How to Say "to cause" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to cause” is “hacer” — use 'hacer' when you mean 'to make' someone or something do something, often an emotional or physical reaction..
hacer
/ah-sehr//a'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-KAR//pɾoβoˈkaɾ/
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).
producir
proh-doo-SEER/pɾo.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).
causar
/kah-oo-SAHR//kau̯ˈsaɾ/
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.
traer
/trah-er//tɾaˈeɾ/
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).
determinar
day-ter-mee-NAR/de.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.
criar
kree-AR/kɾiˈaɾ/
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 Causation
Related Translations
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