I have a question re a SpanishDict grammar lesson

Question

Hi! I'm doing the practice quiz for the SpanishDict grammar lesson on stem changes in preterite verbs.I was able to conjugate the following question correctly, but I am not sure what it means, thanks to the pronouns and the unfamiliar use of saber. "En secreto se lo hizo saber al alcalde". After much research, my best guess is: "In secret he made it known to the mayor." It seems like "hacer saber" is somewhat of an idiom. Can anyone help me out? Did I guess right?

Thanks for the post. I learned something. - Jubilado, May 16, 2016

Answer 1

That's correct, "hacer saber" means that you tell something to someone. The teacher told him The results Of his test. "El/la maestro/maestra le hizo saber el resultado de su prueba/exámen

Muchas gracias, EleRo! Aprendo algo nuevo cada dia. - happyquilter, May 16, 2016

Continúa así, vas por buen camino. Continue that way, you 're doing it good/fine. - EleRo, May 16, 2016

In teaching English to Spanish speakers I sometimes have a difficult time explaining the difference between "say" and "tell". Spanish speakers are inclined to say "say to me" instead of "tell me". The second is correct. - Jubilado, May 16, 2016

Answer 2

Just for fun...

"En secreto se lo hizo saber al alcalde".

That's a secret. If there's gossip involved, It's called chisme - EleRo, May 16, 2016

Hola EleRo. Hoy es un nuevo día y ya he aprendido de nuevo una cosa nueva, gracias a tí. - happyquilter, May 17, 2016

Answer 3

This also translates to the English passive. (The "se" here is a clue to use the English passive.)

"in secret it was made known to the mayor."

And yes, hacer saber, literally "to make to know" is an idiom and is usually rendered in English, "to make known."

Thanks Daniela! - happyquilter, May 17, 2016