hecho en China
Lemma Details
Translation: made in China
Part of Speech: phrase
Etymology: This phrase combines 'hecho' (the past participle of 'hacer', meaning 'to make' or 'to do', from Latin 'facere') with the preposition 'en' ('in') and 'China' (the country name). The phrase became particularly common in global commerce in the late 20th century as China emerged as a manufacturing powerhouse.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 90%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of 'hecho' as 'hatched' (similar sound) - products 'hatched' or created in China
- Remember that 'hecho' comes from 'hacer' (to make) - something that has been 'made'
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is ubiquitous on product labels worldwide and has become associated with mass-produced, inexpensive goods. In Spanish-speaking countries, as in many others, there can be mixed perceptions about Chinese-made products, ranging from appreciation for affordability to concerns about quality or local manufacturing job losses.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Hecho en China' means 'made in China' (indicating place of manufacture), while 'hecho de China' would mean 'made of China' (indicating material), which is not a common phrase.
Notes: The correct phrase for indicating country of manufacture is always 'hecho en + [country name]'.
Mnemonic: 'En' indicates location (where it was made), while 'de' indicates composition (what it's made of).