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How to Say "make yourself" in Spanish

English → Spanish

ponte

POHN-teh/ˈpon.te/

VerbB1Informal/Neutral
Use 'ponte' when telling someone to adopt a certain state, attitude, or condition, often implying a change from their current one, like 'get serious' or 'make yourself comfortable'.
A simple illustration showing a figure changing their disposition, moving from a sad, slumped posture to an energetic, upright, happy posture.

Examples

¡Ponte cómodo, que ahora te explico todo!

Make yourself comfortable, I'll explain everything now!

¡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.

hazte

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

VerbA2Informal/Neutral
Use 'hazte' primarily when referring to a transformation or becoming something, such as 'become a doctor' or 'make yourself a name'. It implies a process of change into a new identity 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 triunfar, tienes que hacerte un nombre en la industria.

If you want to succeed, you have to make yourself a name in the industry.

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.

Choosing between 'ponte' and 'hazte'

Learners often confuse 'ponte' and 'hazte' because both can translate 'make yourself'. Remember 'ponte' is about adopting a state or condition (like getting serious or comfortable), while 'hazte' is about becoming something or transforming into a new role or identity.

Related Translations

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