hecho
Lemma Details
Translation: fact; deed; act; event; occurrence
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: Derived from the Latin 'factum' (deed, act), which is the neuter past participle of 'facere' (to do, to make). This same Latin root gave English words like 'fact', 'factory', and 'manufacture'. 'Hecho' is also the past participle of the Spanish verb 'hacer' (to do, to make), so it functions both as a noun and as part of verb forms.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 50%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Los hechos demuestran lo contrario.
The facts demonstrate the opposite.
Es un hecho que el clima está cambiando.
It is a fact that the climate is changing.
De hecho, ya terminé el trabajo.
In fact, I already finished the work.
El hecho ocurrió ayer por la tarde.
The event occurred yesterday afternoon.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'hecho' as related to English 'fact' - both refer to something that has actually happened or is true.
- Remember that 'hecho' sounds a bit like 'hatched' - like a plan that has been executed or a deed that has been done.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish legal and journalistic contexts, 'hechos' (facts) are often contrasted with 'opiniones' (opinions). The phrase 'de hecho' (in fact) is very commonly used in everyday speech to emphasize a point.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Hecho' (fact/deed) is completely different from 'echo' (sound reflection), though they look similar in writing. In Spanish, 'echo' would be 'eco'.
This word:
El hecho es que no tenemos suficiente dinero.
The fact is that we don't have enough money.
Notes: Also note that 'hecho' can be the past participle of 'hacer' (to do/make), meaning 'done' or 'made'.
Mnemonic: 'Hecho' has an 'h' which is silent in Spanish - think of it as a 'hidden fact'.
Explanation: Both 'hecho' and 'dicho' can be nouns or past participles. 'Hecho' relates to actions (deed, fact) while 'dicho' relates to speech (saying, statement).
Notes: 'Dicho' is the past participle of 'decir' (to say), while 'hecho' is the past participle of 'hacer' (to do).
Mnemonic: 'Hecho' starts with 'H' like 'happen' - it's about things that happen. 'Dicho' starts with 'D' like 'declare' - it's about things that are said.