In this article, we will present some Spanish collocations with hacer (to make, to do). A collocation is a sequence of words or terms that often appear together and therefore seem more natural when they are used in that way or order. For example, make and do have very similar meanings. However, we say make a mistake, do a favor, and not the other way around.

Spanish Collocations with Hacer

Hacer has a lot of meanings. Here are only seven Spanish collocations with hacer and example sentences illustrating their use.

Notice that the verb hacer can be used with a noun to convey the meaning of a related action. For instance, hacer un viaje (to go go on a trip) in most cases means the same as viajar (to travel). This verb-noun combination is very popular and enhances both communication and language efficiency.

Hacer un favor (to do a favor)

El chico hace un favor a su profesora.

The boy does his teacher a favor.

Nunca haces un favor a nadie.

You never do anybody a favor.

Hacer un pedido (to order)

Mi amiga hace un pedido de ropa por catálogo.

My friend orders clothes on catalog.

Los jueves ellos hacen un pedido a la tienda online.

On Thursdays they place an order in the online shop.

Hacer una pregunta (to ask a question)

Los padres están preocupados y hacen muchas preguntas a sus hijos.

The parents are worried and ask their kids many questions.

Los periodistas hacen preguntas al actor sobre su vida privada.

The journalists ask questions about his private life to the actor.

Hacer una llamada (to make a phone call)

Yo necesito hacer una llamada. Es muy importante.

I need to make a phone call. It’s very important.

Ramón busca su móvil para hacer una llamada.

Ramón looks for his cell phone to make a phone call.

Hacer un viaje (to go on a trip)

¿Por qué no hacemos un viaje para celebrar nuestro aniversario?

Why don’t we go on a trip to celebrate our anniversary?

Cada año hacemos un viaje. Este año vamos a Culiacán.

We go on a trip every year. This year we’re going to Culiacán.

Hacer añicos (to break into pieces)

Notice that hacer añicos is only used in Spain. In Mexico, they would say hacer pedazos.

El carpintero hace añicos el cristal con un martillo. (ES)

El carpintero hace pedazos el cristal con un martillo. (MX)

The carpenter breaks the glass into pieces with a hammer.

Pedro hace añicos el corazón de Ana. Está muy triste ahora. (ES)

Pedro hace pedazos el corazón de Ana. Está muy triste ahora. (MX)

Pedro shatters Ana’s heart. She is very sad now.

Hacer cola (to get in line)

In Mexican Spanish, they would say hacer fila instead.

Mi madre hace cola en la tienda y espera su turno. (ES)

Mi madre hace fila en la tienda y espera su turno. (MX)

My mother gets in line at the store and she waits for her turn.

Los jóvenes hacen cola para el concierto. (ES)

Los jóvenes hacen fila para el concierto. (MX)

The youngsters get in line for the concert.

Exercises

There are many other Spanish collocations with hacer. In this article, we are going to practice seven Spanish collocations with hacer with the following exercises.

Exercise 1

Exercise 2

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Idioms and Phrases