In Spanish, both hacer and realizar can express the idea of doing something, but they are used in different contexts. Hacer is a versatile verb meaning “to do,” “to make,” and is used for a wide range of activities, situations, and even weather expressions. Realizar, however, has a more formal tone and is typically used when referring to carrying out, accomplishing, or fulfilling tasks, projects, or dreams.
- hacer: to do, to make (general, versatile)
- realizar: to carry out, to accomplish (formal, specific)
*hacer* is the more versatile verb for 'to do' and 'to make.'
*realizar* is best for formal contexts like completing a task or project.
Use of Hacer
Hacer is used for most things involving doing or making, including chores, work, production, and even abstract concepts like creating opportunities or causing events.
- You use hacer for daily activities and routines.
- Hacer can describe producing something tangible or intangible.
- It’s used in common expressions about weather (hacer frío) and favors.
Examples of Hacer
- Ella hace la tarea cada día. (She does the homework every day.)
- Nosotros hacemos una fiesta mañana. (We are making/doing a party tomorrow.)
- ¿Qué haces en tu tiempo libre? (What do you do in your free time?)
- Él hace ejercicio por la mañana. (He does exercise in the morning.)
- Mis padres hacen viajes cada verano. (My parents take trips every summer.)
- ¿Puedes hacer un favor? (Can you do a favor?)
- Siempre hago lo posible para ayudar. (I always do what’s possible to help.)
- Mañana hará frío. (Tomorrow it will be cold.)
*hacer* is used for doing homework, making decisions, weather expressions, and favors.
We do/make = 'hacemos'; They do/make = 'hacen'.
Use of Realizar
Realizar focuses on execution and completion, often used for professional, academic, or formal contexts. It’s common when talking about carrying out a project, fulfilling a goal, or performing a study.
- Realizar is more formal and less common in daily conversation.
- The verb implies bringing something to fruition or making something real.
Examples of Realizar
- Ellos realizan un proyecto muy importante. (They are carrying out a very important project.)
- ¿Cuándo vas a realizar la presentación? (When are you going to give/perform the presentation?)
- La empresa realizó cambios significativos. (The company made/implemented significant changes.)
- Ella siempre realiza sus sueños. (She always fulfills her dreams.)
- El instituto realiza investigaciones avanzadas. (The institute conducts advanced research.)
*realizar* fits contexts like completing a project, conducting research, or achieving a goal.
We carry out = 'realizamos'; They carry out = 'realizan'.
Comparison
| Aspect | Hacer | Realizar |
|---|---|---|
| Core meaning | To do, to make | To carry out, to accomplish |
| Usage | Daily routines, production, favors, weather | Formal tasks, projects, goals |
| Tone | Neutral, common | Formal |
| Examples | Hacer la tarea, hacer una comida, hacer frío | Realizar un proyecto, realizar un sueño |
Conclusion
Hacer and realizar both convey doing, but hacer is for everyday making/doing, while realizar is for formal execution and accomplishment.
- Use hacer for routine actions, creations, and expressions (including weather).
- Use realizar for formal, professional, or significant undertakings.
- Understanding context ensures you choose the right verb for "to do/make" in Spanish.