hacer de

to play

to make...of

hacer de(ah-sehr deh)

transitive verb phrase

1. (film, theater, television)

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.

c. to do as

El paraguas tendrá que hacer de sombrilla.

The umbrella will have to do as a parasol.

3. (to function as)

a. to act as

El barniz hace de escudo protector contra las inclemencias climáticas.

The varnish acts as a protective shield against inclement weather.

4. (to have a job as)

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.

5. (to transform)

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.