hacer un hueco
Lemma Details
Translation: to make room; to make space; to find time
Part of Speech: phrase
Etymology: This Spanish phrase combines 'hacer' (to make/do) and 'hueco' (gap, hole, space). 'Hacer' comes from Latin 'facere' (to make), related to English words like 'factory' and 'fact'. 'Hueco' derives from Latin 'occus' (hollow), with no direct English cognates. The phrase literally means 'to make a gap/space' but is used both literally for physical space and metaphorically for time in one's schedule.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 40%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Te haré un hueco en mi agenda para la reunión.
I'll make room in my schedule for the meeting.
Haz un hueco para mis libros en la estantería, por favor.
Make some space for my books on the shelf, please.
Aunque estoy muy ocupado, te haré un hueco esta tarde.
Even though I'm very busy, I'll find time for you this afternoon.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'hueco' as sounding like 'way-co', reminding you of 'making way' for something.
- Visualize physically creating a hole ('hueco') in your packed schedule to fit someone in.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase reflects the Spanish cultural value of accommodating others and making time for social interactions. It's commonly used when arranging meetings or social gatherings, showing willingness to adjust one's schedule for others.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Hacer un hueco' means to make space or find time, while 'hacer un agujero' specifically means to make a hole or perforation in something physical.
Confused word:
Necesito hacer un agujero en la pared para colgar este cuadro.
I need to make a hole in the wall to hang this picture.
Notes: 'Hacer un hueco' is more versatile and can refer to both physical space and time in a schedule, while 'hacer un agujero' is more concrete and limited to physical holes.
Mnemonic: 'Hueco' is about space (like a hollow), while 'agujero' is specifically a physical hole or perforation.