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How to Say "they caused" in Spanish

English → Spanish

hicieron

/ee-SYEH-ron//iˈsjeɾon/

VerbB1General
Use 'hicieron' when 'they caused' refers to bringing about a specific result, consequence, or emotion in a straightforward, factual past event.
A wide, blue river with water visibly overflowing its normal banks, showing a high water level against the grassy shore.

Examples

Sus palabras me hicieron feliz.

Their words made me happy.

Los niños hicieron mucho ruido.

The children made a lot of noise.

Las fuertes lluvias hicieron que el río creciera.

The heavy rains caused the river to rise.

Cause and Effect

You can use 'hacer' + another verb to show that someone or something caused another action. For example, 'Me hicieron pensar' means 'They made me think'.

dieron

/dee-eh-ron//ˈdje.ɾon/

VerbB2General/Formal
Choose 'dieron' when 'they caused' relates to producing a particular outcome, reaction, or problem, often in a more abstract or formal context.
A simple colorful storybook illustration depicting a visual transformation. A blue sphere and a yellow cube are shown merging, resulting in a new, single bright green star shape.

Examples

Las negociaciones no dieron el resultado esperado.

The negotiations did not produce the expected result.

Los análisis químicos dieron cifras alarmantes.

The chemical analyses yielded alarming figures.

Fixed Phrases

This meaning is often found in fixed phrases like 'dar resultado' (to produce results) or 'dar frutos' (to bear fruit), where 'dar' takes on an intrinsic, causative meaning.

hicieran

ee-SEE-eh-ran/iˈθjeɾan/

VerbB2General/Subjunctive
Use 'hicieran' in hypothetical or counterfactual past situations, often in 'if' clauses, to describe what 'they would have caused' if conditions were different.
Two simple characters collaboratively molding a large, brightly colored clay sculpture of an animal on a wooden table.

Examples

Si los arquitectos hicieran planos más detallados, evitarían errores.

If the architects made more detailed plans, they would avoid errors.

Me sorprendió que hicieran una fiesta tan grande.

It surprised me that they made such a big party.

Hicieron vs. Dieron

Learners often confuse 'hicieron' and 'dieron' because both can indicate a result. Remember, 'hicieron' is more common for direct emotional or tangible effects ('made me happy'), while 'dieron' is often used for abstract outcomes or problems ('produced a result').

Related Translations

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