hacerse and hacer

Question

I'm aware that hacerse has been asked a lot and I've also checked the dictionary for the meaning of hacerse. But, I just don't understand it when it's used in the following context. Could someone please explain the difference beween "hacer" and "hacerse", especially in the following context? Thanks

"hice un examen de sangre"

"me hice un examen de sangre"

Hi Sunflower , good question , don't forget to thank Oshnaj with a vote . Always nice to be voted up I just gave you one. - ray76, Aug 26, 2016

thanks for reminding me of the rules. - sunflowerhk, Aug 27, 2016

Answer 1

Thanks, Oshnaj. for #1, "I" is the target, right? - sunflowerhk

If by "target" you mean the person affected by the action, then yes.

Hacerse also means "to act like", ie: No te hagas el inocente, yo te conozco ... Don´t act innocent, I know you.

Thanks! But Oshnaj said "target" is unknown... actually I wasn't clear what that meant... that's why i still can't choose a best answer - sunflowerhk, Aug 27, 2016

Maybe a better explanation: A doctor "Hice un examen de sangre" A patient "Me hice un examen de sangre" but more common when a patient says "Me hicieron un examen de sangre" because the patient doesn´t actually do it - 005faa61, Aug 27, 2016

Sunflower, when Oshnaj said that the 'target' is unknown in example 1 I am sure that he means that the recipient of the blood test is not known ie We do not know whose blood is going to be tested! - FELIZ77, Aug 28, 2016

I hope this helps :) - FELIZ77, Aug 28, 2016

Answer 2

1. Hice un examen de sangre. (= I did it. The target is unknown.)
2. Me hice un examen de sangre. (= I did it to myself.)

Thanks, Oshnaj. for #1, "I" is the target, right? - sunflowerhk, Aug 26, 2016

Answer 3

This is tough Sunflower... for me anyway. My best guess for #1 is "I did a blood test" (as was suggested by Oshnaj though I'm not sure what was meant by "target). And #2 would be something like "I got myself a blood test". That's very colloquial but "me hice...", the conjugated form of "hacerse", usually means to do something to, or make something for oneself, or to become (turn into) something. since the latter explanation wouldn't make sense, then the 1st is more likely - "got myself..." Hopefully, that makes sense.

To me this is the best answer and just like one I would give in this case. - Daniela2041, Aug 29, 2016

You say things quite clearly and easy to be understood. - Daniela2041, Aug 29, 2016

Daniela - This is SUCH a compliment - & especially coming from you! I sincerely mean that. Gracias - t8805jg, Aug 29, 2016

You're welcome. I recognize raw teacher talent. If you ever wanted to teach something you have the ability to do it. - Daniela2041, Aug 30, 2016

Answer 4

Feliz - your spanish is probably better than mine so I'm confused when you say "we don't know whose blood is going to be tested". It seems to me there is a known subject - "I". But maybe I'm wrong...after all nobody voted for my response!