Inklingo

How to Say "they make" in Spanish

English → Spanish

hacen

/AH-sen//ˈa.sen/

VerbA1General
Use 'hacen' when you mean 'they create,' 'they produce,' or 'they prepare' something tangible or intangible.
Two smiling bakers kneading dough and shaping loaves of bread on a wooden table in a warm kitchen, representing the act of creation.

Examples

Mis abuelos hacen el mejor pan del mundo.

My grandparents make the best bread in the world.

Los carpinteros hacen muebles de madera.

The carpenters make wooden furniture.

¿Ustedes hacen café por la mañana?

Do you all make coffee in the morning?

ganan

/GAH-nahn//ˈɡanan/

VerbA1General
Use 'ganan' specifically when referring to 'they earn' money, such as a salary or winnings.
A person happily receiving payment in the form of paper money from an employer.

Examples

Mis padres ganan muy buen sueldo en esa empresa.

My parents earn a very good salary at that company.

Si trabajan horas extra, ganan más dinero.

If they work overtime, they earn more money.

¿Cuánto ganan ustedes al mes?

How much do you all earn per month?

Earning vs. Saving

Remember that 'ganar' is only for income you receive through work or effort. Use 'ahorrar' for saving money and 'gastar' for spending it.

toman

TOH-mahn/ˈtoman/

VerbB1General
Use 'toman' when 'they make' implies 'they take' or 'they catch,' often in the context of transportation or decisions.
Two people are boarding a yellow public bus at a bus stop.

Examples

Ellos toman el tren en la estación central todos los días.

They catch the train at the central station every day.

Los directores toman una decisión importante sobre el proyecto.

The directors make an important decision about the project.

Siempre toman muchas fotos cuando viajan a la montaña.

They always take many pictures when they travel to the mountains.

Don't Translate 'Take' Literally

Mistake: “Using 'llevar' instead of 'tomar' for transport. (e.g., 'Ellos llevan el autobús')”

Correction: Use 'toman' for catching transport: 'Ellos toman el autobús' (They catch the bus).

Confusing 'hacen' with 'ganan' or 'toman'

The most common error is using 'hacen' (to make/create) when the context is about earning money ('ganan') or taking/catching something ('toman'). Always consider if you mean 'create' before choosing 'hacen'.

Related Translations

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