QUICK ANSWER
"Realizar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to carry out", and "hacer" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to do". Learn more about the difference between "realizar" and "hacer" below.
realizar(
rreh
-
ah
-
lee
-
sahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to execute)
a. to carry out
Realizaron los experimentos sin tocar ningún animal.They carried out all the tests without touching a single animal.
b. to do
Esta ONG ha realizado una labor invaluable para la gente indígena de la región.This NGO has done priceless work for the indigenous people of the region.
c. to perform
Juan es un empleado excelente que realiza sus funciones sin quejarse.Juan is an excellent employee who performs his duties without complaint.
d. to materialize
Por fin se realizó el plano del nuevo centro comercial.The blueprints for the new mall finally materialized.
e. to fulfill
Para realizar este cargo, necesitamos a alguien que sea un buen líder.In order to fulfill this post, we need someone who is a good leader.
f. to make (trip, visit)
Me muero por realizar un viaje a los fiordos en Noruega.I am dying to make a trip to the fjords in Norway.
2. (cinema)
a. to produce
Realizaron esa película con un presupuesto muy bajo.They produced the film with a very low budget.
a. to make
Siguiendo ese plan, la compañía puede realizar beneficios con muy pocos riesgos.Following that plan, the company can make a profit with very little risk.
realizarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to come true
Ayer se realizó su sueño de pilotar un avión.Yesterday her dream of piloting a plane came true.
b. to be fulfilled
Mi sueño de ser dueña de mi propia empresa por fin se realizó.My dream of owning my own company has finally been fulfilled.
c. to be realized
Lo que empezó como un sueño de mucha gente marginada hoy se realiza. What began as a dream for many marginalized people today is realized.
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
a. to find fulfillment
Mucha gente quiere realizarse en su trabajo.Many people want to find fulfillment in their jobs.
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.
