Causative constructions express the idea of causing someone else to do something. In Spanish, this is commonly done using the verbs hacer and dejar, as well as the structures with causar, provocar, and mandar.
Using Hacer
Hacer is the most common causative verb and means “to make” or “to have” someone do something.
Format
- Hacer + [person] + [infinitive]
Examples
| Spanish Example |
|---|
| Ella me hace estudiar. |
| English Example |
Using Dejar
Dejar means “to let” or “to allow” someone to do something.
Format
- Dejar + [person] + [infinitive]
Examples
| Spanish Example |
|---|
| Ella me hace estudiar. |
| English Example |
Other Causative Verbs
Causar and Provocar
These verbs mean “to cause” and are used more formally or for causing events rather than actions by people.
- Causar / Provocar + [noun]
| Spanish Example |
|---|
| El accidente causó un gran retraso. |
| English Example |
Mandar
Mandar means “to order” and is used when causing someone to do something by giving an order.
- Mandar + [persona] + [infinitivo]
| Spanish Example |
|---|
| El general mandó evacuar la zona. |
| English Example |
Summary
Causative constructions in Spanish allow you to express making, letting, or causing someone to do something:
- Use hacer to express “making” someone do something.
- Use dejar to express “letting” someone do something.
- Use mandar to express ordering someone to do something.
- Use causar and provocar for causing events or situations.
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Last updated: Thu Jul 17, 2025