in the subjunctive mood to tell one person to do or create something.

{ui.learnMore}
hagan🔊B1

Use this command when addressing multiple people (ustedes) to tell them to do or create something, often in a group context like forming a line.

{ui.learnMore}
haced🔊B1

Use this informal command (vosotros) when telling a group of people you know well to do or create something.

{ui.learnMore}
marca🔊A1

This translates to 'brand' or 'make' when referring to the type or manufacturer of a product.

{ui.learnMore}
prepárenA2

While listed as 'preparen', this is often used for 'prepare' rather than 'make', especially when getting things ready like luggage or food.

{ui.learnMore}
pon🔊B1

Use this informal command (tú) when telling someone to add, put, or place something, or to adopt a certain quality or state.

{ui.learnMore}
tome🔊B1

Use this formal command (usted) or in the subjunctive to mean 'take' or 'adopt', such as making a decision or taking a stance.

{ui.learnMore}
factura🔊B2

This refers to the 'make', 'workmanship', or 'style' of how something is constructed, not the act of making itself.

{ui.learnMore}
English → Spanish

haz

/as//as/

verbA1informal
Use this informal command when telling one person (tú) to do or create something, like making your bed.
A child in a bright room diligently tucking the sheets and smoothing the blanket to make their bed.

Examples

Haz tu cama, por favor.

Make your bed, please.

Si no entiendes, haz una pregunta.

If you don't understand, ask a question.

Haz clic en el enlace para empezar.

Click on the link to start.

The Informal 'You' Command

'Haz' is the command form of 'hacer' (to do/make) that you use when talking to one person you know well, like a friend, a family member, or a child. It's the 'tú' form.

Mixing up 'haz' and 'haces'

Mistake: “'Tú haces la tarea.' (You are doing the homework.)”

Correction: 'Haz la tarea.' (Do the homework.) Use 'haz' to give a command or instruction. Use 'haces' to state a fact or ask a question about what someone does.

haga

/AH-gah//ˈa.ɣa/

verbA1formal
Use this formal command (usted) or in the subjunctive mood to tell one person to do or create something.
A smartly dressed concierge standing in a lobby, politely gesturing with an open hand to indicate where a person should stand to form an orderly line.

Examples

Señor, haga la fila aquí, por favor.

Sir, make the line here, please.

Haga clic en el botón para continuar.

Click the button to continue.

No haga ruido, el bebé está durmiendo.

Don't make noise, the baby is sleeping.

Giving Formal Commands

'Haga' is how you tell someone you call 'usted' (sir, ma'am, or someone you don't know well) to do or make something. It works for both positive commands ('Haga esto') and negative ones ('No haga eso').

Using 'haz' in a formal situation

Mistake: “Profesor, *haz* la pregunta otra vez.”

Correction: Profesor, haga la pregunta otra vez. Use 'haga' for people you should show respect to, like a teacher, a boss, or an older person.

hagan

AH-gahn/ˈa.ɣan/

verbB1
Use this command when addressing multiple people (ustedes) to tell them to do or create something, often in a group context like forming a line.
A colorful illustration showing three people collaborating to lift a large, bright blue block. A fourth person, standing slightly elevated and dressed formally, gestures down towards the group, giving a clear command to perform the action.

Examples

Señores, por favor, hagan la fila ordenada.

Gentlemen, please, make an orderly line (command).

Espero que ellos hagan un buen trabajo en el proyecto.

I hope they do a good job on the project (wish/request).

Les pedimos que no hagan ruido después de las diez.

We ask you (all formal) not to make noise after ten (request/prohibition).

Dual Function: Command and Wish

Hagan is used in two main ways: 1) As a formal command ('Ustedes, hagan...') or 2) when expressing a wish, doubt, or emotion about an action a group is doing ('Espero que hagan...').

Irregularity of Hacer

The infinitive is 'hacer,' but it has a vowel change to 'a' in this form. Notice that nearly all the special forms ('haga', 'hagas', 'hagan') use this 'g' sound.

Confusing Subjunctive and Indicative

Mistake: “Using 'Espero que ellos hacen...' (using the regular present tense).”

