Hacer, which translates to "to do" or "to make" in English, is one of the most versatile and commonly used verbs in Spanish. Its regularity in the er verb conjugation pattern makes it easier to learn, though it is also highly irregular in some forms, such as the first person singular, where it goes from "hago." Hacer is essential for expressing activities and tasks, as well as for forming compound tenses and discussing weather conditions.
When to Use Hacer
Hacer is used in various contexts, making it a key verb for Spanish learners. It's primarily used to indicate actions and activities, similar to "doing" something in English. Additionally, it forms part of several idiomatic expressions and is used to describe weather phenomena. Its role in constructing compound tenses, by serving as a helping verb, further underscores its importance in the language.
Conjugations of Hacer
Understanding the conjugations of hacer enables learners to use this verb accurately in different tenses. Its irregularities, particularly in the present tense, are noteworthy. Below is a table summarizing its conjugation in key tenses.
| Tense | Conjugation | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Infinitive | Hacer | To do / To make |
| Gerund | Haciendo | Doing / Making |
| Past Participle | Hecho | Done / Made |
| Present | Hago, Haces, Hace | I do / Make, You do / Make, He/She does / Makes |
| Preterite | Hice, Hiciste, Hizo | I did / Made, You did / Made, He/She did / Made |
| Imperfect | Hacía, Hacías, Hacía | I was doing / Making, You were doing / Making, He/She was doing / Making |
| Future | Haré, Harás, Hará | I will do / Make, You will do / Make, He/She will do / Make |
| Conditional | Haría, Harías, Haría | I would do / Make, You would do / Make, He/She would do / Make |
Examples of Hacer in Sentences
Seeing hacer in context helps illustrate its versatility and utility in everyday Spanish. Here are some examples that show how this verb is used in different situations:
- Para expresar actividades:
"Hago la tarea todos los días." (I do my homework every day.)
- Para describir el clima:
"Hace frío en enero." (It’s cold in January.)
- En expresiones idiomáticas:
"¿Qué haces?" (What are you doing?)
- Como verbo auxiliar:
"He hecho la cena." (I have made dinner.)
- En el tiempo futuro:
"Haré la compra mañana." (I will do the shopping tomorrow.)