hacer caso
Lemma Details
Translation: to pay attention; to heed; to listen to; to take notice of; to mind
Part of Speech: phrase
Etymology: This phrase combines 'hacer' (to make/do) from Latin 'facere' and 'caso' (case/instance) from Latin 'casus'. The combination creates an idiomatic expression where literally 'making a case' of something means to pay attention to it or take it into consideration.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 30%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Los niños no hacen caso a sus padres.
The children don't pay attention to their parents.
Si hubieras hecho caso a mis consejos, no estarías en esta situación.
If you had heeded my advice, you wouldn't be in this situation.
Hazme caso, esto es importante.
Listen to me, this is important.
No le hagas caso a los rumores.
Don't pay attention to the rumors.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'making a case' for something that deserves your attention.
- Imagine a detective 'making a case' by paying close attention to clues.
- Connect 'caso' with 'cause' - you pay attention to causes that matter to you.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is very common in Spanish-speaking cultures and is often used in parenting and educational contexts when asking children to listen or obey. It's also frequently used in professional settings when discussing whether someone's advice or opinion was considered.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'hacer caso' means to pay attention or heed, 'dar caso' is not a standard Spanish expression with the same meaning.
This word:
Por favor, hazme caso cuando te hablo.
Please pay attention to me when I'm talking to you.
Notes: 'Hacer caso' is the correct expression for paying attention, while 'dar' (to give) is not typically used with 'caso' in this context.
Mnemonic: Remember that attention is something you 'make' (hacer) not 'give' (dar) in Spanish.
Explanation: 'Hacer caso' means to pay attention, while 'en caso de' means 'in case of' or 'in the event of'.
Notes: These phrases share the word 'caso' but are used in completely different contexts.
Mnemonic: 'Hacer caso' involves action (paying attention), while 'en caso de' sets up a conditional scenario.