How to Say "to cause" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to cause” is “causar” — use this general-purpose verb when something is the direct reason for an event, feeling, or state.
causar
kah-oo-SAHRkau̯ˈsaɾ
Examples
El ruido de la calle me causó un dolor de cabeza.
The street noise caused me a headache.
La nueva ley causó mucha controversia entre la gente.
The new law provoked a lot of controversy among the people.
Su discurso causó una gran impresión en los votantes.
His speech made a great impression on the voters.
Simple Sentence Structure
The structure is straightforward: [The Thing That Causes It] + causar + [The Result/Effect]. For example: 'El frío causó la enfermedad' (The cold caused the illness).
Using 'Hacer' Instead
Mistake: “Hizo un problema (He made a problem).”
Correction: Causó un problema (He caused a problem). 'Causar' is better when referring to the origin of an abstract negative effect, like problems or trouble.
hacer
ah-sehra'seɾ
Examples
Esa película me hizo llorar.
That movie made me cry.
El ruido me hace doler la cabeza.
The noise makes my head hurt.
Le hice leer el libro entero.
I made him/her read the whole book.
The 'hacer + infinitive' Pattern
To say you 'make' someone do something, use this simple recipe: 'hacer' (in the right form) + the second verb in its original '-ar, -er, -ir' form. For example, 'Me hace reír' (It makes me laugh).
Adding an Extra Word
Mistake: “Me hace a llorar. / Me hace que lloro.”
Correction: Me hace llorar. Unlike in some other structures, you don't need any little connecting words like 'a' or 'que' between 'hacer' and the next verb. They stick right together.
provocar
pro-bo-KARpɾoβoˈkaɾ
Examples
La lluvia fuerte puede provocar inundaciones.
Heavy rain can cause flooding.
Sus palabras provocaron una gran discusión.
His words triggered a big argument.
The 'C' to 'QU' Swap
When the letter 'c' is followed by an 'e', it changes to 'qu' to keep the hard 'K' sound. You'll see this in the 'yo' form of the past tense (provoqué) and all 'special wish' forms (provoque).
Not just for negative things
Mistake: “Only using provocar for bad situations like accidents.”
Correction: You can use it for positive things too, like 'provocar una sonrisa' (to cause a smile).
generar
he-ne-RARxe.neˈɾaɾ
Examples
Sus palabras generaron mucha controversia.
His words caused/triggered a lot of controversy.
La nueva ley generó un gran debate en el país.
The new law led to a huge debate in the country.
Eso me genera mucha desconfianza.
That causes a lot of mistrust in me.
Using the 'Special' Verb Form (Subjunctive)
When you say you hope something 'causes' a result, like 'Espero que genere un cambio', you need to use the 'genere' form because you're expressing a wish.
Overusing 'Causar'
Mistake: “Causar una impresión.”
Correction: While not 'wrong', it's much more natural and sophisticated to say 'generar una buena impresión' when talking about the feelings someone has about you.
ocasionar
oh-kah-syoh-nahrokasjoˈnaɾ
Examples
El fuerte viento puede ocasionar la caída de árboles.
The strong wind can cause trees to fall.
Tus acciones podrían ocasionar problemas legales en el futuro.
Your actions could cause legal problems in the future.
La huelga de transporte ha ocasionado retrasos en toda la ciudad.
The transportation strike has brought about delays throughout the city.
A Formal Alternative to 'Causar'
While 'causar' and 'ocasionar' both mean 'to cause,' 'ocasionar' is often used in news, business, or formal writing to describe the result of an event.
Used with Results
This word usually connects an event (the cause) directly to its result. For example: 'The storm (cause) caused damage (result).'
Spelling Double 'S'
Mistake: “La lluvia ocassionó problemas.”
Correction: La lluvia ocasionó problemas.
producir
proh-doo-SEERpɾo.ðuˈsiɾ
Examples
Su comentario produjo mucha confusión en la audiencia.
His comment caused a lot of confusion in the audience.
La tormenta produjo cortes de electricidad en toda la región.
The storm brought about power outages throughout the region.
Esa canción me produce mucha nostalgia.
That song makes me feel a lot of nostalgia (produces nostalgia in me).