Correction: You must use 'hagan' after expressions of wishing or emotion: 'Espero que ellos hagan la tarea' (I hope they do the homework).

haced

/ah-SAYD//aˈθeð/

verbB1informal
Use this informal command (vosotros) when telling a group of people you know well to do or create something.
A group of friends working together to plant a small tree in a garden.

Examples

¡Haced los deberes antes de salir!

Do your homework before going out!

Haced el favor de guardar silencio.

Do [us] the favor of staying quiet.

Haced lo que queráis, no me importa.

Do whatever you all want, I don't mind.

The D-Rule for Commands

To give a command to a group in Spain, simply take the dictionary form of the verb (hacer), remove the 'r', and add a 'd' (haced). It's one of the few completely regular patterns for commands!

Confusing haced with hacer

Mistake: “Using 'hacer' when telling friends to do something.”

Correction: Use 'haced'. While many native speakers lazily use the 'r' version, 'haced' with a 'd' is the grammatically correct way to give a command to a group.

marca

MAR-cah/ˈmaɾka/

nounA1
This translates to 'brand' or 'make' when referring to the type or manufacturer of a product.
A shiny red apple with a simple, stylized leaf symbol stamped clearly on its side, representing a corporate brand logo.

Examples

¿Qué marca de teléfono usas?

What brand of phone do you use?

Esta marca es famosa por su calidad.

This brand is famous for its quality.

Gender Check

Remember that 'marca' is always feminine, so you must use 'la marca' or 'una marca'.

prepáren

verbA2
While listed as 'preparen', this is often used for 'prepare' rather than 'make', especially when getting things ready like luggage or food.

Examples

¡Preparen sus maletas!

Prepare your suitcases!

pon

/pon//pon/

verbB1informal
Use this informal command (tú) when telling someone to add, put, or place something, or to adopt a certain quality or state.
A hand holding a pencil actively drawing a simple, thick line onto a blank sheet of bright yellow paper.

Examples

¡Pon más detalles en tu informe para que se entienda mejor!

Put more details in your report so it's understood better!

Pon atención a lo que dice el profesor. ¡Es importante!

Pay attention (Put attention) to what the professor is saying. It's important!

No te preocupes, pon buena cara y sonríe.

Don't worry, put on a good face (look happy) and smile.

Confusing 'Pon' and 'Ponme'

Mistake: “Pon un café (meaning 'make me a coffee').”

Correction: Ponme un café. When asking someone to do something for you, you need the extra word ('me') stuck to the end to show you are the recipient of the action.

tome

TOH-meh/ˈto.me/

verbB1formal
Use this formal command (usted) or in the subjunctive to mean 'take' or 'adopt', such as making a decision or taking a stance.
A simplistic illustration of a hand carefully placing a small, geometric blue shield onto a clean surface, symbolizing the formal adoption of a new measure or attitude.

Examples

Pidió al equipo que tome una actitud más seria.

He asked the team to adopt a more serious attitude.

Sugiero que se tome una foto grupal antes de irnos.

I suggest that a group photo be taken before we leave.

Espero que mi jefe tome en cuenta mis sugerencias.

I hope my boss takes my suggestions into account.

Impersonal Wishes

When a non-personal subject is required (like 'it is necessary that'), 'tome' is often used impersonally: 'Es necesario que se tome la temperatura' (It is necessary that the temperature be taken).

factura

fak-TOO-ra/fakˈtu.ɾa/

nounB2
This refers to the 'make', 'workmanship', or 'style' of how something is constructed, not the act of making itself.
A close-up view of a wooden object's corner, showing precise, tightly fitted joinery and a smooth, polished finish, emphasizing quality.

Examples

La factura de esta mesa es excelente; se nota el trabajo artesanal.

The workmanship of this table is excellent; you can tell it's handcrafted.

Su última novela tiene una factura literaria impresionante.

His latest novel has an impressive literary make/quality.

Figurative Use

This meaning extends the idea of 'making' something (like an invoice) to describe the quality of construction or execution of an object, artwork, or piece of writing.

Commands vs. Nouns

The most common confusion is between the verb forms used for commands ('haz', 'haga', 'hagan', 'haced') and nouns like 'marca' (brand) or 'factura' (workmanship). Always check if you are telling someone to *do* something (verb) or referring to a *type* or *quality* (noun).

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.