Hacer vs. realizar in Spanish: a detailed grammar guide explaining their meanings, usage, examples, and when to use each verb correctly.
Understanding the difference between hacer and realizar is key to expressing actions accurately in Spanish. Both verbs relate to doing or making something, but they are used in different contexts.
- Hacer is a very common, general-purpose verb that can mean “to do,” “to make,” or even “to carry out” almost any action.
- Realizar is more formal and specific, meaning “to carry out,” “to accomplish,” or “to complete” something, often implying a goal or task has been fulfilled.
Meanings
Here’s a breakdown of what each verb generally means:
- Hacer: to do, to make, to create, to perform, to carry out (a wide range of actions)
- Realizar: to carry out, to accomplish, to complete, to bring something to fruition (usually a planned or formal task)
Usage
Hacer Usage
Use hacer when talking about:
- Creating or making something (e.g., hacer una torta = make a cake)
- Doing a task or activity (e.g., hacer la tarea = do the homework)
- Causing something to happen (e.g., hacer ruido = make noise)
- General, everyday actions
Realizar Usage
Use realizar when referring to:
- Carrying out or executing a planned task or project (e.g., realizar un experimento = conduct an experiment)
- Fulfilling, completing, or achieving something (e.g., realizar un sueño = fulfill a dream)
- More formal or professional contexts like reports, studies, or important tasks
Examples
Hacer Examples
- Hacer una pregunta. – Ask a question.
- Hacer ejercicio. – Do exercise.
- Hacer una carta. – Write a letter.
- Hacer un viaje. – Take a trip.
Realizar Examples
- Realizar una entrevista. – Conduct an interview.
- Realizar un proyecto. – Carry out a project.
- Realizar una investigación. – Conduct research.
- Realizar tus sueños. – Fulfill your dreams.
Common Mistakes
- Realizar una torta. (Wrong: you don’t say “realizar” for baking a cake)
- Hacer una torta. (Correct: use “hacer” for making a cake)
- Hacer un proyecto importante. (Not wrong, but less precise)
- Realizar un proyecto importante. (Better: “realizar” adds formality and meaning of completion)
- Hacer una entrevista. (Not incorrect, but less formal)
- Realizar una entrevista. (Better in professional contexts)
Summary
- Use hacer for general “doing” or “making” in everyday situations
- Use realizar for “carrying out,” “accomplishing,” or “completing” something, especially in formal, professional, or goal-oriented contexts
Last updated: Thu Jun 5, 2025
