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"Hacer de" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to play", and "hacer" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to do". Learn more about the difference between "hacer de" and "hacer" below.
hacer de(
ah
-
sehr
deh
)A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
a. to play
Mi hija hará de ángel en la función navideña de la escuela.My daughter will play an angel at the school's Christmas performance.
b. to play the part of
Liz Taylor hizo de Cleopatra en la película de Mankiewickz estrenada en 1963.Liz Taylor played the part of Cleopatra in Mankiewicz movie released in 1963.
2. (to do for)
a. to serve as
Mi dormitorio hace también de despacho durante el día.My bedroom serves also as my office during the day.
b. to be used as
Tras el tsunami, el estadio hizo de centro de acogida.After the tsunami, the stadium was used as a reception center.
a. to act as
El barniz hace de escudo protector contra las inclemencias climáticas.The varnish acts as a protective shield against inclement weather.
a. to work as
Durante el día, hago de camarera en un café y, por la noche, escribo mi novela.I work as a waiter in a café during the day and write my novel at night.
a. to make...of
Esa maestra se interesó por mi hijo e hizo de él un buen estudiante.That teacher took an interest in my son and made a good student of him.
b. to make...into
Su hija tiene un don especial para la música. Haré una excelente pianista de ella.Your daughter has a special gift for music. I'll make her into an excellent pianist.
c. to turn...into
Nuestro alcalde ha hecho de esta ciudad un lugar bonito y tranquilo.Our major has turned this city into a beautiful and quiet place.
hacer(
ah
-
sehr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
2. (to produce)
b. to prepare
Nos reuniremos este fin de semana para hacer la presentación.We will meet this weekend to prepare the presentation.
3. (to create)
a. to make
Hoy les enseñaré a hacer su propio sitio web.Today I'll show you how to make your own website.
a. to make
Estoy ocupado haciendo los preparativos para la fiesta.I'm busy making preparations for the party.
a. to do
Me mandó que lavara los platos pero ya lo había hecho.He told me to wash the dishes but I had already done it.
6. (to acquire)
7. (to cause)
8. (to imagine)
12. (to behave)
13. (to gross)
14. (to take time)
An impersonal verb is a verb with no apparent subject (e.g., Llueve en España.).
16. (time)
hacerse
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
a. to make oneself
Creo que voy a hacerme un puré de zanahorias esta noche.I think I'm going to make myself some carrot soup tonight.
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
20. (to feign)
a. to pretend
No te hagas el santo; tú también te equivocas.Don't pretend to be a saint; you make mistakes, too.
21. (to turn into)
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Ya va siendo hora de que se haga cortar el pelo.It's about time he had his hair cut.
Vamos a hacernos pintar la casa después del verano.We're going to have the house painted after the summer.
23. (to manage to)
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Daniela solo ayuda en clase para hacerse ver.Daniela only helps out in class to get noticed.
Deberíamos darle una oportunidad para hacerse oír.We should give him a chance to be heard.
25. (to appear)
a. to feel
Hoy se me hizo muy largo esperando los resultados de la prueba.Today felt really long waiting for my test results.
b. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
El curso se me está haciendo aburrido.I'm finding the course boring.
La película se me hizo interminable.The movie seemed interminable.