Using 'Producir' for Feelings
Unlike English, which often uses 'make me feel,' Spanish frequently uses 'producir' when an external thing generates an internal emotion: 'Me produce alegría' (It makes me happy).
traer
trah-ertɾaˈeɾ
Examples
La crisis económica trae consigo muchas preocupaciones.
The economic crisis brings with it many worries.
Tu actitud trajo problemas a todo el equipo.
Your attitude caused problems for the whole team.
¿Qué nos trae el futuro?
What does the future hold for us? (Literally: What does the future bring us?)
Abstract Use
When 'traer' is used figuratively, it acts just like the physical meaning, but the 'object' is usually an idea or event (e.g., problems, happiness, confusion).
acarrear
ah-kah-rreh-ahraka.reˈaɾ
Examples
Fumar puede acarrear graves problemas de salud.
Smoking can cause serious health problems.
Esta decisión va a acarrear muchos gastos extras.
This decision is going to lead to many extra expenses.
Mentir siempre acarrea consecuencias negativas.
Lying always entails negative consequences.
Use with Negative Outcomes
This word is almost exclusively used when the result of an action is something bad, like trouble, cost, or sickness.
Direct Connection
You don't need a word like 'to' after it; the consequence follows the verb directly (e.g., 'acarrear problemas').
Using it for Positive Things
Mistake: “Su ayuda acarreó mucha felicidad.”
Correction: Su ayuda trajo mucha felicidad. 'Acarrear' is usually for negative things.
crear
kray-ARkɾeˈaɾ
Examples
Su actitud creó mucha tensión en el grupo.
His attitude caused a lot of tension in the group.
La crisis ha creado una necesidad de cambio urgente.
The crisis has generated an urgent need for change.
engendrar
en-hen-DRARenxenˈdɾaɾ
Examples
La violencia solo engendra más violencia.
Violence only breeds more violence.
Su comportamiento engendra sospechas entre los vecinos.
His behavior gives rise to suspicion among the neighbors.
Esas políticas podrían engendrar una crisis financiera.
Those policies could produce a financial crisis.
Abstract Usage
This word is most often used to describe how one abstract feeling or situation automatically produces another. Think of it like a biological process where one thing 'gives birth' to a consequence.
A Regular Verb
Unlike many common Spanish verbs, this one is completely regular. It follows the standard pattern for '-ar' verbs in every tense.
Using it for electricity
Mistake: “El motor engendra electricidad.”
Correction: El motor genera electricidad. Use 'generar' for machines or physical energy; use 'engendrar' for life or abstract concepts.
motivar
moh-tee-BAHRmotiˈβaɾ
Examples
La lluvia motivó la cancelación del evento.
The rain caused the cancellation of the event.
El juez debe motivar su sentencia.
The judge must justify his sentence (provide the reasons for it).
Object focus
In this formal sense, the thing being caused is usually the direct focus (e.g., 'motivar el cambio').
determinar
day-ter-mee-NARde.teɾ.miˈnaɾ
Examples
La geografía del país determina su clima y agricultura.
The country's geography determines (or dictates) its climate and agriculture.
La oferta y la demanda determinan el precio final.
Supply and demand determine the final price.
originar
oh-ree-hee-NARoɾixiˈnaɾ
Examples
El fuerte viento puede originar incendios.
The strong wind can cause fires.
Su comportamiento originó muchos problemas en la oficina.
His behavior gave rise to many problems in the office.
Esta nueva ley originará cambios profundos en la sociedad.
This new law will create profound changes in society.
Using the 'Action' Form
This word is a 'regular' verb ending in -ar. This means it follows the same pattern as 'hablar' or 'caminar' in every tense.
Cause and Effect
Use this word when you want to link a reason to a result. It is more formal than 'hacer' (to make) or 'causar' (to cause).
Using it for 'Where someone is from'
Mistake: “Yo origino de España.”
Correction: Soy de España or Mi origen es España. 'Originar' is about starting a situation or an event, not your nationality.
criar
kree-ARkɾiˈaɾ
Examples
La falta de ventilación cría humedad y malos olores.
Lack of ventilation produces humidity and bad smells.
Ese ambiente cría mucha envidia entre los compañeros.
That environment generates a lot of envy among colleagues.
General vs. Specific Consequences
Related Translations
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