Common Spanish Idioms with Tener, Hacer, and Dar in Everyday Contexts

In this lesson, you will learn a selected group of common expressions with , , and . Treat each expression as a unit. Do not translate the individual verb word by word when the phrase has an idiomatic meaning.

Tener en cuenta

means to take into account or keep in mind.

— We have to take the price into account.
— Keep in mind that the last train leaves at eleven.

The complement can be a noun or a que clause.

Tener ganas de

means to feel like doing something or to be eager for something.

— I feel like resting.
— We are looking forward to seeing Marta.

Keep de before the infinitive.

Tener razón

— You are right.
— I think Ana is right.

This does not literally mean “to have reason” in normal English.

Hacer falta

means to be needed or necessary.

— One more document is needed.
— Two people are needed.
— It is not necessary to book.

The verb can agree with a plural noun:

Hacer caso

means to pay attention to or heed someone or something.

Haz caso a las instrucciones. — Pay attention to the instructions.
— He / she did not listen to me.

Hacer ilusión

can express excitement or pleasure about something anticipated or emotionally meaningful.

— I am excited about the trip.
— We are very excited / pleased to see you.

Do not translate literally as “make illusion.”

Dar igual

means not to matter or to be all the same to someone.

— The schedule does not matter to me.
— We do not mind going by train or by bus.

Dar miedo

— Driving at night scares me.
A Marta le da miedo volar. — Flying scares Marta.

Dar pena

can express sadness, pity, or feeling sorry depending on context.

— I am sad that the course is ending.
— I feel sorry for that abandoned animal.

Dar la impresión de

means to give the impression of.

— It gives the impression of being closed.
— I get the impression that information is missing.

Choose the correct complement

+ infinitive
+ noun / person
+ noun or infinitive
+ noun or que clause

Do not translate word by word

Literal components:

— Literally contains “gives me equal.”

Idiomatic meaning:

— I do not mind / It does not matter to me.

Short conversation

Person A: — Do you prefer to go out Friday or Saturday?

Person B: — I do not mind, but we have to keep in mind that there are more people on Saturday.

Person A: — That's true.

Person B: — Also, I feel like resting on Friday.

A practical idiom method

Learn the expression as a complete unit.
Learn the preposition or complement pattern with it.
Use context to distinguish literal and idiomatic meanings.
Do not translate , , or word by word inside an idiom.
Reuse the expression in a familiar situation where its meaning is clear.

From Idioms to a Personal Thank-You Message

You can now understand and use several common expressions with , , and . The next lesson teaches you to write a thank-you message that includes a short personal anecdote and explains why the help mattered.